Each summer we forget what snow feels like. We forget what it’s like to have numb toes from running through it (our first snow of the season ritual) and what it’s like to close our eyes and spin with our arms outstretched while the flakes hit our face (our every time it snows ritual). But last week, when we left work in darkness at 7 p.m. we started to remember. And soon 7 p.m. will change to 4 p.m. and the ice scrapers will come out, Jericho Turnpike will get taken over by holiday shoppers and become even more of a mess than it already is, and we probably won’t see the sun for days at a time. But don’t let that get you down. Here are some events to keep you in touch with nature as the cool weather starts to creep in:
ORGANIC GARDENING & PEACE
Learn about the connection between food and peace and work in the organic garden at the Dominican Motherhouse in Amityville. Bring lunch. Drinks provided. Sophia Garden, 555 Albany Ave, Amityville. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 631 842-6000 ext. 338. Free. Oct. 2.
FILM—NO IMPACT MAN
This documentary follows the year-long journey of a family as they sought to lower their impact on the Earth – by creating no trash, eating only local food, using no carbon driven transportation-not even the subway- and even no electricity at home. By the year’s end their impact was down to nearly zero. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave, Huntington. Special screening with director Justin Schein on Oct. 3 at 7:10 p.m. For more info visit http://www.cinemaartscentre.org. Starts Oct. 2.
SLOW U: COFFEE—GOOD, CLEAN & FAIR
Learn from NYC coffee experts Anne Nylander, of TampTamp, and Teresa von Fuchs, of Dallis, how coffee is grown, sourced, and processed while delving into the complexities of the global coffee trade. Sample some of Dallis’ finest, sustainably-produced coffees. Think Coffee, 248 Mercer St, Manhattan. $25, $20. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/82412. Oct. 3.
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT TOFU…
…But were afraid to ask. Tofu is a remarkable food, but so many people don’t know what to do with it. One of its unique qualities, is that it has no real taste of its own, which can be a blessing or a curse. Chef Bhavani Jaroff will show you how to turn a block of tofu into a myriad of delicious epicurean treats like TLT sandwiches, dairyless cheesecake and more. The Viking Cooking School, 835 Franklin Ave, Garden City. 516-877-1010. Visit www.vikingcookingschool.com to register. 7-9 p.m. Oct. 8.
TASTING/TALK WITH HERB & KATHY ECKHOUSE OF LA QUERCIA
Herb and Kathy were the first to produce organic-certified and heirloom-breed prosciutto in America. Taste their very special artisan-cured meats paired with apples from The Milk Pail, cheese from Lucy’s Whey and Mecox Bay Dairy, local wine and American hard cider. Children’s Museum of the East End, 376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Tpke, Bridgehampton, 5:30-7 p.m. $40. For tickets contact [email protected]. Oct. 12.
GREEN DRINKS BABYLON
Green Drinks Babylon is a monthly gathering of like-minded individuals committed to shaping our future and making Long Island a greener community. Come out and charge your eco-spirit and make some new connections. Horace & Sylvia’s Publick House, 100 Park Ave, Babylon. 631-831-2005. Free. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 14.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS! ULTIMATE HAPPY HOUR
If you’re tired of the same old, same old at the end of the week, here’s a new way to get your weekend off to a blissful start. Join Buddhist teacher Tara Spisak for a guided meditation, a tasty dose of Buddha’s practical advice, some chai and a chat at the end of class. Dipamkara Meditation Center, 282 New York Ave, Huntington. 631-692-9594. $10. 7-8 p.m. First and third Fridays of every month beginning Oct. 16.
A VEGETARIAN THANKSGIVING
Chef Bhavani Jaroff will guide you through creating all of the traditional Thanksgiving foods that you have come to love, and will show you how you can adjust them to meet a variety of different dietary needs—vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Come down and learn how to make a stuffed pumpkin, vegetarian stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes and more. The Viking Cooking School, 835 Franklin Ave, Garden City. 516-877-1010. Visit www.vikingcookingschool.com to register. Noon- 2p.m. Nov. 7. (Holiday Baking With Whole Grains, Dec. 8, 7-9 p.m.)
