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Winners of ShopRite Run the Farm race at Hobbs Farm announced

by Press Release - August 13, 2024

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On August 10, Town of Brookhaven Councilman Neil Manzella and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle co-hosted the Annual Shoprite Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk to benefit Bethel Hobbs Community Farm in Centereach. Hundreds of runners and spectators attend the Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk each year. This year, over 200 runners participated and more than 350 community members joined the post-race celebrations. Hunter Wilson was the male leader at 21 minutes, 16 seconds and Grace Miller was the female leader at 25 minutes, 31 seconds. Ms. Miller beat her own record from last year.

The historic Bethel Hobbs Community Farm is one of Long Island’s last remaining, all-volunteer farms. Established in 1906, this not-for-profit farm embodies the spirit of giving by donating as much as 90% of its annual harvest to feed those less fortunate. Hobbs Farm raises over 100,000 pounds of food each year which is donated to various food pantries around Long Island.

Councilman Manzella and Town Clerk LaValle thanked the organizers and runners who participated as well as the sponsors, Suffolk County Police Department 6th Precinct; Town of Brookhaven Highway Department; Town of Brookhaven Public Safety; Centereach Fire Department; and the event producers, EliteFeats. They also acknowledged Hobbs Farm owner, Ann Pellegrino, all the dedicated volunteers and vendors who helped make the Shoprite Run the Farm 4 Mile Run/Walk.

They also thanked the event sponsors, including Suffolk County Legislators Leslie Kennedy and Nick Caracappa; ShopRite; New York Blood & Cancer; Pepsi; Bethel AME Church; Middle Country Chamber of Commerce; John T. Mather Memorial Hospital; Stony Brook UUP; Mondelez International; Frito Lay; Team Rita; Island Nursing and Rehab; Techworks; Brooklyn Delights; Bimbo Bakeries; Campbells and Dunkin Donuts.

Peach picking on the North Shore

by Heidi Sutton - August 2, 2024

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Biting into a ripe, juicy peach is a sure sign of summer here on Long Island and picking your own tree ripened peach just adds to the fun. How can you tell when peaches are ripe? Trust your senses.

Gently touch the peach: If the peach is firm, it is not ready to be picked. Wait until there is some “give” but don’t squeeze too hard as that may result in bruising. A ripe peach will separate from the tree easily. If it’s difficult to pick, leave it on the tree to ripen longer.

Look at the color and shape: When a peach is ready to be picked, it won’t have any green on the skin. The skin will have changed to yellow or white, or in some cases (depending on the variety) will have a very bright red-orange color. If there is still some green skin, it isn’t ready to be picked yet. Also, a peach will become more round as it ripens.

Smell the peaches: If there is no smell, it’s not ready to be enjoyed. A ripe peach will give off a sweet aroma. Hint: Larger peaches and those at the tops of the trees ripen first.

Here are some local farms on the north shore that have pick-your-own peaches available in August. Remember to always to call first to check availability.

Hayden’s Peach Orchard, 561 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River, 631-886-1280

Hayden’s (formerly Davis Peach Farm) offers you-pick yellow, white and donut peaches. The farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays.

Lewin Farms, 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton, 631-929-4327, ext. 1

Lewin’s Farms offers pick your own peaches from August to September. The orchard is located across the street from the farm stand. Follow signs down the dirt road on North side of Sound Avenue. 1/4 mile west of farm stand. The farm grows 10 varieties of peaches, including yellow peaches and the unique shaped donut peaches. The orchard open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wickham’s Fruit Farm, 28700 Route 25, Cutchogue, 631-734-6441

Pick your own peaches in August and September at Wickham’s. Plums, apricots and nectarines are also in season. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, closed Sundays.

Windy Acres Orchards, 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton, 631-727-4554

The farm currently has yellow and white peaches available in the orchard behind the farmstand. Pick your own hours are weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Don’t feel like picking peaches? All four locations have a farmstand on the premises and sell peaches by the bushel. Or stop at Briermere Farms, 4414 Sound Ave., Riverhead, on your way home for a freshly baked peach pie!

IN FULL BLOOM: Horton’s Flower Farm in Riverhead opens for the season

by Press Release - July 19, 2024

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Offering A Unique Floral Experience On Eastern Long Island

Horton’s Flower Farm, 712 Horton Avenue, Riverhead announced on July 13 that it is open for the season. Nestled among the region’s famous wineries, Horton’s Flower Farm offers a unique opportunity for visitors to handpick their own bouquets from over 100 varieties of cut flowers.

“When you visit our farm, you’ll experience what hundreds of others have described to us: peace, serenity, and an escape from the noise and hustle of everyday life. Our farm is a throwback to a quieter, more serene time. Walking in the fields and cutting the flowers is as therapeutic as it is beautiful,” said co-owner Jeffrey Gross.

The farm is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Sunset Picking available from 6 to 8 p.m. (Friday & Saturday only). Admission for adults is $3 and $2 for kids. Veterans, Nurses, Teachers, Seniors, and well-behaved, leashed dogs get in free.

When visitors first arrive at Horton’s Flower Farm, they choose the size of their bouquet based on the number of stems they want to pick. Each bouquet includes a mason jar to take home. After picking, guests are welcome to relax and enjoy the garden, have a picnic, or play games.

Additionally, anyone who buys flowers this season can win a lifetime of free flowers.

“On August 18th, five lucky people will be chosen to attend the Golden Ticket event. One winner will receive a lifetime of flowers, and the other four will receive a Family Pack of four passes for this season and next. Buy a bouquet, enter your email, and you’re in!” said co-owner Claudette Gross.

Group Bookings are available for Girl Scouts, bridal parties, bus tours, and more. Professional Photography services are available for families, couples, and special occasions.

“Plan your family visit to Horton’s Flower Farm. Create bouquets with your loved ones, enjoy a picnic at our tables, and let the kids play on our swing set and engage in family games. For couples, the farm offers a romantic experience where you can pick flowers together and enjoy the picturesque surroundings,” added Claudette Gross.

To learn more about Horton’s Flower Farm, call 516-860-9528 or visit https://www.hortonsflowerfarm.com/

This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s senior supplement Prime Times on July 18.

Northport Historical Society Summer Splendor Garden Tour returns July 14

by Press Release - July 10, 2024

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A Self-Guided Tour with Surprises Galore! (rain or shine)

Join the Northport Historical Society for a one-of-a-kind summer experience as you explore the gardens of homeowners in and around Northport on the 2024 Annual Summer Splendor Garden Tour on Sunday, July 14 from noon to 4 p.m.

This year’s collection of gardens boasts an assortment of gardening styles, each with its own personality and tailored to the owner’s preferences. Refreshments and raffles await you at the end of your tour.

Tickets are $45 per person, $40 Society members, $50 day of event. To order, click here.

Please come to the Museum on Saturday (between 1:00pm -4:30pm) or Sunday (from 11am – 4:30pm) to pick up your Guide to the Gardens.

Please Note: Gardens May Not Be Handicap Accessible

Three Village Garden Club announces July events

by Press Release - June 30, 2024

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floral-arrangement-1514275_1280 — Pixabay photo

The Three Village Garden Club will hold the following July meetings at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket. All are welcome to attend.

■ July 9 at 11 a.m. includes a General Meeting and Tim O’Leary, President of the Setauket Neighborhood House will share the history and mission of this iconic institution and host a Q and A session. Scholarships will be presented by the TVGC to high school students who have demonstrated an interest in pursuing a career in Horticulture and the Environment.

■ July 16 at 10 a.m. will include a floral design workshop incorporating floral design into table settings.

■ July 23 at 10 a.m. will feature a horticultural workshop on drying and preserving floral material.

Vanderbilt Museum to host special tour of mansion’s rose garden June 17

by Press Release - June 16, 2024

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Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport hosts a special tour of the mansion’s organic rose garden with the Centerport Garden Club (CGC) on Monday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the second year since its revival and redesign.

Members of the Centerport Garden Club (CGC), in coordination with Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum staff, redesigned, planted and continuously maintain the historic organic rose garden. The plantings, in addition to more than 60 young roses, include perennials, boxwoods, hydrangeas, Japanese Maples, and other companion plants.

Linda Pitra, President of the CGC, will give a brief introduction to the garden. Dr. Jane Corrarino, master gardener and member of the American Rose Society, will discuss growing roses organically without chemicals. Following the presentation, enjoy some refreshments and meet members of the CGC.

“Our club promotes mutual helpfulness among its members in the study of practical gardening and flower arranging,” Pitra said, “We encourage civic beautification and community planting and our goal is to further the conservation of native trees, plants, animals, and the environment.”

The club, organized in 1953, began maintaining the Vanderbilt Rose Garden 40 years ago.

Admission is free but registration is required by visiting www.vanderbiltmuseum.org or click below.

Rocky Point Garden Tour returns June 15

by Heidi Sutton - June 7, 2024

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Tickets are now on sale for the 12th annual Rocky Point Garden Tour, a self-guided walk through the community’s best home gardens, on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with garden goods for sale and raffle. $20 per person. Tickets are available at Heritage Paint, 637 Route 25A, Rocky Point and Flowers on Broadway, 43 Broadway, Rocky Point. All proceeds benefit the Rocky Point Civic Association. For more information, call 631-521-5726.

Garden of dreams grows at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School in Smithtown

by Press Release - June 2, 2024

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JST_3156 — Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim visits Mt. Pleasant Elementary School to see its new recyclable garden beds. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said he was amazed at what’s growing at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School.

“I’m coming back when there are cucumbers to pick,” he told the students.

The Town of Smithtown, Reworld Waste and the Smithtown Central School District teamed up to create the new garden. Kathy Smerechniak, the STEM specialist at Mt. Pleasant, has been working with the student council to nurture plants from seeds under grow lights.

Students have been actively involved in the maintenance of plants and have spent time learning about the life cycle of plants in their science curriculum.

On May 22, Wehrheim, Town Public Information Officer Nicole Garguilo, and Reworld staff visited the garden to see the students’ thriving plants in the garden beds. The vegetables grown in this garden will be donated to the local food pantry.

The garden beds, made from recycled material, were donated by Reworld along with seeds, compost, solar-powered water timers, and an irrigation system. The Town of Smithtown will continue to support Smithtown schools to advocate for additional opportunities at other elementary schools to develop similar projects.

Port Jefferson Station volunteers remove junk and litter in local effort

by Samantha Rutt - June 1, 2024

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BC5AA998-A808-42E5-B2A3-7B83C8412260 — Garbage collected by volunteers on May 18. Photo courtesy Paul Sagliocca

By Samantha Rutt

In the spirit of the Town of Brookhaven’s annual Great Brookhaven Cleanup event, Port Jefferson Station resident, Gary Bolk volunteered his time on May 18 to cleaning up his community.

Bolk got his start early in the morning, “It started today at 8a.m. for me,” Bolk said. “I was dressed in work boots, long socks, long pants, a long sleeve shirt, gloves and a hat. I brought my wheel barrow, four-wheel garden cart and some miscellaneous tools. At first it was just me and the deer family I saw jumping through the woods.”

Later on in the day and to Bolk’s surprise, other residents shared a similar idea — cleaning up the park neighboring the woods Bolk was in the process of clearing. Jerry Meekins, along with other nearby volunteers soon helped to clean the space.

As the two continued removing garbage, passers-by joined in, namely, James and Melissa Barton, a son and daughter duo.

As the day went on more volunteers showed up ready to help and the group was able to remove piles of junk and numerous bags of plastic cans and bottles.

Three Village Rotary celebrates family fun day of service

by TBR Staff - May 25, 2024

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By Katherine Kelton

The newly-renamed Rotary Club of The Three Villages held its Family Fun Day of Service, Saturday, May 18. The club organized a beach and garden cleanup with bagels and coffee. Painting rocks, making birdhouses, coloring and a scavenger hunt were all available for young kids.

Rotary member Dan Berger explained, “It’s important to give back to the community for all the good things we’ve received from them.”

May 18 marked Rotary Day of Service, where more than 800 Rotary clubs across the country held community service events.

“Our agenda is community service,” Three Village Rotary president, Marios Patatinis, said. The event had two service activities set up: collecting trash from Sand Street Beach in Stony Brook and weeding and planting in the Stony Brook Rotary Memorial Garden, gifted from the club years prior.

Chris Sokol, another Rotary member, said, “I hope the kids can see the value in certain communities and cleaning the beach and beautifying this area that they enjoy all year long — see the value of serving and giving back.”

As part of the children’s scavenger hunt, they had to complete different tasks on the beach and in the memorial garden to win a free ice cream voucher to Sweet Mama’s, which Patatinis owns.

The weather was cool and foggy, leaving the beach entirely to the volunteers, yet warm enough to attract families with little ones. Parents and children scoured the beach for trash and dug up dirt in the garden from 10 a.m. until noon.

The event also attracted community members who helped out at the local beach, including Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook).

For those who worked in the garden area, Avalon Nature Preserve nature initiative coordinator, Kayla Serina, donated plants, tools and expertise. With volunteers, she removed dead grasses and weeds from the area and planted new foliage expected to grow better.

The event celebrated the Rotary club’s Reboli Center April fundraiser with the presentation of a check to the president of the center, Lois Reboli.

The club hopes to expand its event calendar over the next few months.

“We have an incredibly motivated and committed group of members who take what we do seriously,” Sokol said.

In June the Rotary club will be sponsoring a mammogram bus for Stony Brook University Hospital. The bus will travel to people who need mammogram testing for a whole day.

Patatinis indicated that the club is maintaining membership numbers, yet welcomes new members. He invites those interested to stay up to date with events and to “come have lunch with us.”

Visit www.stonybrookrotary.com for event schedules and more information.

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