North Fork News

Mourning A Tree

The beloved linden tree that has graced the lawn of the Havens House on Shelter Island has developed a long split down its trunk and will have to be removed. Linden trees can live for centuries, if healthy, and the Shelter Island Historical Society sought out the assistance of Fred Hyatt of Peconic Plant Care and Tim Purtel, the president of Friends of Trees, to see if it would be possible to save the tree, but they determined the split was too severe and discovered additional problems in the tree’s canopy.

Although they considered using cables and straps to stabilize the tree, those ideas were ultimately rejected as unfeasible. With the tree now posing a hazard, the historical society has made the decision to have it removed.

Christmas At Southold Opera

The “Christmas at Southold Opera” holiday concert sponsored by the Southold Historical Society, will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, December 16, at the Southold Opera House.

The concert promises beautiful music performed by talented musicians from around the world. The concert will feature the French American choir of New York, the Southold Opera Choir, and the soloist singers of the Southold Opera conducted by Anne-Julia Audray.

This is the third year Audray has teamed up with the historical society to present a Christmas concert, and the previous two years have boasted fantastic musical performances with real star-power behind them in an event that directly benefits the historical society.

Tickets are on sale at www.eventbrite.com or at Ye Olde Party Shoppe in Southold. Ticket prices range from $35 to $45. Tickets for senior citizens 65 and older are $25, and tickets are $15 for children and students. The opera house is located at 53930 Main Road in Southold. For information, call the historical society at 631-765-5500 or visit www.southoldhistorical.org.

Feederwatch At Downs Farm Preserve

The Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue will start its Project Feederwatch on Friday, December 14, from 9 AM to 11 AM. As an international program from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this project is great for anyone who wishes to feed, watch, or learn more about local bird species. The project also seeks to better the research and protection methods for many of local songbird populations. If you have wished for the opportunity to become a citizen scientist, this is an excellent project to volunteer for. For more information, contact Aaron Virgin at 631-765-6450 ext. 218 or acvirgin@eastendenvironment.org.

Believe!

The Magical Polar Express is departing from Southampton and Riverhead from through December 23. Visit Santa and his elves as they recount Chris Van Allsburg’s story of The Polar Express. These performances are ongoing and the trolleys are open to all ages two and older. With plenty of singing, dancing, hot cocoa, and cookies, there is something for everyone in this Christmas getaway. All family members are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Santa will also be giving out his first Christmas gifts to all the children on the trolley. Tickets are $55 per person, and that includes transportation, gifts, refreshments, and all taxes and fees. The North Fork trolley departs from the All-Star Bowling Alley, 96 Main Road, Riverhead. The South Fork trolley departs from the Hampton Jitney terminal at the Omni on County Road 39 in Southampton. Visit www.northforktrolley.com for information and ticket prices.

The Mattituck-Laurel Library

The Mattituck-Laurel Library has a host of new and exciting events planned for the coming weeks. On Thursday, December 13, there will be an “Intro to Minecraft” class for kindergarteners and first graders at 4:15 PM, a Hot Cocoa Night for teens at 6 PM, and a Holiday Book Discussion, also at 6 PM. On Friday, December 14, there will be a lecture at 11 AM by Dr. Peter Lin titled “Mindfulness: The Application of Zen in Psychotherapy,” the 2018 film Puzzle will be shown at 1:30 PM, and teens can build their own gingerbread houses at 6 PM. Finally, on Tuesday, December 18, the Friends of the Library Meeting and Holiday Luncheon begins at 11 AM and a health insurance counseling seminar will begin at 1:30 PM and continue until 3 PM. All of these are free events — visit the library’s website at www.mattibrary.org for the full list.

Compiled by Justin Meinken
justin@indyeastend.com