2024 Suffolk County Marathon

It was an amazing day at the 10th Annual Suffolk County Marathon!

Each year, the Suffolk County Marathon raises funds to support veterans, and to date, it has generated over $1,000,000 for local veterans' services. CCE Suffolk was proud to sponsor this year's event, with our very own Executive Director, Vanessa Lockel, and Fisheries Specialist, Kristin Gerbino, among the participants!

Meeting of CCE Executive Directors

I had the pleasure of joining fellow Executive Directors from Cornell Cooperative Extension associations across the state for a recent meeting.

These high-level discussions offered an invaluable platform for collaboration and provided a crucial opportunity to evaluate and strengthen our services and outreach efforts. During this time, I also had the honor of leading a panel discussion on government and community affairs, fostering dialogue on key issues and collaborative strategies to better serve our communities.

Seafood Cuisine Trail

The CCE Suffolk Marine Program, in collaboration with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, is developing two Seafood Cuisine Trails on the North and South shores of Long Island! 

These trails will highlight restaurants, fish markets, and farmers markets that prioritize providing locally-harvested seafood. On Long Island, we are surrounded by some of the freshest, most delicious, and sustainable seafood available!

This initiative is designed to drive business and tourism to locations elevating Long Island seafood. This is a unique opportunity to get your seafood business noticed!

If you are interested in being considered for the Long Island Seafood Cuisine Trails, please complete the questionnaire here.

Visit to Pattersquash Creek With Mastic Beach Conservancy

I recently joined Maura Spery, President of Mastic Beach Conservancy, for a walk along Pattersquash Creek to discuss ongoing conservation efforts in the area.

The Mastic Beach Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving the 6 ½ miles of publicly accessible, recreational waterfront within the Mastic Beach and Shirley Conservation Area. The organization works to enhance and protect the environmental health of the waterfront, while ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy the area’s remarkable natural beauty.

Get Your Limited Edition Giving Tuesday Shirts!

#GivingTuesday is a global movement that shines a spotlight on nonprofits during the holiday season.

This Giving Tuesday, show your support for the dedicated specialists, researchers, and volunteers who have been fostering a thriving Suffolk County since 1917 by grabbing a limited edition shirt!

Along with an adult and youth t-shirt, there is also a heavyweight cotton long sleeve to keep you warm this winter. All designs feature a special #GivingTuesday2024 CCE Suffolk logo.

Available for a short time—don’t miss out!

Shop Here

Dress for Success Donation Drive

CCE Suffolk Executive Director Vanessa Lockel and Bi-Lingual Content Specialist Liz Gutierrez recently dropped off a clothing donation to Dress for Success Brookhaven, the result of a professional clothing drive held in collaboration with the 100 Hispanic Women Long Island Program. 

Dress for Success Brookhaven is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing support, professional attire, and essential development tools. Founded in 1999 and sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven Department of Housing and Human Services Division of Women’s Services, Dress for Success Brookhaven has suited over 6,500 women and served over 3,000 through its Career Center.

Learn more

Meeting of the 100 Hispanic Women Long Island Program

The 100 Hispanic Women Long Island Program recently met to plan events for the remainder of the year and gather information on scholarships to be awarding. CCE Suffolk Executive Director and Vice President of the organization, Vanessa Lockel, provided a comprehensive report on the scholarship process. 

We're excited about all the upcoming opportunities!

Brentwood Latina Mentoring Initiative Visits the Farm

Students from the Latina Mentoring Program at Brentwood Union Free School District High School took a wonderful visit to the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center!

In partnership with the New York State Mentoring Program, the Latina Mentoring Program pairs Latina government, community, and corporate leaders with student mentees. The mentorship focuses on connecting young Latinas to internships, scholarship opportunities, and professional development, while celebrating heritage and creating a community. Our own ED Vanessa Pino Lockel is a proud mentor and committee member in this program. Huge thanks to Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez for sponsoring this trip!

The Suffolk County Farm & Education Center is proud to host a diverse range of student groups from across Long Island, welcoming over 23,000 such visitors annually.

Race for the Greenway 5K

CCE Suffolk staff was out and about in Hallock State Park for the 2024 Long Island Wine Country Race for the Greenway 5K Run/Walk! 

The event supported the development of the Long Island Greenway, a nearly 200-mile biking and pedestrian trail from Manhattan to Montauk, as well as Harvest East End, which aims to position Long Island as a premier destination for world-class wine.

The Clean Energy Program was on site with resources for improving home and business energy systems, and Harrison Tobi of the Marine Program placed third in his age group!

NYS Hispanic Heritage Month Breakfast

I was honored to attend the Hispanic Heritage Month Breakfast hosted by Governor Kathy Hochul! The event celebrated the rich culture, contributions, and achievements of the Hispanic and Latinx communities across New York State.

CCE Suffolk is deeply committed to supporting Long Island's Spanish-speaking communities through accessible resources and programming. From bilingual educational workshops to community outreach on nutrition, agriculture, and youth development, CCE Suffolk works to empower and uplift families across Suffolk County.

Annual Patchogue Medford Library Trick or Treat Event

It was a pleasure to join Senator Dean Murray and Assemblyman Joe DeStefano for their annual Trick or Treat Event at the Patchogue Medford Library!

Executive Director Vanessa Lockel and Bilingual Content Specialist Liz Gutierrez were in attendance to distribute a variety of CCE Suffolk resources.

Explore the CCE Suffolk Spanish

Facebook and Instagram Pages!

Discover information about upcoming events and workshops conducted in Spanish, receive valuable health tips and tricks, and more!

Facebook

Instagram

Master Gardener Doreen Monteleone Talks Figs with News 12

News 12 Long Island’s Alex Calamia recently spoke with CCE Suffolk Master Gardener Doreen Monteleone about figs, one of the world’s earliest cultivated fruits with deep cultural and historical roots. Despite being easy to grow, figs have a short shelf life, which is why they’re not commonly found in stores. 

As a Master Gardener, Doreen is part of a nationwide network of nearly 85,000 certified volunteers who lend their expertise to support food security and promote sustainable gardening practices. For 50 years, with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Master Gardeners have been working in community gardens and schools to share their knowledge and help communities grow.

Check out the full story here

Tree Planting with Suffolk County Sheriffs Office

CCE Suffolk Nursery and Landscape Specialist Mina Vescera attended the unveiling of newly planted trees at the Yaphank Correctional Facility. Mina contributed her expertise to determine the ideal locations for the trees on the property.

This beautification project was a collaborative effort involving the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Northwell Health’s Trees for Babies Program, and Long Island Compost, which donated compost for the plantings.

Shop Local!

Many local farm stands are open and offering amazing produce!

Whether you're looking for fruit, vegetables, dairy, or baked goods, there's sure to be a location that has what you need.

Check out our Farm Stand Map for all of your farm-fresh produce! 

View here

This list has been compiled by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County as a service to Suffolk County residents and farmers. If you would like your farm stand to be included, or if you have any changes or corrections, please contact the Agriculture Program at ccesuffolkag@cornell.edu.

U-Pick Apples and Pumpkins

With apple season in full swing, check out this list from the CCE Suffolk Agriculture Program of great pick-your-own farms!

We encourage you to phone or consult the website (if available) before making trip to farm. If you would like your farm added to the list, please contact Courtney Fenyo at cf389@cornell.edu.

View here

Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic

Thank you to Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblyman Ed Flood for generously hosting the Sun River Health Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic in partnership with nutrition experts from CCE Suffolk County Community Education!

Held at Brightview Senior Living, attendees had the opportunity to receive important health information, resources, recipe samples, and more.

The Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic aims to educate individuals about managing their blood sugar levels, offering crucial resources and support for effective diabetes care.

Parenting Workshops

Check out these upcoming Parenting Workshops presented by the Community Education Program! These free educational programs will help you learn valuable information to promote and understand youth mental health:

• Talking to Your Kids About Difficult Things

Wednesday, November 6th | 12:00pm-1:00pm

• Caring for Yourself in Stressful Times

Tuesday, November 7th | 6:30pm-7:30pm

Wednesday, December 4th | 10:00am-11:00am

• Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

Tuesday, November 12th | 12:00pm-1:00pm

• Teens and Screens

Tuesday, November 19th | 12:00pm-1:00pm

• Recognizing and Managing Anxiety in Youth

Tuesday, November 26th | 12:00pm-1:00pm

• Building Resilience in Your Family

Tuesday, December 3rd | 12:00pm-1:00pm

• Talking to Your Kids About Drugs and Alcohol

Tuesday, December 10th | 12:00pm-1:00pm

Learn more/Register here

• Parent Support Groups

11/7 • 6pm-7pm

11/12 • 5pm-6pm

11/25 • 5pm-6pm

12/3 • 4pm-5pm

12/9 • 4pm-5pm

12/16 • 4pm-5pm

Special Workshop: School Avoidance

11/19 • 4:30pm-5:30pm

12/4 • 3pm-4pm

Link

Meeting ID: 871 0307 7952

Meeting Password: 822376

Please contact the CCE Suffolk office if you have any special needs.

Tune In to the Latest Podcasts from the Community Education Program!

Parenting Tips provides current research-based information from Cornell University and other American land grant institutions. In this latest episode, we explore the benefits of sensory play.

Listen here

Family Wellness Tips uses evidence-based information to support people in the important, but sometimes difficult, job of staying well and healthy. The goal of the podcast is to provide information on nutrition, wellness and health. The latest episode: the relationship between diabetes and fiber!

Listen here

Free Drug Prevention and Narcan Training Programs Available

The Community Education Program currently offers two valuable resources for your group or organization to help strengthen their support and preparedness in addressing substance use and overdose prevention.

Guiding Good Choices is a free, evidence-based drug prevention program designed for parents of children aged 9 to 14. It equips them with the tools and knowledge to guide their children through the challenges of early adolescence.

The program has been proven to:

• Reduce current alcohol use by 41%
• Lower the rates of initiation for alcohol and marijuana use
• Decrease the likelihood of experimental users advancing to heavier substance use by 54%
• Increase the chances of non-users remaining drug-free by 26%
• Reduce the likelihood of delinquent behavior
• Significantly slow the rate of multiple substance use

Additionally, the team offers free Narcan training, funded by the Suffolk County Legislature and the Suffolk County Opioid Task Force.

Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. This training is essential for empowering individuals to respond effectively in an overdose situation. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, administer naloxone, and provide care until emergency services arrive. Upon completion, participants receive a Narcan kit.

If you are interested in scheduling either of these programs for yourselves or your school, library, agency or organization staff, please reach out to Cara Sultan, Parent Educator, at caw10@cornell.edu.

There are currently two upcoming Narcan trainings available to the public, held via Zoom:

Nov 8, 2024 10:00 AM

Dec 6, 2024 10:00 AM

Meeting with SNAP-Ed Partners

Community Education staff recently held a meeting of our partners and collaborators in SNAP-Ed NY, a federally funded program utilizing evidence-based education to help people stretch their SNAP dollars, learn how to cook healthy meals, and lead physically active lifestyles.

Ask the Family Educator

by Maxine Roeper Cohen, M.S.

During the upcoming holiday season, what can I do to improve my outlook and decrease my stress level?

We live in such a fast-paced world, with many demands on our time. It is no wonder that we can feel overwhelmed, burned out, or even depressed. We need moments to unwind, take deep breaths, get outdoors, eat healthfully, and exercise more to relieve or counteract these heavy demands. There is another antidote to consider: Laughter!

Scientific reviews have shown that laughter has definite health benefits. It is a good medicine without negative side effects. It increases our sense of well-being, improves our mental health, boosts tolerance of pain, and improves our cardiovascular health, all amazing results! You might be puzzled about how this can happen merely by laughing. The hearty or silly response you emit by hearing a joke, watching a funny movie or show, or reading a funny book reduces the level of the stress hormone, cortisol. Our adrenal glands produce cortisol, and this hormone helps in maintaining blood pressure, boosting metabolism, supporting immunity, and keeping you awake. It is most necessary when produced in normal levels. However, when you are experiencing much stress, your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, and this can lead to weight gain, muscle weakness, digestive issues, anxiety, and depression. Yes, we need stress to motivate us, but when we reach a threshold and that bubbles over, we do not do well and our health suffers.

Studies find that spontaneous, unbridled laughter actually reduces cortisol levels considerably. It is therapeutic and also can prevent the buildup of too much stress. It is a natural release. There is a need to be serious so much of the time, but we also need tension breakers. We all know people who are naturally funny, and we should find time to spend with them.

Think about how you feel when someone tells a funny story or joke. You can’t help spontaneously smiling and laughing. Watch funny videos. Go to comedy shows. You will find such release as you giggle and laugh. We can strive to lead a more balanced life, filled with the serious, the mundane, the outrageous, and the utterly hysterical. May you all fill your holiday season with a sprinkling of each, thereby depressing cortisol levels and optimizing your health!

Legislator Chad Lennon Awards 4-Hers with Certificates of Achievement

Legislator Chad Lennon of the 6th District visited the farm during our Halloween celebration to congratulate members of the Suffolk County 4-H Livestock Showmanship Club for their achievements at the New York State Fair and Long Island Fair!

Suffolk County 4-Hers Travel to Cornell for AAL Program

Two members of Suffolk County 4-H will be participating in a new statewide initiative, the NYS Animal and Agricultural Leadership Program (AAL)! 

Kaitlyn Eckles and Gabrielle Maggio traveled to Cornell University in Ithaca for the first part of this year-long program, which enables participants to explore postsecondary agricultural education and career opportunities in the dairy, livestock and equine industries.  

Try the Farm's 1 Mile Walk!

Planning to visit the farm soon? Enjoy a refreshing workout amongst the fields and animals!

Check out the one-mile walk route here

You can also join our Executive Director on her Thursday and Friday morning runs on the property! Please email vl332@cornell.edu to sign up.

CCE Suffolk Clean Energy Coordinator August Ruckdeschel Featured on Suffolk Matters Podcast

Suffolk AME recently invited August on to their podcast to share some details about the CCE Suffolk Clean Energy Program and how our staff can help you find clean energy solutions for your home or business!

Listen here

Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR)

Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) recently expanded the incentives that income eligible Long Islanders can currently receive through the EmPower+ program and local utility programs to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. This new federal funding means that low-income households could be eligible for up to $40,000* in FREE home weatherization projects and heat pump installations, and moderate-income households are eligible for approximately $25,000* through applicable programs for the same projects. Refer to the eligibility table to the right to understand the amount your household could be eligible for through state programs.

This funding is applied toward the cost of energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing, insulation, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and electrical service and wiring upgrades. Qualified, participating contractors will help determine necessary improvements and what households are eligible for during the home energy assessment prior to starting any project.

Rebates and incentives are available while funding lasts so please sign up today! Go ahead and start your Empower+ application NOW or contact us at the Long Island Clean Energy Hub at LICleanEnergy@cornell.edu or

(516) 832-2591 ext. 125 for knowledgeable, personalized attention for any questions you might have!

CCE Suffolk Clean Energy Newsletter

This monthly newsletter will help to connect Suffolk County homes and businesses with the rapidly growing clean energy sector, offering home energy efficiency opportunities, municipal and communal clean energy opportunities, resources for finding job training and employment in the clean energy sector, and more!

Stay up to date with the latest from CCE Suffolk Clean Energy by subscribing to our new newsletter.

Meeting with Senator Weik to Discuss Browns River Watershed

Senator Alexis Weik of the 8th District met with Chris Pickerell, Director of the CCE Suffolk Marine Program, to explore strategies for rehabilitating coastal habitats within the Browns River watershed.

Browns River, located in the eastern part of Sayville, serves as a picturesque and vital link to the Great South Bay.

CCE Suffolk Mariner's Market at the

2024 Riverhead Country Fair

Thank you to everyone who visited the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program Mariners Market at the Riverhead Country Fair!

The Riverhead Country Fair is a celebration of the town’s deep agricultural and historical roots. Since the late 18th century, Riverhead has been a leader in adopting advanced farming techniques and introducing new crops like potatoes, cauliflower, and grapes, which helped establish the area as one of New York’s top agricultural regions. Today, the fair honors this heritage by showcasing the innovative spirit and strong community values that have shaped the town for generations.

We were thrilled to have a dedicated section at this year’s fair, celebrating all things marine. Our area featured local seafood tastings, nautical arts and crafts, fishing gear, educational exhibits, and more—bringing together the community to explore and appreciate our local marine resources!

Cordgrass Planting at The Vanderbilt Museum

The CCE Suffolk Marine Program recently hosted a marsh grass planting event along the Vanderbilt Museum shoreline in Centerport!

For several years, the Marine Program, with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the support of the Long Island Sound Study, has focused on restoring marine life at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Mansion Museum shoreline, beginning with hatchery work focused on ribbed mussel production, combined with test plantings of cordgrass. This planting represented the culmination of this project and brought together the Marine team, Vanderbilt Museum trustees, staff, volunteers, and a couple special guests. Thank you to Legislator Stephanie Bontempi’s office for joining us and lending a hand!

During the event, volunteers planted another 1,100 one-gallon pots of cordgrass, to add to the hundreds planted in previous years, all propagated from seeds collected locally and grown at our facility in Southold. The project will conclude for the year when thousands of hatchery reared ribbed mussels will be seeded into the shoreline in November representing the first time these two species have been planted together.

Save the Sound's 2024 Long Island Sound Report Card

CCE Suffolk is incredibly proud to contribute toward the 2024 Long Island Sound Report Card, led by Save the Sound!

For the past 8 years, CCE has partnered with Save the Sound to implement the Unified Water Study, a regional water quality monitoring program across the Long Island Sound. Today, CCE conducts enhanced water quality monitoring procedures under the regional Unified Water Study across the 6 harbors and bays that comprise the Huntington-Northport Bay Complex, putting Huntington on the map. Data from this effort informs elected officials, environmental agencies, and the public, driving ecosystem health improvements and supporting restoration projects and infrastructure investments.

The Huntington-Northport Bay Complex covers over 5,000 acres with a highly developed watershed. Runoff from fertilizer and aging wastewater systems causes high nutrient concentrations, excessive algal blooms, and low dissolved oxygen which threaten marine life in the region.

A full recording of the press conference at Gold Star Beach can be found here

Check out the full 2024 Long Island Sound Report Card here

CCE Suffolk Marine Scientists Contribute to Advancement in Bay Scallop Research

A team of researchers, including Dr. Stephen Tettelbach and Harrison Tobi from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program, has made a significant advance in understanding the genetic makeup of Argopecten irradians—better known as the bay scallop!

Working in collaboration with scientists from the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Sorbonne Université, and the Free University of Brussels, the team has successfully developed an annotated, chromosome-level reference genome for the bay scallop. This resource will enhance the study of the species' evolution, adaptation, and resilience, providing critical insights into its biology. Advancements such as these are essential as bay scallops face growing challenges from disease and habitat loss.

Read the full article in Scientific Data here

Bluefish Cooking Workshop with CAST

The Fisheries Team recently partnered with the Community Education Program to host an educational bluefish cooking demonstration and tasting at the Center for Advocacy, Support, and Transformation (CAST) in Southold. 

The bluefish, generously donated from a fishing tournament supporting Eastern LI Hospital, provided an excellent opportunity to teach CAST clients how to fillet and prepare Bluefish Taco Bites. Each participant took home a bag of fresh ingredients, including additional bluefish, to recreate the recipe at home.

Many residents on the North Fork face challenges in meeting basic needs and seek opportunities for growth and improved family well-being. CAST serves as a vital resource for vulnerable community members, offering support to enhance food, health, and economic security, and fostering connections for a better future.

Meeting with Peconic Estuary Partnership

Marine staff recently met with the Peconic Estuary Partnership for a breakdown of our programs and services.

The Peconic Estuary Partnership (PEP) is a National Estuary Program that supports monitoring, research, collaboration and education to address priority issues within the Peconic Estuary Watershed.

Learn more

Sea Explorers Marine Camp

Now that field trips have wrapped up for the season, Sea Explorers staff can be found at more outreach programs across Suffolk!

The crew was recently at Patchogue Arts Council's MoCA L.I.ghts show. Everyone had a blast with our glowing horseshoe crabs and digital aquarium!

Sea Explorers also saw over 150 people for the Cedar Beach Marina "Christmas in October" event.

Drone Footage of Orient Harbor Spawner Sanctuary

Check out these amazing shots of our bay scallop long line spawner sanctuary in Orient Harbor!

The Bay Scallop Restoration Program has maintained this long line spawner sanctuary for nearly 20 years, supported by a dedicated team led by Captain Joe Hinton, alongside Brooke DelPrete and Michael Bunn.

The Orient Harbor spawner sanctuary utilizes aquaculture techniques to grow bay scallops for plantings in the Peconic. More importantly, though, the bay scallops are housed in aquaculture gear and protected from predation. 

Spawning events help contribute to wild populations and help increase wild population densities. Currently, CCE's long lines house multiple Long Island bay scallop genotypes. The goal is to boost Peconic Bay scallop populations and support the restoration of the fishery by increasing genetic diversity with genotypes that are more resistant to parasites.

Next Board of Directors Meeting:

Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The next meeting of the CCE Suffolk Board of Directors will be the Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony, held at The Birchwood of Polish Town in Riverhead

Learn more

Private Sunset Wagon Rides at the Suffolk County Farm

Multiple dates available

Experience the farm all to yourself with a private group sunset tour!

Please note:

• Closed toe shoes are required to enter goat pens so please dress accordingly.
• You are more than welcome to bring your own s’mores supplies and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Available dates on a first come first served basis!



Don’t wait, dates fill fast!

FEE:

$350 per group. Up to 20 participants. Children under 3 are free and do not count towards head count. An additional wagon is available for $150 for a maximum of 40 people total.

Learn more/Register

Fruit & Veggie Prescription Program (FVRx)

Monday, November 4, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Monday, November 18, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Monday, November 25, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Monday, December 2, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Through the Fruit & Veggie Rx (FVRx) Program by the CCE Suffolk Community Education, people looking to improve their dietary habits can earn free fruits and vegetables by attending nutrition workshops led by a certified CCE Suffolk Nutrition Educator!

Wyandanch Location

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church at the Parish Hall

Huntington Station Location

St. Hughes Parish Center

Guiding Good Choices Drug Prevention Program

Monday, November 4, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guiding Good Choices is a free drug use prevention program that provides parents of children 9 to 14 years old with the knowledge and skills needed to guide their children through early adolescence. Thanks to funding from the Suffolk County Opioid Task Force, our educators will be providing this program free to the community.

Guiding Good Choices has been shown to:

• Reduce current alcohol use by 41%
• Reduce the rates of initiation for alcohol and marijuana use
• Reduce the likelihood that experimental users will advance to heavier use by 54%
• Increase the likelihood that non-users will remain drug-free by 26%
• Reduce the likelihood that young people will commit delinquent acts
• Significantly slow the rate of multiple substance use

Register here

También disponible en español

Marine Meadows Workshop: Tiana Bayside Facility

Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Funded by and in partnership with the South Shore Esturary Reserve Program, CCE Marine Program will be hosting a Marine Meadows Workshop on 11/5/24 at Tiana Bayside Facility, as part of our Hampton Bays Stewardship Site. Support from the SSER has enabled the creation of our Blue Carbon Program to educate the public about climate change and how eelgrass and other habitats can help solve this global problem.

Stewards will help CCE staff weave live eelgrass shoots into biodegradable burlap planting units. Once stocked, these eelgrass "tortillas" will be planted at our restoration sites by CCE Marine's Dive Team where they will provide essential habitat for finfish and shellfish, and help improve water quality and coastal resiliency of our shorelines. All are welcome, but activity is best suited for those aged 12+.

Learn more/Register

Free Virtual Parenting and Nutrition Classes

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Everything you need to care for and feed your young family!

Join us for parenting and nutrition programs for parents with young children. These programs are free; however, pre-registration is required.

Baby’s First Foods, Starting Solids

Offering your baby their first foods can be such an exciting time from parents, but also can bring up many questions. Our nutrition experts are here to help! Join us to learn nutrition basics and how to help your child have a good relationship with food from the start.

Early Brain Development

Research on brain development reveals that the first years of life are critical for healthy development. Early attachments and experiences have a powerful impact on a child’s intellectual, emotional, and social development. This workshop will enable parents to realize their role in nurturing their child’s brain development.

Learn more/Register

Lunch Time Learning

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM



Join us at Diabetes/Prediabetes Lunch Time Learning!

These free, virtual 15 minute workshops for those with prediabetes or diabetes and their loved ones are led by a diabetes educator and cover a variety of helpful topics. 

Learn more

Rocket Club

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

In this three week series we will learn about how rockets work, make a stomp rocket, build and launch a water bottle rocket and finally, assemble and launch a solid fuel model rocket.

Learn more/Register

Rocky Point High School STEAM Expo

Check out awesome educational opportunities and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts!

The event will feature a panel discussion of professionals, educators and college students sharing their insights and experience in STEAM fields. CCE Suffolk IT Lead Ernie Francis will be in attendance showcasing some of the network/engineering tools used to keep our organization running efficiently!

Learn more

Diabetes 101: Diagnosed with Diabetes, Now What?

Friday, November 8, 2024, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

This class covers the basics that you need to know if you or a loved one were diagnosed with Diabetes. Participants will learn about diabetes as well as self-management skills including meal planning, self-testing blood glucose levels, working with providers, and stress management.

Sponsored by the Suffolk County Lions Diabetes Foundation

Learn more

Back to the Bays Marine Meadows Workshop: Kidd Squid Brewery

Friday, November 8, 2024, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program's Back to the Bays Initiative will be hosting a Marine Meadows Workshop on 11/8/24 at Kidd Squid Brewery, as part of our work to help enhance and restore the waters off of Sag Harbor. Support from Kidd Squid's Brew for the Bays and our community fundraising campaign has enabled habitat and shellfish restoration activities to take place within our Sag Harbor Back to the Bays Stewardship Site!

Participants of this workshop will help CCE staff weave live eelgrass shoots into biodegradable burlap planting units. Once stocked, these eelgrass "tortillas" will be planted at our Sag Harbor Stewardship Site by CCE Marine's Dive Team where they will provide essential habitat for finfish and shellfish, and help improve water quality and coastal resiliency of our shorelines.

All are welcome, but activity is best suited for those aged 10+. In need of service hours? We'll provide letters validating your time volunteering upon request, so just ask a CCE Team member to provide one at the workshop!

Learn more/Register

Fleece to Fiber and Shearing Demonstration

Monday, November 11, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Sheep are just one of the fabulous creatures that provide us with fiber. Join us to learn about our sheep and their wool! Then Watch Tabbethia of LI Yarn and Farm shear one of our sheep!

You'll get to pet and feed a sheep, enjoy a craft and a wagon ride.

Learn more/Register

Silicon 101

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

This half-day seminar will focus on the use of silicon in greenhouse production.

Greenhouse producers, nursery growers, and others interested in the use of biostimulants in ornamental plant production are encourage to attend.

This event is sponsored by SoluSil LLC.

Learn more/Register here

Virtual Diabetes Support Group

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

If you or a loved one have questions about living with diabetes, join our Free Virtual Diabetes Support Group led by a CCE Suffolk Diabetes Educator!

Learn more/Register

Mobile Diabetes Screening Clinic

Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

In support of National Diabetes Month!

Need help managing your diabetes? Curious about your numbers? Sun River Health will be providing free, onsite diabetes screening services alongside CCE Suffolk Dieticians!

Just visit our mobile van clinic to get your A1C tested and learn about risk factors, signs & symptoms of diabetes, healthy eating and more. Hope to see you there!

Brookhaven Town Hall - North Parking Lot

1 Independence Hill

Farmingville, NY 11738

Learn more

ArtSea Create & Sip: Decoupage Shell Ornaments

Thursday, November 14, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Join us for a fun evening of crafting and sipping at Cowfish Hampton Bays. Let your creativity flow as you decorate 6 beautiful shell ornaments using the decoupage technique. No experience is necessary - our instructor will guide you through the process step by step.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to create unique decorations for your home or to give as gifts. Grab your friends and come join us for a night of art and fun!

Learn more/Register

Ask the Dietician

Friday, November 15, 2024, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us for a free quetion and answer session with a CCE Suffolk nutrition expert!

Middle Country Library

575 Middle Country Road | Selden, NY

Learn more

Building Sand Dunes

Thursday, November 21, 2024, 3:00 PM 5:00 PM

Join us at Tiana Bayside Facility in Hampton Bays for a fun and unique experience helping our habitat specialists build sand dunes for our new Demonstrative Coastal Rain Garden.

This event counts toward community service hours! Participants will learn about the importance of sand dunes, the native plant species that ensure their success, and the role these plants play in filtering storm water before it enters the bay.

Let's work together to create a beautiful, ecologically diverse, and educational space for everyone to enjoy. No experience necessary - just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to get your hands dirty! See you there!

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Shellabration 2024

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, December 8, 2024, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Shellabration is back! The culinary event of the season will return to Greenport Village on December 7-8, 2024, from Noon-4pm each day.



Participants gain access to Greenport’s finest establishments to enjoy local shellfish, wine and beer pairings during a weekend long restaurant walk. All proceeds generated from wristband sales will support Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s shellfish restoration and community stewardship projects-specifically the SPAT Program (Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training) and Back to the Bays Initiative.

It is highly recommended that Shellabrants reserve wristbands in advance, as this event sells out every year. Upon checking in, you will be treated to a complimentary first pairing of clams and oysters on the half shell and a local craft beverage tasting.

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