Community News, February 10

The Montauk Library will offer free tax return assistance on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon, through April 16. Appointments are required, and may be made by calling the library at 631-668-3377.

Go to montauklibrary.org for detailed program information.

If you drove by and noticed the library wrapped in scaffolding, you may have wondered why.

First, a little background: The Parker Anderson House was given to the Town by artist Elizabeth Parker Anderson to be used as a library for the residents of Springs. The building is a rural Greek revival style and is under the charter of the Springs Historical Society. In recent years the chimneys were deteriorating and the roof was leaking; repairs were sorely needed. The town contracted Ronald Webb Builders to do the restoration and it is now well underway. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and the restoration follows the original design.

The library is open during regular hours even during construction.

In addition, Cate Rogers is the historical society’s new liaison on the Town Board.

On the Springs Historical Society’s calendar is an Authors Night on Wednesday, February 16, at 6 p.m. at Ashawagh Hall. Genie Henderson will be the first guest author. Masks are required. The public is invited. Admission is free

The second Sunday of each month, the 9 a.m. service will have children participate in the worship service. “Children’s Sunday” will launch February 13 and it’s hoped that all who attend the service will enjoy Pastor Rob Stuart’s new assistants.

Finally, a reminder about the “Save Our Steeple” fund for the Springs Presbyterian Church.

Donations may be made at SpringsPC.org.

Registrations for the prekindergarten program for the 2022-23 school year at Springs School in East Hampton are now being accepted. All children who reside in the Springs School District and will be four years of age on or before December 1, 2022 are eligible to attend. Registration may be completed online by going to springsschool.org and clicking “quick links.”

For more information, email registration@springsschool.org or call 631-324-0144.

When out grocery shopping this week, think about picking up a few nonperishable food items to donate to the East Hampton Rotary’s Fill A Truck Food Drive. The truck will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 120 Main Street, on Saturday, February 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items that are especially needed are ramen, quick oats, canned vegetables, canned tuna, cold cereal, dried beans, peanut butter and jelly.

Staying Safe On Our Streets

Join an expert pedestrian and bike safety panel from the New York Coalition for Transportation Safety for a virtual workshop about New York State laws and technologies meant to protect pedestrians and cyclists on local roadways. Co-hosted by the East Hampton Library, the virtual program will be presented on Thursday, February 10, at 2 p.m.

To get the program link, register at walksafeli.org.

East Hampton Town has added dates for COVID-19 vaccines at Town Hall on Pantigo Road. Clinics are available February 10, 16 and 22.

The clinics are open to the public and there is no cost for the vaccine. Moderna, Pfizer and J&J are available. A New York State consent form is required, as well as a patient registration form, identification and, if applicable, insurance and vaccinations cards.

To book an appointment, go to COVID19VaccinesTOEH.as.me.

Head over to Cormaria on Sunday, February 13, between noon and 2 p.m. to pick up a special Valentine’s Sunday supper. Located at 77 Bay Street, the folks at Cormaria will be cooking up chicken corn chowder, a Valentine’s Day salad, savory cheese muffins and strawberry linzer cookies, which you can take away for $20 (enough for two people). No reservations are needed but the take-away bags are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The organizers request that masks be worn, stay in your car, don’t park and please bring exact cash in a marked container.

Canio’s Books has participated in a project that, so far, has generated donations to provide more than 6,000 copies of “The 1619 Project” to nonprofits nationwide. Locally, the copies are going to the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center and there is still time to purchase a copy that will, in turn, be turned over to the center. Visit Bookshop.org for details or call Canio’s at 631-725-4926.

Cuddle with your Valentine for a William Blake poetry reading, offered live on Instagram from the Mind Offline office on Hampton Street in Sag Harbor, on Monday, February 14, at 6 p.m. The selection of readings from Blake were curated by Patti Smith and will be read by Kate Mueth and Josh Gladstone.

Also available is a Valentine kit for purchase.

For details about the event or to purchase a kit, email info@mindoffline.org.

African-American literature will be celebrated during the library’s 14th annual African American Read-In on Thursday, February 10, at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to sign up to read a short excerpt from a favorite work, whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, oral history, or a family story. This event is being co-hosted by Canio’s Cultural Cafe, the Eastville Community Historical Society, and the library, and is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. To sign up to read, email programs@johnjermain.org.

A teen movie double feature will be offered on Saturday, February 12, at 11:30 a.m. Both of the movies featured are film adaptations of Nicola Yoon’s teen novels. First up, is “Everything, Everything” at 11:30 a.m. “The Sun is also a Star” is at 1:15 p.m.

Registration required. Masks required. To protect patrons who cannot get vaccinated, we request that you continue to wear masks and social distance when inside the library and at all in-person programs.

Every Tuesday in February, the John Jermain Memorial Library will offer a virtual “Breathe Together” program from 10 to 10:20 a.m. It will feature 20 minutes of deep breathing that fosters calm and can improve health and your overall outlook. Email the library, programs@johnjermain.org to receive the Zoom link.

A weekly fiber arts meet-up is planned for Wednesdays, from 1 to 2 p.m. Knitters, felters, weavers, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, spinners, sewers, quilters or anyone working with fabric, fiber or thread is invited.

For a full list of library programs or for more information, go to johnjermain.org.

The Horticultural Alliance of the Hamptons will hold a lecture via Zoom on Sunday, February 13, at 2 p.m. titled “Ruth Rogers Clausen Discusses Deer-Resistant Native Plants for the Northeast.”

Visit hahgarden.org or call 631-537-2223 for the Zoom links, as well as additional programming details.

The Coalition for Women’s Cancers and Lucia’s Angels has resumed its monthly volunteer meetings, the next of which is on Tuesday, February 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Water Mill Community House, 743 Montauk Highway. A light supper will be served. A Zoom option may be available for those who cannot attend.

RSVP to sroden@cwcshh.org.

Joan Baum will talk about “The Clansman: A Novel that Reignited the KKK” in a talk at the Southampton History Museum on Thursday, February 10, at 11 a.m. “The Clansman,” a work of fiction by Thomas Dixon Jr., was the basis for the 1915 silent movie, D.W. Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation,” which is said to be among the most influential films in advancing the cause of the KKK.

Also being offered by the museum is a lecture titled “Southampton’s 20th Century Influencers: William S. Paley, Media Mogul” on Thursday, February 17, at 11 a.m.

Go to southamptonhistory.org for COVID guidelines required for attendance, as well as to register for the programs.

“Tanaku Lodge — Where Everything is Bigger,” will be offered via Zoom, on Wednesday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m. with Chris Paparo of Fish Guy Photos, who will discuss his multiple adventures to Tanaku Lodge located in Elfin Cove, Alaska. Hear tales of fishing for giant halibut, rockfish and salmon while surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery and “Nat Geo” wildlife encounters.

On Wednesday, February 23, at 6:30 p.m., the library will offer a glimpse into the milestones and achievements of African Americans in the entertainment industry. The presentation will highlight the iconic actors, filmmakers, musicians and dancers who shaped the industry with their groundbreaking performances and notable contributions to the performing arts. For information about library programs or to register, go to myrml.org.

The annual Hampton Bays Scout Troop 483 Valentine’s Day Rose Sale starts Saturday, February 12, and continues through Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14. The variety of roses are all fresh and high quality. To purchase roses, stop by the Hampton Bays Firehouse on Montauk Highway, any of the three days, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Registration for kindergarten in the Hampton Bays School District is being conducted by appointment only at the district office.

Call Pilar Corredor at 631-723-2100, ext. 5107, to schedule an appointment.

Plan ahead to attend these programs: Play Bingo on Zoom on Wednesday, February 23, from 7 to 8 p.m. Register by sending an email to theresaowens8@gmail.com with the subject “BINGO.”

Do you know your presidential trivia? Put it to the test during a Presidential Trivia Challenge, anytime on Saturday, February 26. All questions will be emailed that day and participants have until 11:59 p.m. to play. Everyone who plays will be eligible to win a $25 Amazon gift card, regardless of score. Patrons may register by sending an email to theresaowens8@gmail.com with the subject “HBAY/PRESIDENTS.”

Knitting with Arlene is held at the Hampton Bays Public Library on Mondays, February 14 and 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This is a change in time from previous sessions.

Find more information on library programs by visiting the website at hamptonbayslibrary.org.

Here’s a chance to do something seriously sweet for your sweetheart: Adopt an animal at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. By “adopting” (no, you don’t take the animal home), with a donation, you will enhance that animal’s dwelling space, provide nutritious foods and enrichments, as well as help cover the costs of any necessary care. An added bonus is expanding education programs that would result from your donation.

Go to quoguewildliferefuge.org for details.

As part of its Link and Learn series, the library will virtually host a discussion on “Alice’s Ordinary People,” a DVD documentary about Alice Tregay, on Thursday, February 10, at 7 p.m. During the event, participants will learn more about Tregay, who refused to stand still for injustice and brought others together in the name of change. Her story spans the historic period from the marches of Dr. King to the election of Barack Obama.

Tweens and teens (grades four to 12) are invited to create a heart pillow for Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 11, at 5 p.m.

Plant a cactus and decorate a planter in honor of Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 12, at 1 p.m. Registration is $3 per participant.

To register or get more information on library programs, call 631-288-3335 or visit westhamptonlibrary.net.

The Shelter Island Historical Society has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. The grant will be used to create and install “Digital Tapestry,” a virtual reality experience created by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. “Digital Tapestry” will focus on Shelter Island life during the American Revolution.

“Digital Tapestry” is an innovative, interactive, virtual experience. Using period paintings, this exhibit will be narrated by Captain James Havens and his wife, Elizabeth, who owned and lived in Havens House on Shelter Island throughout the Revolutionary War years. Havens House, now home to the Shelter Island Historical Society, was originally built in 1743. Captain Havens was a privateer and a Representative of Suffolk County in the New York Provincial Congress of 1776.

“We are honored that the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation chose our organization to participate in educating the public about this historic time period using cutting-edge technology. This experience is designed to connect the shared histories of Long Island towns and will link to historical societies’ exhibits enabling a reach to a broad audience,” said Nanette Lawrenson, executive director.

The exhibit is scheduled to open Spring 2022 at the Shelter Island History Center.

Kathryn Curran, executive director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, said, “The importance of Long Island’s role in the American Revolution, and the history of slavery on Long Island are the first thematic offerings of our Digital Tapestry program. Linking sites all over Long Island that have a shared story will create a historic trail to other participating sites. This thematic approach to sharing our history from site to site is limitless. We are delighted to offer this new program to our historic stewards.”

To celebrate Black History Month, the Shelter Island Historical Society will open a digital exhibit titled “See Their Names.” In a partnership with the Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, the historical society’s virtual exhibit will highlight the names of African American Shelter Islanders dating back to the early 17th century.

The online exhibition will launch simultaneously on the Shelter Island Historical Society and Sylvester Manor Farm websites on February 16. A Zoom conversation will take place on Sunday, February 27, at 1 p.m., discussing the research methods and how these names will be restored to become part of the community historical narrative. Registration details for the Zoom presentation will be released at the launch of the online exhibition.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The South Fork Natural History Museum, in keeping with its mission to preserve the natural environment, has started a volunteer program called “SOFO Cleans the Trail.” The program will focus on a different trail each month and will include data collection on types of trash picked up.

Those interested in the program should email info@sofo.org or call 631-537-9735.

It’s time for Andy Sabin’s annual Eastern Tiger Salamander search. This popular night event in search for the largest of the area’s native salamanders as it makes its way to the pond to mate and lay eggs is set for Saturday, February 12, at 7 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a flashlight and wear boots.

To register, go to sofo.org or call 631-537-9735.

The South Fork Natural History Museum will lead a walk at Cupsogue Beach County Park on Sunday, February 13, at 11:30 a.m. with the goal of seeing seals sunning themselves on an offshore sandbar.

Advance reservations are required; call 631-537-9735 or email info@sofo.org.

Learn about owls through a brief slide show and then join Joe Guinta in the woods to call owls and hope for a sighting during an event sponsored by the South Fork Natural History Museum on Wednesday, February 16, at 7 p.m. Bring binoculars and a flashlight.

Advance reservations are required; call 631-537-9735 or email info@sofo.org.

Hike the Anna and Daniel Mulvihill Preserve and the William Mulvihill Preserve on Saturday, February 12. Co-sponsored by Southampton Trails Preservation Society and Peconic Land Trust, the walk’s meeting place in 820 Brick Kiln Road (look for gray pillars) at 10 a.m. Park across the street along Highview Drive. A moderately paced 3-plus-mile hike that includes vernal ponds, kettle holes, glacial erratics and the Great Swamp. The walk leader is Jean Mc Dermott.

For reservations call Peconic Land Trust at 631-283-3195, ext. 117, or email to Events@PeconicLandTrust.org.

Take a Valentine’s Day Hike at Emma Rose Elliston/Wolf Swamp Preserves on Sunday, February 13. Co-Sponsored by the Southampton Trails Preservation Society and the Southampton History Museum, the walk starts in the Emma Rose Elliston parking lot, 40 Millstone Brook Road, Southampton, at 10 a.m. Mostly flat terrain with a few hills, the pace will be moderate for about 3 miles. April Gonzales will point out and talk about the rare surviving American chestnut trees. Trails are well cleared, but always a good idea to protect against ticks and dress for the weather. Rain or heavy snow cancels.

The walk leader is Tim Corwin, who may be reached at 631-204-7821.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host a series of hikes to observe wintering seals off Montauk Point. The next dates in the series are Saturday and Sunday, February 12 and 13, at 1 p.m. The series continues through April. A state park naturalist will lead visitors on a scenic beach walk to an area where up to four species of seals can be observed. Along the hike, there will be opportunities to see many winter birds and explore marine geology. Hikers should meet at the office/restroom building in the lower parking lot, at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the walk.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling 631-668-5000, ext. 0. The cost is $4 per person (children under age 3 may participate for free).

The Southampton Youth Bureau will offer free programs during winter break at the Flanders Youth Center, 655 Flanders Road. The programs are as follows:

Tuesday, February 22, from 3 to 6 p.m., Board Game Bonanza! for those in kindergarten through grade eight.

Wednesday, February 23, from 3 to 6 p.m. Get lost in space with a movie and activity for those in kindergarten through grade eight.

Thursday February 24, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Arts and crafts / karate class for those in kindergarten through grade eight.

Friday, February 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. for those in kindergarten through fourth grade, and 5:30 to 8 p.m. for those in grades five through eight, it’s Fri-YAY! featuring games and other activities.

Space is very limited and preregistration is required. For more information or to register, call 631-702-2425 or visit www.southamptontownny.gov/YB.

The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau is accepting submissions for its Creative Arts Contest! This year’s theme is “New Beginnings.” Artists are encouraged to share their interpretation of what a new beginning could look like for them. The contest is open to students in grades five through 12 who reside or attend school in the Town of Southampton. Artwork will be judged on quality, creativity, and presentation based on the artist’s interpretation of “New Beginnings.” All art entries (maximum of two entries per artist) must be dropped off at the Southampton Youth Bureau’s main office at the Flanders Youth Center, 655 Flanders Road by Friday, April 1. Participating artists are invited to bring their families and friends to the final exhibit at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill on Friday, May 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the Best Art Piece in the categories of photography, graphic art, sculpture, and free-hand.

For more information or to view the registration form, call 631-702-2425 or visit www.southamptontownny.gov/youthbureau.

East End Arts & Humanities Council is offering the 2022 East End Arts Rocky T. Memorial Guitar Scholarship to honor Rocky T., a lover of music and guitarist.

Rocky T. loved playing guitar. As a child, he was in a rock band and taught his own son how to strum. To honor him in the best way, his family created a scholarship at East End Arts in his memory. This scholarship opportunity is open to a single guitar player between the age of 10 and 18 who wants to develop their skills. The Rocky T. scholarship offers one year of 30-minute private guitar lessons and an opportunity to join EEA Rocks, EEA’s student rock band.

The deadline is February 14 and the winner will be announced on March 1.

To apply, go to eastendarts.org.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge will hold a winter break camp during which campers will experience a hike, a craft, and meeting animals. The program will include outdoor exploration, and the indoor Nature Center may be utilized (masks required indoors).

To register, go to quoguewildliferefuge.org/winter-camp.

Start perfecting your free throw, kids! Be ready for the championship contest, organized by Knights of Columbus Father Joseph Slomski Council 7423, on Friday, February 11, at 6 p.m. at Westhampton Beach Middle School. Participants will receive a T-shirt and the champs will get additional prizes. It is open to all who are age 9 through 14 (proof of age is required).

For more information, call Michael Doyle at 631-897-9863.

As always, Project Most, based at the Community Learning Center at Neighborhood House, has a full lineup of programs for children. This week look for Sewing 101 on February 12, at 10 a.m.; Jump Rope and Double Dutch games on Saturday, February 12, at noon; Suess & Sous on Tuesday, February 15, at 3:45 p.m., a roller skating class for those in kindergarten through third grade on Fridays, February 11 and 18. The Saturday Run Club will meet at 9 a.m. on February 12, 19 and 26.

For a full list of the many programs offered by Project Most, as well as details about program times and fees, go to projectmost.org.