Holidays

File photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

As Mother’s Day rolls around, TBR News Media took to the streets throughout our coverage area, asking locals what this special day means to them.

It’s a day which makes people remember the importance and significance of mothers in their life, and to express love, appreciation and gratitude toward mother figures for their unconditional love, support and sacrifices. TBR wants to know, “What does Mother’s Day mean to you?”

Seema Pandya, Smithtown

Seema Pandya, Smithtown

I think it means the honoring and passing of traditions and wisdoms of mothers to mothers to mothers. Usually, I spend time with my kids, calling my parents and wishing them well.

I used to work at a restaurant in Colorado and for Mother’s Day they would make chocolate-filled buns with raspberries and they looked like breasts! They were so clever. It was a bun with a chocolate areola and a raspberry for the nipple — they were so good!

Jordan Mahmood, Stony Brook

Jordan Mahmood, Stony Brook

Mother’s Day is a day to appreciate my mom for what she does. She is a single mom and she literally means the world to me and my family. Each year we celebrate by spending time together and doing whatever it is she wants to do — it’s really nice spending time with my mom.

Tyler Stephenson-Moore, Queens

Tyler Stephenson-Moore, Queens

I love my mom a lot. Mother’s Day to me is just like the day-to-day stuff, acknowledging all the sacrifices she’s made, honoring her for everything she has done for me. 

Usually, I’ll go to Queens to see her with cards and flowers.

Rubens Meza-Henderson, Centereach

Rubens Meza-Henderson, Centereach

The United States was the country that enacted this holiday. I can say that because before the enactment, nobody cared about that — but now many countries in the world follow the U.S. example. 

Typically, because I am in the restaurant business, every Mother’s Day I work. This year is going to be an exception. Mother’s Day is a very special holiday because we honor the person who has the privilege to carry life in their womb, we were born through that person, honoring that act is very important.

I do believe in the Bible and one of the commandments says that you have to honor your parents. The Bible encourages you to honor your father and mother and there are many ways to honor them. One way is behaving well and another is through words — you have to express your gratitude. I was with my mother a couple of weeks ago in South America. She was a little sick, but she’s well now. I took time off to go see her, to honor and love my mother.

Jen and Jillian Dunn, Setauket

Jen and Jillian Dunn, Setauket

On Mother’s Day, Jillian values time well spent with mom Jen: “I really don’t get to spend too much time with her, so just being able to see her is a gift — that is what is most important to me.” Jillian usually takes her mom out to lunch and goes for a nice walk through one of their favorite spots, Avalon Nature Preserve.

 Jen loves to spend time with her family on Mother’s Day: “This year my son is graduating that weekend, so we will take a trip down to see him.” On a typical year, Jen and her family like to celebrate with a daytime activity like a drive out east or a day exploring local farm stands. “One of my favorite things is picking out flower flats and the kids will help me plant them.” 

Steve Frederico, Stony Brook

Steve Frederico, Stony Brook

My mother has passed and there isn’t a day that I don’t think about her. But on Mother’s Day we always commemorate her. 

I seem to quote her unconsciously — she had these infamous sayings, like, “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.” 

Stephanie Moncavage, Coram

Stephanie Moncavage, Coram

I love my mom. We spend the day golfing and then my sister and I will make her a nice dinner — of mom’s choice of course.

METRO photo

Mother’s Day is a time to express love and appreciation for mothers, sentiments that are often expressed with gifts. Flowers are a popular present to bestow on Mother’s Day, as they can brighten a room and bring a sweet aroma to any household. While any flowers may ultimately suffice on Mother’s Day, gift givers may want to select flowers for Mom that convey specific messages. The language of flowers has been recognized for centuries. Though perhaps not as heralded as it once was, flower symbolism persists to this day. Here’s a look at some of the meanings behind certain types of flowers to help guide Mother’s Day gifting.

Amaryllis: These plants start as bulbs and are naturally spring-blooming flowers. The name comes from the Greek word “amarysso,” which means “to sparkle,” and they symbolize pride.

Aster: These daisy-like flowers are delicate-looking perennials. Asters make great gifts because they symbolize love and daintiness.

Begonia: There are more than 2,000 types of begonias, and the flower symbolizes deep thoughts. Begonias were made famous by French horticulturist Michel Bégon, who thought the blooms looked like beautiful girls.

Bleeding heart: These flowers are red and pink blossoms that look like the perfect heart shape with a teardrop at the bottom. They’re beautiful and symbolic of love and affection.

Buttercup: These are associated with youthfulness and cheerfulness and can call to mind childhood days spent picking buttercups and holding them under chins to reveal that you like butter. The flower is known for its beauty and innocent charm.

Camellia (white): White camellias stand for purity and innocence, but they also symbolize admiration and respect. Camellias make beautiful additions to any bouquet.

Carnations: Carnations are traditionally the official flower of Mother’s Day. It has come to signify purity, faith, love, beauty and all the traits that represents the virtue of Motherhood. Pink carnations symbolise a mother’s pure and never-ending love. They can be used to express appreciation and thankfulness. Red carnations symbolise sincere love, affection, and admiration. 

Daisy: Daisies are happy-looking flowers, and according to Norse mythology they represent motherhood and children. 

Delphinium: Delphiniums come in pink, white and blue varieties and embody youth and renewal. They’re a good pick if you want to convey a continued or renewed affection for a person.

Hydrangea: Hydrangeas symbolises gratitude, grace, and beauty. This lush and multi-petaled bloom is a great choice for the mother that gives ample amount of love and support. Blue hydrangeas represents understanding and deep gratitude. Pink hydrangeas represent love and sincerity. White hydrangeas represents purity and grace. Purple hydrangea shows understanding and abundance.

Lilies: Lilies are one of the most beloved flowers by many mothers due to their large bloom size and beautiful shape. Coming in a variety of colours and species, they associated with good fortune, happiness and Motherhood. White lily represents purity and majesty. Pink lilies symbolises admiration, love and abundance.

Orchids: Orchids are a great option to send as they represent love, luxury, beauty, and strength. In Asian and Chinese culture, this auspicious flower also symbolises abundance, wealth, and is a lucky plant to have at home. Additionally, cut orchids or potted ones last for a long time in the Singapore weather. Pink or purple orchids signify respect, admiration, and elegance. Green orchids represent good health and fortune.

Roses: Roses are a reliable classic bloom, however, skip the red, which is typically associated with romantic love. Opt for other colours or a mixed coloured bouquet. Deep Pink Roses represents appreciation and gratitude. Light Pink Roses represents happiness, joy, admiration. Peach Roses symbolise thanks and gratitude

Tulip: Tulips with an orange hue are thought to represent understanding and appreciation. They can express appreciation for Mom or another special person. Purple tulips represent elegance and royalty,  making it a great choice for your mother-in-law. Orange and yellow tulips symbolises happiness, joy and hope, while pink tulips are symbolic of love. Red blooms should be reserved for sweethearts.

By Heidi Sutton

The Village of Port Jefferson hosted its first annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 24. The event, organized by the newly formed Tree Committee members Anne Leahey and Avril Coakley, was attended by local officials and community members.

Port Jefferson Village Deputy Mayor and Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability Rebecca Kassay served as Master of Ceremony and introduced speakers Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow. Former Mayor Sandra Swenk, Leahey and Port Jefferson Village Trustee Bob Juliano also spoke at the event.

Port Jefferson Village school District fifth grader Michael Viviano read a poem that he wrote for the occasion titled “The Tree Stands Tall” followed by the planting of two native trees — an American Hornbeam (Carbines Carolinians) and a Hackberry tree (Celtis Occidentalis) in the Maple Street parking lot.  All attendees were given a native tree or shrub sapling to plant in their own yards.

Reached after the event, Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Kassay said, “As Port Jefferson Village’s first Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability, I’ve been honored to bring together and galvanize our community’s tree enthusiasts. Last year, I helped to form the Village’s first Tree Committee with a group of residents who shared the goal of making PJV a “Tree City, USA” under the Arbor Day Foundation canopy. We have successfully worked towards this goal, including creating a budget line for tree plantings, and an annual Arbor Day event. Their work to plant trees this year will serve their neighbors for decades to come. Many thanks to all who came out to celebrate the planting of two new trees in the Village, our young poet laureate of the event, and the distribution of native tree and shrub saplings.”

Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and the NYS Urban Forestry Council, Port Jefferson Village is now one step closer to achieving a Tree City USA designation.

Photo from TOB

On Arbor Day, Friday, April 26, the Town of Brookhaven will hold its annual tree seedling, mulch and compost give away in the South Parking Lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It’s all part of the Town’s “Greening Brookhaven” initiative.

Mulch and compost are available in bulk only, so residents must bring shovels and containers to load it into their vehicles. Free paper leaf bags and paper recycling bins will also be available free to residents at this event. All items will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Free seedlings available are Black Cherry, River Birch, Silver Maple, White Pine, Red Osier Dogwood, Ninebark, Witch Hazel and Beach Plum.

Residents of Brookhaven Town may also pick up free mulch and compost at the following Town facilities:

  • Brookhaven Town Hall, South Parking Lot, One Independence Hill in Farmingville (residents only)
  • Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Percy Raynor Park, Route 347 and Belle Mead Road in South Setauket (residents only)
    Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Rose Caracappa Center, 739 Route 25A in Mt. Sinai (residents only)Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Brookhaven Landfill, 350 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven Hamlet (residents only) Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 2:45 pm and Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon.
  • Manorville Compost Facility, Papermill Road in Manorville (residents and commercial) Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (Closed for lunch 11:50 am – 12:30 pm)
  • Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville (residents only) Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Robert E. Reid, Sr. Recreation Center, Rte. 25A and Defense Hill Road in Shoreham (residents only) Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Commercial vehicles are permitted only at the Manorville Compost Facility, where a fee of $12 per yard will be charged

For more information, call 631-451-TOWN or visit the Town website.

 

The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways and Municipal Services Facility collected over 20 tons of waste at the Earth Day Hazardous Household Waste event this past weekend. On Saturday, April 20th, 2024, 604 households within the Township participated in safely disposing of thousands of pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups.

“As we celebrate Earth Day, there is no greater impact that residents can have on protecting our local environment than responsibly disposing of potentially hazardous chemicals and products through the Town’s household hazardous waste collection events. Proper use and disposal of these items helps to protect our drinking water, air and natural resources while helping the Town to maintain high quality parks, recreational facilities, roads and waterways for all residents to enjoy.   It is our hope that residents consider using safer and environmentally friendly alternatives for use in and around the home”. – Michael P. Engelmann, P.G. Solid Waste Coordinator

Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshalls, DEW staff and Reworld (formerly known as Covanta) staff supplementing the work by Radiac (the Hazardous Household Waste contractor), Environmental Director David Barnes and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann to provide a safe and efficient service to residents.

A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: mercury, waste oil based paints/ flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.

Reworld (formerly known as Covanta) provided $5 Home Depot gift cards to over 130 residents for recycling potentially dangerous lithium-ion and other batteries, propane tanks and mercury containing devices thereby preventing these harmful items from curbside disposal.  101 propane tanks were recovered at the event. The most recorded from a single collection event. Reusable bags were also provided to interested residents.

The next Household Hazardous Waste collection events are scheduled for July 14th, 2024 and October 5th, 2024. Hazardous Household Waste collection events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be confirmed upon entry.

DID YOU KNOW?:

Residents can also dispose of electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center located at 85 Old Northport Road. Electronic waste, such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries, can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling.

FREE MULCH: Mulch is also available free of charge to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of 10 bags per visit. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. A cover is required.

The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, NY.

Regular Operating Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:15 PM

Austin Williams, an award-winning full-service advertising agency, celebrated Earth Day in style by hosting its second annual, building-wide Spring Clothing Swap at AW’s headquarters at 80 Arkay Drive on April 18.

“The fast fashion industry produces over 92 million tons of textile waste every year, causing detrimental damage to our environment,” said Eva LaMere, president of Austin Williams. “What better way to decrease textile waste and raise awareness for sustainable practices than by creating our own thrift store – right here in our office building? Plus, it’s a fun way to build community and get everyone involved.”

Employees of Austin Williams and fellow corporations located at 80 Arkay Drive were encouraged to bring gently used clothing that needed a new home. Then, members of Austin Williams’ Culture Committee “set up shop,” creating a clothing display in the building’s café, where employees came to shop and find some new pieces for their wardrobes.

After the swap, all remaining clothes were donated to Long Island Lending A Helping Hand (LILAHH), a food pantry and community center serving low-income and food-insecure neighbors in Rocky Point.

“This is our second consecutive year hosting the Clothing Swap, and we are thrilled that so many people were willing to donate their clothes and show their dedication to protecting our environment,”  said Victoria Hilton and Courtney Stuber, senior digital analyst and digital data analyst at Austin Williams and both co-creators of the swap. “This year, we saved more than 200 items of clothing and donated 10 bags of gently used clothing to fellow Long Islanders in need, which is a huge accomplishment not only for Austin Williams but for our entire building!”

— Photos courtesy of Austin Williams

About Austin Williams

Austin Williams is a full-service advertising, marketing, digital, and public relations firm that creates ideas that inspire action for clients in the healthcare, higher education, financial services, and professional services industries. Certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the State of New York, the Long Island-based firm was founded in 1992 and was named one of the 100 fastest-growing agencies in the nation. In 2023, it was listed as “Best Advertising Agency” by Long Island Business News in their “Reader Ranking Awards,” and in 2020 was named a Newsday “Top Places to Work.”

File photo

By Rabbi Aaron D. Benson

In my opinion any holiday that includes matzoh ball soup is bound to be popular. Passover, which begins Monday night, April 22, features this dish, made with matzoh unleavened bread. The holiday is not just popular but is revered by Jews and non-Jews alike for its overarching theme of freedom. The ancient Israelites were enslaved in Egypt yet God, through the prophet Moses, freed them. As a reminder of this miracle, Jews refrain from eating anything baked with leaven and instead eat matzoh, the simple bread of slaves.  

For Americans, Passover resonates because freedom is a virtue at the core of our country’s identity. Being a citizen is defined as having freedom of religion, of speech, of press and of assembly. Quite literally “revolutionary” when first adopted, the principles in our Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights, have spread these standards of freedom and human dignity around the world.

The Bible’s message about freedom in the Passover story has a slightly different emphasis. It is not at odds with the American view, but it reminds us of a key aspect of freedom. Moses’ famous message from God demanding that Pharaoh, “Let My [God’s] people go,” is usually quoted without its conclusion, “that they may serve Me [God.]” 

When the Jews were finally freed from Egypt, it wasn’t so they could “let loose” after generations of enslavement. Such a life of abandon isn’t any true kind of freedom. Upon leaving Egypt, the Jews set out into the wilderness, eventually to come to Mount Sinai and there receive the Ten Commandments. To take on the responsibility of freedom. To accept laws that will build a society not of oppression, nor of indulgence, but one of respect and concern and common purpose. The Jews would march on, eventually coming to Israel, where they would settle and start to build a society based around the freedom to be responsible. Helping others isn’t a burden. Respecting them isn’t an imposition. Acknowledging that my own humanity is lessened if I do not also care for yours.

Whether you are celebrating Passover this year or not, make yourself a nice bowl of matzoh ball soup. And then, whether you’re celebrating or not, find someone to share that soup with, maybe even a lot of people, maybe even people who seem different from us. Freedom teaches us that we aren’t so different. At some point, we will all need help in our lives, and at some point we all can offer help. Let’s share that responsibility together, along with the matzoh ball soup.

Aaron Benson is the rabbi at North Shore Jewish Center, based in Port Jefferson Station. 

Looking for something to do with the kids for Spring Break? The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present Disney’s Finding Nemo daily from April 21 to 28.

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. Tickets are $25 per person.

To purchase tickets, click on a performance date below:

Sunday April 21 at 11 AM

Sunday April 21 at 2 PM

Monday April 22 at 1 PM

Tuesday April 23 at 1 PM

Wednesday April 24 at 1 PM

Thursday April 25 at 1 PM

Friday April 26 at 1 PM

Saturday April 27 at 11 AM

Saturday April 27 at 2 PM

Sunday April 28 at 2 PM

For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

A scene from the Earth Day festivities at Manor Farm Park in 2022. Photo by Media Origin

By Heidi Sutton

Whether you choose to participate in a park cleanup, nature walk or a fun festival, there are plenty of ways to show your love for the planet for Earth Day. 

Centerport

Earth Day Celebration

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for an Earth Day Celebration on Monday, April 22. Enjoy special guided tours, hikes, crafts, and activities appropriate for all ages – all free with general admission. Advance registration is required to participate in a free guided hike or tour. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Cold Spring Harbor

Water Warriors

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a kids program, Water Warriors on Thursday, April 25 at noon and again at 2 p.m. In Honor of Earth Day, join the fight against ocean pollution! Explore the dangerous side effects of water run-off through a hands-on, educator-led watershed model activity. Then, bring the water cycle to life as you construct your very own terrarium to grow plants at home. Admission + $10 participant, $5 Members. No registration needed. 631-367-3418

Huntington

Family Fun Earth Day Celebration

Town of Huntington hosts a family-friendly Earth Day celebration at Manor Farm Park, 210 Manor Road, Huntington on Sunday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a marine touch tank; a farm animals exhibit; composting, beekeeping, and English ivy removal demonstrations; face painting, story time, and arts & crafts booths for kids to enjoy; and more. 631-351-3177.

Port Jefferson Station

Train Car Park Cleanup

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will hold an Earth Day  Community & Train Car Park Cleanup at the corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. along with a free bike inspection and tree sapling giveaway. Lend a helping hand to beautify the park. Community service hours given. 631-821-1313.

Ronkonkoma

Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup at Lily Pond County Park, Smithtown Blvd., Lake Ronkonkoma on Monday, April 22 at 8 a.m.  in celebration of Earth Day and in memory of Diane Spitz, who spent many years as unofficial caretaker of the Park. Please bring gloves and bags. Email [email protected] to register.

St. James

Earth Day at Celebrate Park

Celebrate St. James presents a free Kids Community Earth Day Event at Celebrate Park on Lake Ave. in St. James on Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  featuring a garden tour with Paul LI Landscaping, animals from Sweetbriar Nature Center, crafts, henna art, storytelling, plant sale, live music and more.  To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Setauket

Community Beach Clean-Up

Gallery North in Setauket hosts a Community Beach Clean-Up, on April 27 and April 28. The Beach Clean-Up will take place at two locations – Flax Pond Tidal Wetland Area (15 Shore Drive, Old Field) on Saturday, April 27 and Smith Point Beach (1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley) on Sunday, April 28. Each Clean-Up will be conducted in two shifts starting at 9 am and 10:30 am each day.  The Clean-Up will be free and open to the public and will be a rain or shine event. Pre-registration is encouraged by clicking here. All ages are welcome. Please dress appropriately. 631-751-2676

Shoreham

Metal for Tesla

Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham hosts a Metal for Tesla event on Saturday, April 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Recycle your scrap metal and contribute to the preservation of the planet and a historical treasure: Wardenclyffe, the site of Nikola last remaining laboratory. On this special day, every ounce of metal you recycle supports our mission to develop the site into a transformative global science center. 631-886-2632

Smithtown

Earth Day at Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to an Earth Day is Every Day celebration on Sunday, April 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Celebrate the wonders of the natural world and living things that share the planet with us.   Children will meet resident animals, enjoy the natural world through their senses, and go on a scavenger hunt to find out some of the things they can do to help the natural world. Come away with a craft to help reduce your impact on the Earth. Best for families with children over 4 years old. $15 per child, $5 per adults. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more info, call 631-979-6344.

Stony Brook

Earthstock Festival at SBU

The signature Earthstock Festival returns to Stony Brook University’s West campus, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Friday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, presenters and tables from various departments on the SAC Plaza, with the Green Pledge and other speakers taking the main stage at the Mall fountain at noon. Student performances will be held on a second stage by the SAC at 11:30 a.m. The annual Duck Race will take place at 2 p.m. Free and open to all. Visit www.stonybrook.edu/earthstock.

Train Station Beautification Project

The Three Village Community Trust invites the community to join them in The Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Project on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Earth Day. The group will be weeding, clearing fallen branches, removing litter, de-vining trees, and other tasks to beautify the Station.
Bring your gloves, garden tools, and energy to this very special morning that will bring the community together in transforming this historic train station! Stay a few minutes, or a few hours and enjoy refreshments music and more. For more information, call 631-942-4558

Yaphank

Earth Day Celebration

Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank hosts an Earth Day Celebration event on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Master Gardener Plant Sale (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.), family fun, eco-friendly demonstrations, pollinator treasure hunt, face painting, rain barrel demonstration and wagon rides (fee). Free admission to the event. 631-852-4600

Photos by Greg Catalano