Dan’s Papers July 29, 2011 danshamptons.com Page 106
By Alexandra Andreassen Since 1988, the South Fork Natural History Society (also known as “SoFo”) has been achieving its goal of nature education. Founded by a group of self-taught local naturalists, their objective was to increase public awareness about Long Island’s natural history, as well as to share with others the joy of exploring and learning about nature. After first creating a nature clubhouse in Amagansett, and then going through a long period of planning and building, the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center opened its doors in May of 2005. Originally under the direction of Jim Ash, new director Frank Cuevedo took over in January of this year. The museum has been a wonderful resource for the East End community and many of the first members are still actively involved in it. “Our main focus is to get people outside,” said Carol Crasson, the museum’s education and communication director. “The philosophy of the organization has been first, have fun outdoors.” People have to feel comfortable outside, and know how to use their senses to the greatest extent in order to observe nature fully. After this is attended to, one can be taught about nature. The team definitely promotes this idea from the moment you walk in the door of the 6,400-square-foot museum, situated on three gorgeous acres. It is designed to feel like you are taking an interpretive nature hike. It is very hands-on and interactive, and it makes you feel like a naturalist yourself as you explore the exhibits with both live and recreated animals. Kids and adults alike can open doors and drawers, look through viewing holes, and more, as they make their way through the museum. You can even experience what a live fox smells like. There is a Field Guide that the museum has created to lead visitors through the exhibits, and it says that it teaches you not what to observe in nature, but “how to observe nature.” SoFo has three nature educators, Crystal Possehl, Lindsey Rohrbach and Heather Abrams, who are always on hand to guide people through the museum, teaching about the wildlife on the South Fork. The
Rabbi Rafe Konikov, Director Chany Konikov, Program Director Rabbi Berel Lerman, Educational Director Rabbi Avrohom Hassan, Senior Group Director
Thursday, July 28 Southampton Challah Time: Kids Knead Challah
5:30–6:15pm
Friday, July 29 7:52pm 7:00pm 7:30pm
Shabbat Candle Lighting time Friday Evening Services Shabbat Dinner by Reservation Counselor Appreciation Shabbat Dinner
Saturday, July 30 Southampton Hashkama Early Shabbos Morning Minyan Shabbos Morning Services Torah Portion of Massai - Chazak Children’s Shabbat Program Kiddush Buffet Lunch Mincha Afternoon Service Shalash Seudos Third Meal Ethics of our Fathers Evening Prayer and Shabbos Ends
7:00–8:50am 9:00am 10:30am 11:30am 8:00pm
8:55pm
Sunday, July 31 Sunday Morning Minyan and Breakfast YEAR RounD
9:00am
Talmud Class for Women & Men 9:45–10:30am
No Prior Knowledge Needed
Kabbalah in the Hamptons 11:00 am new 8 Part Series: Kabbalah of Unity— A Lecture Series on Healing a Fractured World Visit www.KabbalahintheHamptons.com A division of Chabad of Southampton Jewish Center
Monday, July 4 – Friday, August 12 Camp Gan Israel Southampton 2011 Monday–Friday Our 5th Season! • Ages 2–12 • At the Southampton Montessori School • Transportation provided by The Hampton Jitney • Session and Weekly Registration Available
A Day of Transformation
For more information visit www.CampGanIsraelSouthampton.com or call Chany Konikov at 631-680-6140
A retreat in your home for 2 people • Massages, Private Yoga, and Ayurveda • Dietary and Lifestyle Consultation • A meal prepared specific for your needs
Wednesday, August 3
Learn what your body needs to restore Vibrant Health!
Chabad Culture Club and 10:30am–1:00pm Hamptons Jewish Seniors Club Guest Speakers, Lively Discussion, Kosher Catered Lunch, and Current Events
To book your day call 413-329-5440
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10th Annual Dinner Benefit & Silent Auction Chabad of Southampton Jewish Center Sunday, August 21, 2011 • 6:00-9:00pm 5:30pm Silent Auction Viewing To place a Journal Ad or to purchase Tickets or Tables call 631-287-2249, email rabbirafe@gmail.com, or visit www.SHannualbenefit.com.
A. Andreassen
SoFo Museum
educators are extremely knowledgeable and the personal interaction is a wonderful benefit. Visitors do not just read the signs and then leave—they are shown around by someone who really knows their stuff. Did you know that opossums are the only animals that can “play dead” to ward off predators by bringing their brains into a coma and oozing a “dead” smell? Did you know that only the female bees, wasps and ants can sting? Did you know that all the ants in the world together would weigh more than all the humans in the world, combined? I learned these and other fascinating facts about the South Fork’s wildlife while at the museum. The museum has other wonderful highlights, including a panoramic deck with a 180-degree view of 70 preserved acres of scenic fields and woodlands. The view is beautiful, and it overlooks their outside area which includes a butterfly garden and teaching pond. The museum grounds are even equipped with telescopes to get an up-close view of the animals and plants that live there. Another favorite with the kids is the Marine Touch Tank, located in the downstairs teaching area, where they can reach in and touch local crabs, starfish and more. After experiencing the view and touch tank, visitors can take a nature walk. The Vineyard Nature Trail connects the museum to the ninemile system known as the Long Pond Greenbelt, an expanse of interconnected ponds, woods and wetlands stretching from Sag Harbor to the Atlantic Ocean, spectacular for its wealth of rare plants, animals, and ecological communities. Moreover, SoFo holds a variety of nature walks and workshops, especially on weekends in the summer, for both children and adults. People can enjoy events like “Birding for Beginners” and “Family Wading Adventure!” For more information on events and registration, visit their website, www.sofo.org. Nature educators Crystal Possehl and Lindsey Rohrbach emphasized the exploratory focus of the museum. “We want people to start thinking, what’s under there? Why is it here?” remarked Possehl. Rohrbach added that “We want to inspire somebody to look deeper.” For both nature lovers and novices alike, SoFo can give you the tools needed to become an even better explorer.
Hamptons Jewish Children’s Carnival at The Southampton Montessori School Friday, August 12 • 10:30am–1:00pm
High Holiday Services 2011—5772 Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services September 28–30, 2011 and October 7–8, 2011 For more information and to reserve High Holiday Seats call 631-287-2249.
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South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, 377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 7 days a week, year-round. Admission fees: Adults $7, Children 3-12 years $5, Children 2 years & under free, Museum Members free. 631-537-9735, www.sofo.org.