LI Green Scene: Canned Pandas, MJ Pumpkins, Ribbon Bagels and More

CAN-STRUCTION

Sure the Mona Lisa is impressive, but try creating a masterpiece with cans. Can-struction, a charity committed to ending hunger, is using ‘one can’ as a catalyst for change. Five person teams of architects, engineers, designers, contractors, as well as students, associations and business mentored by these professionals showcase their talents by designing and building giant structures out of cans of food. Each sculpture takes at least two months and thousands of cans, in a variety of sizes and colors, to create. All food is donated to LI Cares/the Harry Chapin Food Bank to help the estimated 260,000 Long Islanders, including nearly 93,000 children and 39,000 seniors facing hunger on a daily basis. RXR Plaza, Uniondale. The structures will be on display to the public from Oct. 30-Nov. 12, with the price of admission being one can of food. www.canstruction.com.

OTTO’S GREEN HALLOWEEN

Otto the famous ghost is back at Hicks Nurseries and he’s going green in a new animated walk-through story. All weekend at 4:30 p.m., kids can visit with Otto and make reusable trick-or-treat bags, go for a hay ride, visit with live animals and enjoy autumn treats like roasted corn, jelly apples and popcorn. Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Tpke, Westbury. Space is limited so call 516-334-0066 for reservations. Smocks are recommended. $8.Through October 31.

REVENGE OF THE PUMPKINS!

Last year local artist Cesar Cristancho made us a Long Island Press pumpkin. We just threw it out last month. OK, we’re lying but we kept it on our desk until it nearly disintegrated and we were very tempted to shellac it and keep it forever. Cesar makes one-of-a-kind pumpkins that we really can’t describe in words. Some are terrifying, some are adorable. Some pumpkins are scary characters from movies and TV. Check them all out at Cesar Creations and in person at De Beneditis Garden Center (250 Jackson Ave, Syosset). All can be duplicated as a special order. You can even put yourself on the pumpkin! Call 516-364-5522 to place an order.

SOLAR TRAFFIC LIGHTS

All 1,600 county-operated intersections in Nassau will soon be much more energy-efficient. The current incandescent-bulb traffic signals will be upgraded with LED bulbs starting in November, in order to reduce energy use and save on operating costs. Additionally, the new bulbs are much brighter than standard bulbs. And, new pedestrian countdown timers will display the number of seconds remaining in crossing time before the “Don’t Walk” symbol is displayed.

PINK RIBBON BAGELS

It’s breast cancer month and local Panera Bread bakers are twisting their bagels into “pink ribbons,” a symbol of hope, in support of local breast cancer organizations. The aim is to help provide funding so that women in our area can access screening and support services. Panera will donate 25-cent per Pink Ribbon Bagel and $3.25 for each Pink Ribbon Bagel Pack sold (13 bagels & two tubs of spreads) to WALK 97.5’s 2009 WALK for Women Breast Cancer Fund. The bagels will be made with dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar. To pre-order click here. Through October 31.

CASH FOR CANDY

This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to the office of Kenneth Gerber, DDS in Port Jefferson Station and receive $1 per pound. Dr. Gerber is leading the “anti-decay movement” by giving away dollars and glowing electric toothbrushes in exchange for cavity-causing candy. Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2% annually and causes damage to braces. To help lessen kids consumption, Dr. Gerber will ship all unopened candy to our troops overseas. Candy will be collected at the office on  November 2, 3-7 p.m. Davis Professional Park, 5225 Nesconset Hwy, Port Jefferson Station.

SHELLFISH NURSERY

The Town of Hempstead just launched a new “green” shellfish nursery at the Department of Conservation and Waterways in Point Lookout. The nursery is an innovative project designed to utilize alternative energy to grow clams, an activity beneficial to both the ecosystem and the local shellfish industry. The solar and wind powered shellfish nursery allows scientists to raise “seed” clams to deposit in local beds. Raising and cultivating “baby” clams is important to support our local shellfish industry, provide area recreation and, most importantly, keep our waterways healthy with natural marine life that filters our bays. As filter feeders, hard shell clams are a critical species that maintain and potentially improve water quality.