New York State is home to several species of wild roses—and, I think, my garden has all of them. Wild roses are characterized by five (usually) pink petals above five sharp green sepals. Most species are armed with sharp prickles to discourage browsing by deer. And, in the fall, they all have the much-prized rose hips which are high in vitamin C, making them valuable food for many wildlife species. My roses are filled all day long with my feathered friends and, most recently, I’ve seen some young squirrels “dining” on the hips too.Speaking of our feathered friends, don’t forget to start the winter off with plenty of bird seed. I know that our resident birds will thank you. If you plan on ordering your wild bird seeds from the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, the order forms must be in no later than this Sunday, October 23. They are available at the refuge or can be downloaded on the following websites: QuogueWildlifeRefuge.org and EasternLongIslandAudubonSociety.org.
Once ordered, you can pick up your seeds at the annual seed sale fundraiser that will be held on Saturday, November 5, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., in the Nature Center of the refuge. All proceeds will benefit this wonderful facility, as well as the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society.
On a personal note, I’m sending extra special birthday wishes to Bob and Mary Anne Kandell. Bob celebrated on Tuesday, October 11, while Mary Anne celebrates her cake-and-candle-day on Friday, October 28. Happy Birthday, Bob and Mary Anne, and here’s to many more!
Finally, the Westhampton Community Church will host a giveaway and free breakfast on Saturday, November 5, for those in our community who are in need. Free adult and children’s clothing will be given away from 8:30 a.m. until noon. The church is located at 116 Montauk Highway in Westhampton.
Donations will be most appreciated and, if you would like to do so, please call Audrey at 631-996-2509. You can also send her a text message at 631-445-3586 or an email at momdadplussix@gmail.com
On The Calendar
Sundays, October 23 and 30: Enchanted Forest Walk, for youngsters age 3 to 7, at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge from noon to 2:30 p.m. Reservations are necessary and children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $10 per person. For information, please call 631-653-4771 or visit QuogueWildlifeRefuge.org.
Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22: Spooky Walk at Camp Paquatuck, from 7 to 9 p.m. each evening. The fundraiser for children and adults with special needs is considered the longest haunted walk on Long Island. Tickets cost $15 per person on Friday and $20 per person on Saturday. The camp is located at 2 Chet Swezey Road in Center Moriches. For directions and information, please visit SpookyWalk.com. (The Spooky Walk will also take place the following weekend on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29.)
Monday, October 31: The Hampton Bays Civic Association hosts its annual Meet the Candidates night at 7 p.m., at the Southampton Town Community Center located at 25 Ponquogue Avenue in Hampton Bays. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
Monday, November 7: Southampton Town Board special meeting and first public hearing on “The Hills at Southampton” at 6 p.m., at the East Quogue Elementary School on Central Avenue.
Tuesday, November 8: Election Day. Vote at the East Quogue Elementary School on Central Avenue between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 12: East Quogue Civic Association annual meeting at 10 a.m., at the East Quogue United Methodist Church located on Main Street.
More Posts from 
