North Fork Views

Autumn 2013

Chili Night 2013 Good Chili, Good Friends and Good Cheer

This year, the NFEC's Chili Night is going to be one HOT time. Chili Competitors The competition for the title ―Best Chili on the North Fork‖ features some new entrants and some past crowd favorites. At press time, this year’s line-up so far includes:  aMano (Mattituck)  Cinco de Mayo (Calverton)  Cooperage Inn (Riverhead)  Dark Horse Restaurant (Riverhead)  Hellenic Snack Bar (East Marion)  Lighthouse Market (Aquebogue) An Evening of Friends and Fun  Lobster Roll Nortshide (Riverhead) Chili not your thing? A vegetarian  Love Lane Kitchen (Mattituck) alternative will be available along with We hope to confirm other entries soon. salad, cornbread, a complimentary glass Inside this issue: So for the latest line-up of competitors, be of wine and more...something for Chili Night 2013 1 sure to check our online links: everyone. And don't forget the raffle Green Homes Program 2 Web site: www.nfec1.org prizes at the end of the evening! Facebook: www.facebook.com/NFECorg Calendar Corner 3 All of this and more takes place at the EventBrite ticket page (see below). Martha Clara Vineyards on Friday, 10x10 Art Show & Sale 3 October 25 at 7:00 PM. You can buy Mark Terry to Be Honored Turtle Rescue 4 your tickets online for $40, a $5 discount, Riverhead resident and Southold Town from the NFEC office at 631-298-8880 or Riverhead Foundation 4 Principal Planner Mark Terry is being at: Mark Terry 5 recognized for his years of work on the nfec2013chili.eventbrite.com North Fork with the NFEC’s 2013 Paul What is Truly “Local”? 6 Stoutenburgh Leadership Award. Please Tickets also will be available at the End-of-Year Planning 7 join us in honoring this most deserving door for $45. Space is limited so please Guided Nature Walk 7 person. (See page 5 for more on Mark.) purchase your tickets in advance to ensure your seat for this special evening!

North Fork Environmental Council, PO Box 799, Mattituck, NY 11952 631-298-8880 www.nfec1.org Pa ge 2 North Fork Views AutumnSpring 20112013

Save Energy. Save Money. Save Your Health. L.I. Green Homes Program Can Be of Big Help for Little Cost.

It’s Not Always Good Being #1 Did you know that:  on Long Island residential homes are the number one source of greenhouse gases, more so than our cars and trucks?  LIPA customers pay electric service rates that are among the highest in the nation?

The Good News The good news is that these household problems are easily and, in many cases, affordably fixed. Added good news is that New York State leads the nation in providing The energy audit provides a ―On-Bill Recovery‖ financing is consumers with cost effective ways to homeowner with a complete also available. This allows a save energy while making their understanding of the home’s energy homeowner to finance home energy- homes more comfortable, affordable efficiency using advanced efficiency improvements through a and safe. diagnostic tests. The audit also recurring charge on their household New York’s Home Performance covers health and safety checks on utility bill. with ENERGY STAR program furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters provides homeowners with free or and stoves. End-of-Year Deadline reduced cost home energy audits, After completing the audit, the The program is administered incentives and low-cost financing. contractor gives the homeowner a through the NYSERDA, which also Participating homeowners save an report and along with provides the capital. But the current average of $700 annually on home recommendations for improvements, program, among the most generous energy costs. The Long Island Green such as: in the nation, is currently funded Homes Consortium, through only through 2013. So it’s important administration by the Community  heating and cooling equipment to get in your application ASAP. upgrades Development Corporation of Long For information on how to get Island, is promoting this resource to  air and duct sealing  added insulation started call, 631-471-1215 x145, or, all Long Island residents no matter in for quickest service, visit us at: which town, city or village they live.  caulking of windows, and  weather-stripping of doors www.longislandgreenhomes.org Reducing Energy Costs In addition, the contractor will We urge you to join other Long It’s easier than ever to cut home help the homeowner evaluate Islanders who have already started energy bills. Homeowners simply potential savings and assists with making their homes more energy apply for a free or reduced cost applying for available NYSERDA efficient, less costly to heat and comprehensive home energy cash back incentives, a low-cost cool, more comfortable, safer and assessment — energy audit — and financing loan option, and overall…greener. select a NYSERDA (New York State applicable LIPA and National Grid Energy Research and Development rebates. The Long Island Green Homes Consortium is a Authority) participating contractor to cooperative effort of Long Island municipalities that includes the Towns of East Hampton, Shelter conduct the audit. Island, Southold and Riverhead and organizations that provide education and assistance on energy efficiency programs. Autumn 2013 North Fork Views Pa ge 3

Calendar Corner upcoming NFEC events and key dates

October November December

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 NFEC Board Meeting 7:00 PM NFEC Board Meeting 7:00 PM 10x10=100 NFEC Offices, Mattituck NFEC Offices, Mattituck Art Show & Sale 6:00 PM Please check the NFEC Web site for South Street Gallery, Greenport any changes in location or program. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 Preview: Friday, December 6 (see story, below) NFEC Chili Night 7:00 PM

Martha Clara Vineyards, Riverhead MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 NFEC Board Meeting 7:00 PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 NFEC Offices, Mattituck NFEC Annual Meeting 10:00 AM Please check the NFEC Web site for Martha Clara Vineyards, Riverhead any changes in location or program

10x10=100 Art Show and Sale A Call for Artists and Art Lovers, Alike.

Each year, the South Street Gallery Call for Art Lovers 120 works on display last year — is in Greenport holds a great event — Unlike other shows, the 10x10 sale purchased and removed opening the 10x10=100 Art Show and Sale is on a first come, first served basis. night so be sure to come early! for the benefit of the NFEC. And Many people will come on preview Preview: Friday, Dec 6 we’re pleased that each year, scores day to see if they recognize works Sale Begins: Saturday, Dec 7; 6 PM of people line up on a typically chilly from prominent local artists or other Remaining art works will remain December opening night for the works that catch their eye and, yes, chance to get that special piece of art. on display and for sale until the end make a list. Then on sale day, buyers of the month. Call for Artists of All Media are given a number in order of their arrival. At 6PM, numbers are called We need both artists and art lovers! Here’s how the event works. and that person has a few minutes to Artists can stop by the gallery and take the piece pick up a complimentary 10x10 they want off the cradled birch plywood board and an wall and pay for entry form. Up to two additional it — one person boards may be purchased for $7.00 at a time and only each. With prior notice, a limited one piece per number of boards can be picked up at ticket. Once the NFEC offices. Works are due at done, you can get the gallery by Sunday, November a second number 24th. and make another All works will be sold for $100 purchase later. each: 25% goes to the gallery and the Typically, over remainder split between the artist and half of the art — the NFEC. there were over Pa ge 4 North Fork Views Autumn 2013

Land and Fresh Water Turtle Rescues a Growing Need A Small Group Trying to Make a Big Difference

You may have seen the growing Their rehabilitation facility is a number of signs along North Fork circa 1920 farmhouse which has been roads: Look out for turtles before fully converted and equipped to mowing! As the number of deer rehabilitate over 150 turtles annually. fences around farms and homes The sanctuary is located on one acre have increased, so has the number of natural woodlands and manmade of injured turtles which can’t get ponds which is home to its under these fences and either lay in permanently disabled residents. wait in the roadside grasses or Executive director Karen Testa is a strike out across the road with no NY state licensed rehabilitator. other place else to go. Karen, along with Dr. Robert Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons is Pisciotta of the North Fork Animal a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable Hospital and a small staff of caring corporation located in Jamesport. volunteers, work tirelessly to fulfill Its mission is to rescue, rehabilitate to care for injured turtles. To report an injured turtle, call 24/7: and release native wild turtles. The They can use your help and 631-603-4959 or 631-779-3737 group provides sanctuary and a donations. And please take care and high quality of life for those turtles look out for turtles while driving and For more information about the group which have sustained permanent mowing. and how you can help or volunteer: disability. www.turtlerescueofthehamptons.org

The Riverhead Foundation — There When Needed 24-hour rescue hotline: 631-369-9829

Climate change and other environmental factors have Every attempt is made to rehabilitate and release live resulted in many drastic changes in our local marine stranded animals back to the wild. Trained volunteers and environments, including stronger storms, dramatic and Foundation staff provide assistance and care to over 150 swift changes in air and water temperatures earlier and animals a year, many of which are successfully returned later in the year, and drastic reductions in feeder fish to their ocean home. stocks. As a result of these issues, as well as With winter weather coming, strandings of sea more accidents with personal and commercial turtles stunned by cold water and young seals watercraft, more and more marine mammals and weakened by a lack of adequate food supplies will turtles have been injured and stranded, needing be occurring. If you see a sea turtle, seal, porpoise human intervention to save them. or whale that is stranded our otherwise appears to The Riverhead Foundation for Marine be wounded or in distress, call the Foundation’s Research and Preservation operates the NY State rescue hotline — 631-369-9829 — immediately. Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program, the And we encourage all cell phone users to add this number only authorized organization of its kind in the state. Since to your contact list and to use your phone’s camera to take 1996, over 4,000 marine mammals and sea turtles have a picture of the distressed or injured animal to give the been rescued off of our shores. Foundation more information about the problem. As many of these species are severely depleted or The Foundation’s work is important. Donations from endangered, every stranding is an important opportunity to the public are always needed and appreciated to help feed, collect valuable biological information for studies of both care for and release these animals back in the wild. human and animal health problems. Web site: www.riverheadfoundation.org Autumn 2013 North Fork Views Pa ge 5

2013 NFEC Paul Stoutenburgh Leadership Award Southold Town Planner Mark Terry to Be Recognized

As we looked to nominate Southold’s Future is Here, Now Leadership is an Art someone for this year’s award, It’s hard to look at Southold and If you know Mark or have worked someone said something curious. It not see the passion and compassion of with him or watched him fly in and was, in essence, that elected officials so many of its representatives and out of his many official roles and and government employees really employees. Whether you agree with meetings, you know what a hard shouldn’t be considered because by all of their ideas and stands, they put worker he is. But for all that we the nature of their job, they’re it all out there for the benefit of the recognize as ―Mark, town employee,‖ supposed to be leaders. That may be town. there are other facets which also are true, but two things resonated with deserving of this year’s award. our nominators: What many people fail to realize and fully appreciate is that many of Mark, as a descendant of the Terry 1. How many people in these town officials don’t work family that settled in Southold in the government are true leaders, simple 9 to 5 jobs. They’re out there early 1600s, has a special tie to the and in the community many evenings and town and its past. But as principal 2. A job, in and of itself, weekends at public meetings, planner and father of two, Mark has a doesn’t define a person educational forums and doing their special tie to the town’s future, too. Southold Town does have a own field research and investigations And all of this comes together in number of effective leaders in so they can do a better job for the his art of local scenes, past and government, starting at the top and town’s residents and businesses. present, which took on greater working down through the different Mark Terry epitomizes this picture importance and meaning after the loss departments and committees — even of an employee who continually goes of his brother, Rick. In an August, in this year’s recipient’s own the extra mile for the benefit of 2011 article posted on North Fork Planning Department. But the person others, both today and in the years to Patch, when asked about his art, Mark the NFEC Board and past presidents come. Among the many roles he said, ―...my hope as I move ahead is chose to recognize this year plays, you may know Mark as: to capture a sense of place and inspire consistently puts himself out there in hope in the viewer." so many significant roles in helping  Southold Town Principal Planner to shape Southold Town, his  Renewable and Alternative Mark has inspired both respect and contributions could not be Energy Committee liaison for the hope in his art and his ―day jobs.‖ His overlooked. Planning Board caring, his energy and his dedication  Stormwater Management certainly place Mark at the top of the Therefore, the NFEC is pleased Committee member list of the type of leadership the town and proud to honor Riverhead  2020 Town Comprehensive Plan and the North Fork, as a whole, needs resident and Southold Town principal Committee member, researcher and wants. It's for these reasons and planner Mark Terry for his past and and writer many more, that the NFEC is pleased ongoing contributions to the North  Local Waterfront Revitalization to recognize Mark Terry and his work Fork and its way of life with its 2013 Program (LWRP) coordinator in the vein of the spirit of the man for Paul Stoutenburgh Leadership  Town coordinator, Goldsmith which this award is named: the Award. The presentation will take Inlet Management Plan NFEC’s 2013 Paul Stoutenburgh place during the evening of the Leadership Award. NFEC’s annual Chili Night Beyond these roles, Mark often fundraiser on Friday, October 25 at drafts many of the town’s New York Please join the NFEC on Friday, Martha Clara Vineyards. State Environmental Quality Review October 25 in applauding the spirit of Act (SEQRA) determinations, such as a true leader – one who listens as well with the recent zoning work around as talks, one who tirelessly works to Plum Island. He also was a force in helps others, to help the town as a speaking out and protecting town whole, reach their goals. That is the trees and wildlife amidst all of the spirit, the energy and the leadership changes in town codes. of Mark Terry. Pa ge 6 North Fork Views AutumnSpring 20112013 What is a “Local” Environmental Issue? What Problems Start and Stop at Town Lines?

A recent discussion with the NY We’re All Connected Where are our leaders on the North Fork? All five East End League of Conservation Voters If Southold devotes a large amount towns have allocated funds to a brought up a central question to all of resources to an ―effective‖ deer joint program to protect the Peconic that is happening around us: management program, what good Estuary...all except Riverhead. What can you define as a does it do if Riverhead does not? Like Where are our leaders? “local” environmental issue? dreaded suburban sprawl, the deer will just move east. East Hampton and Southampton Problems Without Borders are taking concrete steps to address Does Riverhead’s investment in water quality and septic system Whether you read The New York upgrades to its wastewater treatment issues now. Why can’t Southold Times, Newsday, News Review or The plant make significant improvements step up and lead the way on this Suffolk Times you’re aware of the to water quality if East Hampton, critical issue? problems facing the North Fork, Shelter Island, Southampton and which include: Southold don’t address the problems Shared Responsibility  decreasing quality of our with residential septic systems? In the absence of leadership from drinking water Water is not confined by lines on a our elected officials, others have to  increasing levels of nitrogen in map. Neither are deer. Traffic comes step up. The Long Island our lakes, streams and bays from and goes to somewhere. Partnership for Clean Water has  degradation of salt marshes Shipping our garbage to Babylon and started an island-wide education  sea level rise then out of state doesn’t wash our campaign on our water problems.  growing beach erosion hands of the responsibility of better The NFEC, along with the Peconic  larger, longer-lasting and more solid waste management. Baykeeper, Sea Run Brook Trout toxic algal blooms Coalition, Affiliated Brookhaven  over 90% decline in clam, scallop Yes, there are issues that are Civic Organization and The and lobster harvests definitely local including zoning, infrastructure, education, road Community Planning Center have These and other issues not only maintenance, business licensing, etc. taken the lead in bringing science to affect the North Fork but impact the And our town governments handle the forefront of discussions on both whole of Long Island. These are those issues well. But when it comes the problems and solutions. regional issues, not confined to any to these overlapping regional issues, Common problems require one hamlet or town. such as water quality, no one town common goals...and uncommon We could drill down another level can solve the problem. cooperation. They require in search of a truly local cooperation between towns, environmental issue and we might Working Together between local, county, state and talk about: Like it or not, each town is federal governments, and between  deer management dependent on each other’s actions environmental and civic groups in  dark skies with regards to environmental order to make timely and  traffic actions. And the towns are dependent irreversible progress. Our future,  solid waste management on the county as well. If one piece of and those of our children and  waste water management the puzzle is not in place, it’s like a grandchildren, depends on this  protecting wildlife and wild hole in the dam — the dirty water level of cooperation. Let’s roll up places will just keep pouring through. our sleeves, join hands and get to work...together. These seem local but you need to At the same time, we cannot allow look closer. our town governments to sit back and do nothing. When we elect public Submitted by: officials we expect them to be leaders. We need to hold our William Toedter, president NFEC representatives to that ideal. They need to lead. Autumn 2013 North Fork Views Pa ge 7

End-of-Year Planning Please Consider Adding the NFEC to Your End-of-Year Giving List

The NFEC has enjoyed a busy year The NFEC wants to thank As the NFEC is a 501(c)(3) with expanded children’s education everyone who took the time to renew organization, your donations are tax programs, active participation in their memberships and make deductible and help us continue our groups such as the Preserve Plum donations to this organization where important work on your behalf. And Island Coalition and North Fork our Board members and officers your donations make it possible for Clean Water Action Group, and volunteer their time. Every single us to plan and expand our programs working with individuals and groups dollar helps us to fight the good fight. offerings in the new year. around numerous Riverhead and So as the end of the year and the We thank you for your past Southold Town environmental and holiday season approaches — not to support. We look forward to your way of life issues. And what this year mention the end of another tax year support in the future, too. has told us is that next year will be — please take a moment and consider even busier. including the NFEC on your holiday list of charitable donations.

NORTH FORK VIEWS A periodic newsletter, published by: North Fork Environmental Council 12700 Main Rd, PO Box 799 Mattituck, NY 11952

Hallockvile, Sat, Oct. 12 at 9 AM NFEC BOARD MEMBERS and OFFICERS: Bill Toedter (president) Guided Autumn Nature Walk with Mary Laura Lamont George Bartunek (V.P. Riverhead) Dan Durett (V.P. Southold) Hallockville Museum Farm continues to provide a full and diverse schedule John Rooney (secretary) of programs for all to enjoy. The NFEC encourages nature lovers to enjoy a Susan MacKenzie (treasurer) gentle two-mile meander around the preserved fields and woodlands that Rose Sanders surround Hallockville to learn more about the flora and fauna that abound in the fall. But also, take time to appreciate the preserved open space which, if LILCO The NFEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit had its way, would have been home to one of the several nuclear power plants organization which relies on the planned for the Northville - Jamesport area. Hallockville is a prime example of support of its members, sponsors, what we can do if we all work together for the common good. volunteers and other concerned members of the community. Its Register by calling Hallockville at 631-298-5292 or emailing your interest to directors and officers are unpaid and [email protected]. volunteer their time to help the There is a $5 fee for Hallockville members and $6 for non-members. organization and the greater community.

Save What’s Left!

Working for a better North Fork… Everyday in every way.

Please join us and your neighbors Friday, October 25 at Martha Clara Vineyards to help… “Save What’s Left!”

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Mattituck, NY Permit No. 46

PO Box 799 Mattituck, NY 11952