North Fork News

The Riverhead Recreation Department’s annual “Riverhead Idol” competition will return on January 19. The performances start at 7 PM at the Shade Tree Center in Aquebogue, with doors opening at 6:30 PM.

Those who place first, second, and third in the competition will receive various prizes, including gift cards to Tanger Outlets and opportunities to sing at local events. Tickets will go on sale on Monday, January 7, and can be purchased during business hours at the Shade Tree Center for $10 or $12 at the door on January 19. For additional information, call 631-722-4444 ext. 740.

The Art Of The Eel

The Southold Historical Society’s Winter Lecture Series will begin with “The Art of the Eel,” an eclectic presentation on the history of eel fishing accompanied by music and poetry, on January 8 at 4 PM. The series will be held in the Peconic Landing Auditorium on 1500 Brecknock Road, Greenport.

The presentation will be led by Stephen Sanfilippo, who holds a Ph.D. in History and annually practices an old Italian custom by eating eel on Christmas Eve. This custom is observed throughout Italy and the Italian diaspora, especially in fishing communities such as Sanfilippo’s native Brooklyn, and throughout other parts of Long Island. Although this is a free event, RSVP is recommended and can be arranged by calling
631-765-5500.

For more information on this event or any of the other society programs, visit www.southoldhistorical.org.

Mattituck-Laurel Library

The Mattituck-Laurel Library is hosting several new film showings as well as many other fun and exciting events. The 2018 film Dog Days will be shown on December 21 at 1:30 PM and the 2018 film Operation Finale will be shown on December 28, also at 1:30 PM.

Then, on Thursday, January 3, the library will three different events all on the same day. At 11 AM there will be a Senior Singles Meet and Greet, at noon there will be an Identity Theft and Security Tips themed seminar, and finally at 5:30 PM will be the Teen Advisory Board meeting. For the full event listings, go to www.mattlibrary.org or call 631-298-4134.

Busy As A Bee

“Starting in Beekeeping” begins Saturday, January 5, and will be presented by Chris Kelly. This hour-long presentation begins at 7 PM and will be hosted at the Custer Observatory on 1115 Main Bayview Road in Southold. As a Cornell Master Beekeeper with 48 years of experience, Kelly will discuss the basics of beekeeping and how to get started. Kelly will also provide information on purchasing the bees themselves as well as the required equipment to maintain them. The presentation will conclude with a question and answer session. For additional information, contact the observatory at 631-765-2626 or visit www.custerobservatory.org.

Watercolors And Wine

Head on down to the East End Arts Carriage House on Friday, January 4, for some relaxation, creativity, and a glass of wine. This event will run from 6 PM to 8 PM and will be led by Melissa Hyatt. Hyatt is a watercolor artist who will be instructing the class in various artistic techniques. Students will then be able to create a five-inch by seven-inch painting of their own to take home and frame.

Artists of all experience levels are welcome. Seating is limited and advanced registration is required with an entry price of $35. For additional information and to register, email education@eastendarts.org or call 631-369-2171.

Compiled by Justin Meinken
justin@indyeastend.com