cornell cooperative extension of suffolk county 423 griffing avenue riverhead, ny 11901
phone: 631.727.7850 email: suffolk@cornell.edu
This is Your Time

Cornell Cooperative Extension offers free or low-cost programs for Suffolk residents at all stages of life. In reviewing our many offerings, we thought senior citizens and retirees would appreciate a quick overview of programs that are either planned for them, or would appeal to them. This web page is especially for you.

The Suffolk County Farm is open year-round for your enjoyment with no admission charge. Visit our herb and perennial gardens and picnic under our shade trees.

Please be sure to call first as programs fill up and preregistration is required for most of our workshops.

Calendar of Events

Diabetes

Support groups meet monthly at the Kermit W. Graf Building in Riverhead to help people live with, and manage diabetes. No fee. Contact Sue Wilk, 631-727-7850, ext. 385 or srw32@cornell.edu for more information.

Six-week series of diabetes management classes are offered during the year at various community centers throughout Suffolk County. No fee. Contact Zahrine Bajwa, 631-727-7850, ext. 347 or zb12@cornell.edu for more information.

Diabetes Self-Management Series
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension is pleased to offer this free series of Diabetes Self Management classes designed to inform and help people learn to live with and manage their diabetes. Seating is limited. To register call 631-852-5193.

September 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6 & 20
2:30 – 4:30 pm
Marilyn Shellabarger South Brookhaven Family Health Center East Shirley

September 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, & 15
2:30 – 4:30 pm
Riverhead Free Library

September 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 16 & 23
6:00 – 8:00 pm (bring a light dinner or snack)
Elsie Owens North Brookhaven Health Center, Coram

Nutrition
EAT WELL SPEND LESS is a series of 6-8 nutrition, health and well-being sessions 30-60 minutes long. Classes, which are offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators in Spanish and English, are run throughout the year all over Suffolk County. No charge for food stamp, Head Start, WIC, and limited income families and caregivers of young children. Contact Zahrine Bajwa, 631-727-7850, ext. 347 or zb12@cornell.edu for more information or to schedule programs.

For locally grown produce, find a list of Suffolk County farmers markets here.

A Pick Your Own list, available here, gives information on local farms where fresh produce can be purchased.

For articles on food choices, food safety and nutrition that are written by and Extension educator for the Town of Babylon Senior Magazine, go here.

Long-term Care

September 16 OR
October 29
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Considering long-term care insurance? What you need to know before you buy!
Should you buy insurance? Which plan is best? Is long-term care insurance your best option? Participants will learn factors to consider when purchasing insurance, explore various financing options, and obtain valuable resource materials. A Cornell Cooperative Extension educator will provide essential, unbiased information when choosing a long-term care plan. Registration begins September 2. New York State does not endorse or recommend any specific insurance product or insurer; this program is solely intended to educate consumers about their choices.
H. Lee Dennison Building Media Room, Hauppauge
No Fee
631-727-7850, ext. 325 or cr224@cornell.edu

Updated: September 2, 2008

Suffolk County Farm

PumpkinFest is October 4 & 5 for 2008!
Fun for the whole family at the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. Food court, crafts, corn maze, pumpkin picking and painting, 4-H displays and demonstrations, children's craft activities, face painting, llamas and other farm animals, and more. Events include: farm trivia game show, 4-H showmanship demos, cow chip bingo, and country western concerts and dancing.

November 2
10:30 - noon
November in Nature Series: Winter Birding Walk
Take a bird walk with your family guided by a Cornell Cooperative Extension educator. Learn what birds live on Long Island all winter and how they survive the cold. Our master birder will offer tips to identify local species in your own backyard (bring your binoculars). Dress for weather. Warm cider will be served. For all ages.
Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, Yaphank
$8 ($28 for the 4-part series)
631-852-4600

November 9
10:30 - noon
November in Nature Series: Build a Bird House and Become an Ornithologist
Build a birdhouse with a Cornell Cooperative Extension educator and sign up for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology “Project Feeder Watch.” Receive a research kit and learn how to collect data about bird populations. Your data could be published in scientific journals and contribute to bird conservation nationwide! (additional charge for Project Feeder Watch.) Dress for weather. Warm cider will be served. For all ages.
Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, Yaphank
$8 ($28 for the 4-part series)
631-852-4600

November 16
10:30 - noon
November in Nature Series: Green All Winter Long
What is an evergreen? A conifer? Are all pine trees the same? Learn about the beautiful trees that give us foliage all year long with a Cornell Cooperative Extension educator. Dress for weather. Warm cider will be served. For all ages.
Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, Yaphank
$8 ($28 for the 4-part series)
631-852-4600

November 23
10:30 - noon
November in Nature Series: Evergreen Holiday Wreath
Join a Cornell Cooperative Extension educator to gather coniferous plants from around the farm and then make a beautiful holiday wreath. Bring a metal coat hanger to use as a frame. Dress for weather. Warm cider will be served. For all ages.
Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, Yaphank
$8 ($28 for the 4-part series)
631-852-4600


 

 

For Grandparents
and Grandchildren

September 6, 7, 13 OR 14
10:00 am - noon OR
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Jr. Marine Biologist
Looking for a unique way to spend time with your preschooler? Join Cornell Cooperative Extension educators for a fun-filled two hours as you and your child learn about the marine environment. Includes hands-on time with live marine animals, beach activities, and a craft. This is a great way to introduce your child to marine ecology. Ages 3-5 with adult.
$22 per child (includes one adult)
631-897-3530

September 9
9:00 - 10:00 am OR
10:30 - 11:30 am
Fall Nature Walk
Calling all Jr. Naturalists! Join Cornell Cooperative Extension educators for a leisurely stroll through the park as we investigate how plants, insects, and animals are preparing for fall on the Great South Bay. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Gardiner County Park, West Bay Shore
Free
631-897-3530

September 11, 12 OR 13
Junior Marine Biologist
10:00 - noon OR
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension marine educators for hands-on time with live marine animals, beach activities and a craft. A great way to introduce your child to marine ecology! Ages 3-5 with an adult. Ages 3-5 with an adult.
Sport Fishing Center, Babylon
$22 includes one adult
631-587-2873

Marine

Shellfish Restoration
The Southold Project in Aquaculture Training (SPAT) is an ongoing non-profit community-based shellfish restoration effort that attracts seniors with a love of shellfish. For more information contact Tim Tetrault at 631-852-8660, ext. 34 or kwt4@cornell.edu.

October 16, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
OR
October 17, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training: Winterizing the Garden
Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center, Southold
631-852-8660

November 13, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
OR
November 14, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training: Yearly Review, Final Exam
Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center, Southold
631-852-8660

For Seniors in Community Living Centers
An ongoing Marine Activities Program for Seniors (MAPS) is offered to residents of senior community living centers. For more information, center directors may contact Rich at 631-852-8660, ext. 27.