When we think of autumn we think of fresh apple cider, picking pumpkins from the vine and tastefully decorating our homes for the season, and for Halloween! Long Island is an unforgettable place for enjoying all fall has to offer and we've got you covered with a list of upcoming events you don't want to miss. Plus, read on for East Enddestinations the whole family can enjoy, a seasonal recipe and so much more.
Apple & Pumpkin Picking Tips
Although scores of people cite summer as their favorite time of year, autumn also is a beloved season. Cool breezes and crisp air seem tailor-made for afternoons spent enjoying the great outdoors. The pleasant autumn weather and awe-inspiring foliage may be the reason so many festivals and outdoor events are scheduled this time of year. Apple- and pumpkin-picking are popular fall pastimes. Neighborhood orchards open their doors to the public, allowing men, women and children to scour their fields and trees for the perfect finds. Heed these picking tips to make the experience even more of a success.
APPLES
Many orchards that have open picking seasons plant dwarf apple trees to make the picking process easier, particularly for young children, so there’s no need to bring along a ladder. You should be able to find plenty of apples close to the ground.
A good farmer will know when certain varieties of apples are ripe, and he or she will likely cordon off trees that are not ready for picking. Ripe apples will be crisp and firm. Keep in mind that apples ripen from the outside of the tree inward. Those are the ones usually picked first, anyway.
Try to get to an orchard earlier in the season. If you wait too long, the trees may be picked of most of the best fruit. Depending on where you live, apple-picking season may begin in mid-September and continue into mid-October.
Apples can bruise, so don’t toss them into baskets when picking. Also, wait to wash apples until right before eating to prevent moisture-related spoilage. Apples keep best in a cool location.
PUMPKINS
Pumpkin patches are often found in close proximity to apple orchards. Picking pumpkins to eat or decorate the home is a
popular autumn activity, one that families often enjoy together.
When visiting a pumpkin patch, dress accordingly. That means wearing shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as the patch may be muddy. Layer clothing in case it is a chilly day. Breezes are more pronounced in open fields.
Pumpkins are “long-keepers,” which means if they are uncut or not damaged, they can last for several weeks. This means you can pick pumpkins at the same time as apples. When selecting a pumpkin, look for one that is completely orange. After picking, a green or yellow pumpkin may never ripen to orange.
Bring along a small wagon and knife so that you can cut the vine, if necessary. Pumpkins are heavy, and a wagon will come in handy, especially with youngsters in tow.
Ripe pumpkins should not dent easily. Examine your pumpkin for holes or insects, which could indicate internal rot that greatly reduces the shelf life of the pumpkin. Remember, carving the pumpkin reduces its life expectancy, so be sure to reserve that task until close to Halloween.
If you desire a pumpkin to turn into a baked treat or other dish, you will need a type of small, sweet cooking pumpkin known as a “sugar pumpkin.” The meat of this pumpkin is much less stringy and more smooth than decorative pumpkin varieties.
Autumn is the season for apple and pumpkin-picking. This is a great way to spend an afternoon with the family. If possible, visit an orchard on a weekday, when the crowds will be much smaller than weekends.
Lifelong Artist, Educator
Jefferson’s Ferry Resident spends time in
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
• Volunteer Fair in the Library - Wednesday, September 25, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Meet and speak with representatives from local organizations that are seeking volunteers. Both adults and teens are welcome.
• E-Waste and Metal Recycling in the Library parking lotSaturday, September 28, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Do you have old electronics and metal cluttering up your house or workspace, collecting dust or taking up space? Are they unwanted or outdated? Arrow Scrap Metal and E-Waste Recycling, a NY State Registered Electronic Waste Recycling Facility, can help. Bring your old computers, cell phones, laptops, servers, wire & cable, scrap metal, circuit boards, batteries, printers, hard drives & storage devices, power tools, small appliances, small electronics, keyboards/mice, stereos, flat screen computer monitors, flat screen TVs, cameras and more! Bring your hard-drives and old cell phones to the event and have them shredded on-site! If possible, please remove the hard drive from your computer before arriving at the event.
Not accepted: CRT (Tube) Televisions and CRT (Tube) computer monitors, bulbs, paper, general garbage, liquids, paints, containers containing gases, medical waste, tires, glass or wood. Please do not line up early, as it blocks traffic into and out of the Library.
OCTOBER EVENTS
• Pet Supplies Drive (part of The Great Give Back, a Suffolk Cooperative Library System initiative) - Monday, October 7 - Sunday, November 10. The Library will be collecting new pet supplies (food, blankets, leashes, cleaning supplies, etc) in their lobby to be donated to local organizations that help pets in need. All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours. Questions? Email askus@ emmaclark.org.
• Fall Fun Day - Monday, October 14, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. School's closed! Stop by for fall crafts, games, & activities. For families with children up to Grade 6. No registration required.
• Halloween Scene - Wednesday, October 23. Spooky SLED Bus (For families with children up to Grade 6) , 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. - If you dare, walk through the Suffolk Libraries Community Bus, decorated for Halloween. No registration required. Spooky Rock Painting (Grades K - 6), 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Children & their caregivers can come paint Halloween rocks with acrylic paint. No registration required.
• Community Shred Day - Saturday, October 5 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Get rid of that unnecessary paperwork in a safe and environmentally friendly way! Protect your privacy and get rid of clutter. A shredding truck from A Shred Away, Inc. will be in the Library's parking lot for on-site shredding of personal documents. There is a limit of 5 boxes or bags. All paper collected will be recycled at a certified paper mill. Please note: No plastic, carbon paper, hanging files, red well folders, cardboard, newspapers or magazines. Clips and staples are fine to put through the shredder. No wet papers, and please take any boxes, bags, etc. back home with you. This service is open to the public. There is no need to register or to be a Three Village resident to participate. Please do not line up early, as it blocks traffic into and out of the Library. Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org.
EMMA S. CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY
120 Main Street, Setauket 631.941.4080
www.emmaclark.org
Plus, Don’t Miss The Library Café!
EmmaS. Clark Memorial Library unveiled its new café last year. Owned and operated by Three Village native and chef Chelsea Gomez, Level Up Kitchen Library Café promises fresh coffee and healthy, handcrafted fare that meets a variety of dietary needs. The menu includes nut-free, glutenfree, vegetarian, and vegan items, avoiding cross contamination with allergens. Moreover, Ms. Gomez places importance on sustainability, working with local farms and purveyors where possible to stimulate the local economy and provide the freshest, high-quality ingredients. Ms. Gomez possesses extensive knowledge of food safety, and all of her employees are Suffolk County Department of Health-certified food managers. Stop by today and try a delicious treat! Visit emmaclark.org/cafe for hours and menu.
Theatre Three Impacted By Devastating Flood
Theatre Three, located in Port Jefferson, is a year-round notfor-profit professional regional theatre that was founded in 1969. For over fifty years, they have occupied Athena Hall, a late 19th century historic building. On August 18th, they were hit by a catastrophic flood due to the heavy rainstorms. Four feet of water impacted their entire Lower Level, Second Stage/Griswold's Cafe, Scenic Shop, Costume Shop, Wardrobe Storage, Children's Theatre Storage and more.
Many items were destroyed, including some of their bigger ticket items, such as electrical equipment used for all their productions. They are turning to their community and loyal supporters for
any help that can be provided. They have organized a fundraiser through GoFundMe to help with their efforts to rebuild and refurbish the beautiful historic theatre. As always, they are so grateful for your support and generosity. As they say, the show must go on!
If you are able to give any donation, please visit www.theatrethree.com and follow the prompts to their fundraising page or simply scan the QR code. Thank you in advance!
FallSpend Time In The Yard This Fall
is a great season to spend time in the yard. The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst indicate fall is the ideal time to improve the soil for next season. Amending the soil in the fall allows it to react accordingly over time and reap the benefits in spring. UMass suggests getting an accurate soil test to see what is needed in the garden. Samples should be taken from various areas. Avoid doing so when the soil is very wet. At-home kits can test for nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous and determine the soil’s pH. Gardeners should till the soil and add compost or manure, which will counteract many nutritional deficiencies. Worm castings are good to add, particularly for summer vegetable gardens. Worm castings are high in minerals and effective at holding water — so much so that they even can be used alone in place of potting soil. Crushed egg shells, coffee grounds, and banana peels also can be added in the fall, even if they are not part of a compost pile. The nutrients will break down throughout the fall and winter, and be available just in time for summer plantings.
—John Pawluk, Twisted Cow Distillery, East Northport
Infusing local ingredients into distilled spirits. This has been John Pawluk’s dream since he opened Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport. Through programs like our Main Street Revitalization and Vacant Space Revival, John qualified for more than $35,000 in incentives.*
How can we help support your small business? psegliny.com/EcoDev
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Chowder Ideal For An Autumn Afternoon
Thearrival of autumn signifies many changes, and cuisine is no exception. Some foods just match up with certain seasons. Such is the case with the following recipe for "Corn Chowder with Chiles and Monterey Jack" from "The Culinary Institute of America Book of Soups" (Lebhar-Friedman). Though it works year-round, this recipe is ideal for that first brisk autum afternoon.
Directions:
Cut the corn kernels from the cobs with a sharp knife, capturing as much juice as possible. Reserve 3/4 cup corn kernels. Puree the remaining corn, along with the heavy cream, in a food processor or blender. Set aside.
Cook the bacon in a soup pot over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Add the onion, pepper, celery, and garlic. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the broth, potatoes and tomatoes, including their juices. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Skim any fat from the surface of the soup and discard.
Add the pureed corn and cream, reserved corn kernels and chiles and
Corn Chowder With Chiles And Monterey Jack
Serves 8
6 ears corn, shucked
1 cup heavy cream
2 slices bacon, minced
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, minced
1 celery stalk, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
3 yellow or white potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped, juices reserved
1 4-ounce can green chiles, drained and chopped
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup corn tortilla strips, toasted, optional Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Tabasco sauce, to taste
cheese. Warm the soup. Season with salt, pepper and Tabasco. Serve in heated bowls, garnished with tortilla strips, if using.
Smoked Corn and Chile Chowder With Monterey Jack
Do not try this smoking process unless you have a well-ventilated kitchen. Turn the exhaust fan on high and monitor constantly.
Substitute 2 fresh poblano chiles for the canned green chiles. Core and remove the seeds from the poblanos and red bell pepper. Cut into large flat pieces, approximately 4-inches square.
To smoke the corn and peppers, place fine wood chips in a disposable aluminum roasting pan fitted with a wire rack (if your rack does not have feet, use balls of aluminum foil to raise the rack a few inches above the wood
chips). Use only wood chips that are specifically meant for smoking food. Have ready a fitted cover or aluminum foil large enough to cover the pan. Heat the roasting pan over high heat until the wood chips begin to smolder and smoke. Place the corn and pepper sections on the wire rack over the smoking chips. If the chips are smoldering and creating sufficient smoke, remove the pan from the heat. Otherwise, reduce the heat to low. The idea is to keep the chips smoldering, but to keep them from catching fire. Cover tightly with the lid or aluminum foil and allow the vegetables to smoke for about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the foil and allow the vegetables to cool. Dice the sections of red pepper and poblano chile.
Proceed with the master recipe, adding the poblanos along with the red pepper.
Weekend Road Trip Tips
Along weekend provides the perfect opportunity to hop into the car and embark on a road trip. Sometimes it doesn’t take an extended vacation to recharge your batteries. A brief change of scenery and venue can make for quite the respite as well.
Road trips also tend to be more affordable than longer getaways. If you have the benefit of a tow hitch and a camper, you already have your accommodations. But
even if you still need lodging, there are several budget motels that can fit the bill for overnight lodging along your route. Here are some other road trip tips.
Before embarking, take out a map and plan your excursion. Stick to locations that are within reasonable driving distance from home. If you roam too far, you will spend more time behind the wheel than you will enjoying your destination. Locations no more than five to six
The Autumnal Equinox
Eachhours away should suffice.
Get your vehicle in road trip shape by ensuring it is in good working condition. If your car is scheduled for an oil change, get one before leaving. In addition, top off fluids and be sure that tires are properly inflated.
Make your long weekend a Saturday through Monday affair. You may find the roads are more congested Friday through Sunday. Simply starting your trip on Saturday and returning on Monday could save you the headache of driving in heavy traffic.
Scope out low-cost activities at your destination. Many national parks are inexpensive and may only charge one fee per vehicle to enter. After Labor Day, many beaches no longer charge entry fees, making them an affordable option.
September, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the autumnal equinox, which marks the official beginning of fall. In the Southern Hemisphere, spring is arriving at this time. Each year there are two equinoxes, the vernal and the autumnal (March and September, respectively). Shortly after the autumnal equinox, days begin getting shorter and the nights get longer. The word equinox is from the Latin “aequi,” meaning “equal,” and “nox” or “night.” That means that during each equinox the hours of day and night are nearly equal in length across the planet. During the equinox, the part of the Earth that is closest to the sun is the equator, explains History.com. That helps make night and day equal in length. The fall equinox and the first day of autumn arrives on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 08:44 A.M. EDT in the Northern Hemisphere. The equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide.
Stick to the scenic routes. While they may not save you travel time, avoiding interstates in favor of picturesque backroads will make for a much more relaxing and visually inspiring trip. Schedule rest stops so you can get out of the car and explore along the way to your destination. Taking backroads may also help you avoid some of your fellow weekend travelers.
VehicleTake advantage of cooler temperatures and picturesque scenery by planning an autumn weekend road trip.
Did You Know?
maintenance is often viewed through the lens of keeping cars safe and running smoothly. That impression is accurate, but in addition to potentially saving lives, vehicle maintenance can save drivers money. The summer of 2022 was marked by rapid inflation that affected prices of just about everything, including fuel, which rose to such heights that many drivers sought any way to save money at the pump. Vehicle maintenance is one simple way to reduce fuel costs, sometimes by a significant margin. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that fixing a faulty oxygen sensor could improve gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. Smaller measures also can save drivers money at the pump, as the U.S. DOE estimates that keeping tires properly inflated can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 3 percent while using the motor oil recommended in a vehicle owner's manual can improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.
AUTUMN HAPPENINGS
There’s plenty to do on Long Island, but we’ve gathered information on just a few upcoming events that will surely be a good time!
CEDAR BEACH BLUES ON THE HARBOR FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 21 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM & 22 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM • 101A EAST BROADWAY, PORT JEFFERSON
The Port Jefferson Arts Council and Doc Blues in cooperation with Long Island Blues Society and WUSB 90.1FM presents Cedar Beach Blues on the Harbor. For the second year, this iconic festival will be held at Harborfront Park and will feature talented blues musicians.
LONG ISLAND FALL HOME SHOW
SEPTEMBER 28 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM & SUNDAY 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM • 1255 HEMPSTEAD TPKE., UNIONDALE
Head to the Long Island Fall Home Show to be inspired, motivated and excited for your upcoming home improvement project. This event is designed for homeowners who are in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Guests can enjoy exhibits with product demonstrations, expert advice and more.
FISH HATCHERY FALL FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 28 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM • 1660 ROUTE 25A COLD SPRING HARBOR
The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium will be holding a Fall Festival and Fundraiser on September 28, with a rain date of October 5. This event will be fun for the whole family, offering music, games, live animal encounters, food, kids fishing and environmental exhibitors.
LONG ISLAND BREW FEST
OCTOBER 5 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM • 152 THE ARCHES CIRCLE, DEER PARK
Tanger Outlets Deer Park will be hosting this event on October 5th. In the spirit of Oktoberfest, a traditional German celebration of beer and countrymen will be held with over 150 styles of craft beer featuring many NY Breweries! Guests will enjoy unlimited craft beer samples, along with live entertainment, food and interactive games.
Scores of people insist that exercising with a partner is a great way to remain committed to a fitness regimen, and now research is beginning to support that assertion. A 2023 study from researchers in Japan published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that exercising both alone and with a partner two or more times a week helped to lower risk of cognitive impairment, but the risk was decreased by a more significant margin among those who exercised with others.
Long Island's Largest Car Show To Be Held September 22
Long Island’s largest and most premier car show experience returns to TOBAY Beach on Sunday, September 22nd, from 11am to 4pm. “Car Show Long Island” features hundreds of automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, and emergency service vehicles. A live concert performed by Vinyl Revival will take place during the day, followed by trophy presentations. The event is free for spectators. Free shuttle bus service will now also be offered to all Car Show Long Island spectators with convenient pickup and drop-off located at Jones Beach Field 5 from 10am to 5pm.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Whether you’re a proud classic car owner or you want to see the latest and greatest automobiles in the
world, Car Show Long Island is the place to be! With a diverse range of vehicles showcased, car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire and interact with some of the most impressive cars around. This free familyfun event is a perfect way to spend the day, all with the beautiful backdrop of TOBAY Beach. Spectators can check out cool cars, vendors, exhibits and enjoy live music while surrounded by Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars.”
Car Show Long Island’s 2024 TOBAY Beach Spring Classic features some of the hottest and most classic cars in the tri-state region. While enjoying live music performed by Vinyl Revival and great eats from the Food Truck Corral presented by Eagle Chevy Performance,
thousands of spectators are expected throughout the day to get up close and personal with Long Island’s best classic, muscle, antique and exotic cars. Trophies will be awarded in each class, and children will have a say when deeming which rides are their favorites in the Kids’ Choice Award. Car Show Long Island’s 2024 TOBAY Beach Spring Classic is being presented by: Optimum, Signarama of
Huntington and Whitey’s Tire Services of Brooklyn.
Classic Car enthusiasts and spectators can also grab a bite to eat from the food truck corral, and can also check out numerous vendors and displays. A rain date of September 29th has been arranged. For more information, visit www.carshowli.com, call (516) 797-4121 or e-mail carshowli@oysterbay-ny.gov.
Turn Apple Picking Into Apple Pies
CertainFrench Apple Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie
1 recipe Plain Pie Pastry (see below)
Raisin Filling
2⁄3 cup raisins
6 tablespoons water
1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice
1⁄4 cup light corn syrup
1 1⁄2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar
2 apples (preferably a tart variety)
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1⁄2 teaspoons cornstarch
Icing
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 ablespoon butter, softened
activities are unique to autumn, and applepicking certainly falls into that category. Many families look forward to their annual trips to nearby apple orchards, where they can spend beautiful autumn afternoons picking fresh apples everyone can’t wait to take a bite out of. While fresh apples are a delight on their own, few apple afficionados can resist the temptation to make apple pie. If homemade apple pie is on your agenda this year, consider the following recipe for “French Apple Pie” from Mollie Cox Bryan’s “Mrs. Rowe’s Little Book of Southern Pies” (Ten Speed Press).
Directions:
To make the raisin filling, combine the raisins, water and lemon juice in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally until the raisins are plump, about 15 minutes. Separately, combine the corn syrup, flour and sugar and mix well, then add to the raisins and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool until the mixture is just warm, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a 9-inch pie plate with 1 rolled-out crust. Peel the apples, cut them into thin wedges, and put them in a large bowl. Separately, combine the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, then add to the apples and gently stir until evenly mixed.
Spread the apple mixture in the crust in an even layer, then spread the raisin filling evenly over the apples. Brush the rim of the crust with water, cover with the second rolled-out crust, seal and flute or crimp the edges, and cut a steam vent in the center.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours, until completely cool.
To make the icing, combine the sugar and water and mix well. Add the butter and mix until smooth. Brush over the top of the cooled pie before serving.
Plain Pie Pastry
Makes two 9-inch pie crusts
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2⁄3 cup vegetable shortening
5 to 7 tablespoons cold milk
Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until it is the size of small peas. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the milk over part of the flour mixture. Gently toss with a fork and push to the side of the bowl. Sprinkle another tablespoon of milk over another dry part, toss with a fork and push to the side of the bowl. Repeat with the remaining milk until all of the flour mixture is moistened.
Press the dough together to form 2 equal balls, then flatten into disks. Roll out the crusts right away, or wrap the dough tightly, smoothing out any little wrinkles or air pockets and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball to a thickness of 1⁄8 inch. Use a light touch and handle the dough as little as possible.
East End Destinations To Head To This Fall
Long Island is one of the most desirable places to go pumpkin-picking. You’re able to find several different patches to peruse, many of which also offer hayrides, mazes and more. Read on to learn about some of our favorites, then pack your bags and head out east this fall for a family-friendly day of fun!
FINKS COUNTRY FARM
6242 MIDDLE COUNTRY ROAD, WADING RIVER
Head to Finks Country Farm now through October 31 and on Columbus Day from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM for their Fall Harvest Festival. In addition to U-Pick-Pumpkins-on-the-vine, they will be offering unlimited hay rides, a corn maze, a tractor pull, live music (from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM), character appearances (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM), a kiddie train, food and beverage, pony rides (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM) and much more.
HARBES FAMILY FARM
1223
NY-25, JAMESPORT
Harbes Family Farm’s Jamesport location features 9-acres of on-the-vine pumpkin picking, with many different varieties of pumpkins and gourds available. While you’re there, you’ll want to try their Robin Hood Corn Maze and take a relaxing hayride tour around their farm. Plus, enjoy their famous roasted super-sweet corn and other delicious treats!
FAIRVIEW FARM AT MECOX
19 HORSEMILL LANE, BRIDGEHAMPTON
Fairview Farm at Mecox is a family-owned business that is home to an eight-acre corn maze, which has a new theme and design every year. This year’s corn maze is open every weekend now through November 3, as well as on Columbus Day. You’ll find two bridges along the paths, where you’ll find spectacular views of surrounding farmland, Mecox Bay and the Atlantic Ocean! While you’re at the farm, don’t forget to pick your own pumpkins, enjoy some food and try their Corn Cannon!
