Hundreds attended Bloom, a free event that focused on community health and wellness, held each year at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center at 350 Yaphank Avenue in Yaphank. It took place on Saturday, May 18 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk), the event’s organizers, partnered with the 100 Hispanic Women of Long Island Program for the second year to ensure the participation of an expanded number of Spanish-language resources and vendors who specialize in various aspects of health-related education and services.
Bloom vendors provided Suffolk County residents with information and services relating to nutrition, breast cancer prevention, stress management, diabetes education, health checks, goat yoga, and more. Some of the participants included the Hispanic Counseling Center, SEPA Mujer, Long Island Latino Teachers Association, and New York Life Insurance Company, ensuring access to vital services and information for attendees.
The event – titled “Florecer” in Spanish – is designed to appeal to the entire family, with food vendors, farm animal interactions, and hayrides running throughout the day. This is the fourth year that CCE Suffolk has presented the wellness event.
Music was provided by La Fiesta 98.5 FM and En Vivo 93.3 FM.
According to the U.S Census Bureau's 2021 American Community Survey, approximately 207,000 Suffolk County residents speak Spanish at home, a figure amounting to roughly 14 percent of the county’s population. Furthermore, the research group Brookings Institution found in a 2020 report that Spanish speakers in America often lack easy access to healthcare, which it attributes in part to the language barrier.
“Bloom continues to be a shining example of our commitment to enhancing diversity and community wellness,” said Vanessa Lockel, Executive Director of CCE Suffolk. “This year, we were thrilled to once again bridge cultural and linguistic divides, ensuring that our health resources reach every corner of Suffolk County. It's not just an event; it's our promise to build a healthier, more connected community.”
“Our collaboration with CCE Suffolk with Bloom signifies a powerful union aimed at breaking down barriers to healthcare,” said Alicia McGrath, President of the 100 Hispanic Women of Long Island Program. “By providing culturally relevant resources, we empower our community to take proactive steps towards better health. Together, we are crafting a future where wellness is accessible to all.”
100 Hispanic Women is a national non-profit, non-partisan women’s organization with members from a wide range of industries and interests. The organization’s goal is to eliminate obstacles and encourage Latinas to be innovative, maximize their potential, and create strategic partnerships.
“Suffolk County prides itself on its robust agricultural heritage, and Bloom is a perfect manifestation of this spirit, blending our rich history with vital health education,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “It's a privilege to support an event that so beautifully marries our past with the wellness needs of today’s families.”
“Each year, Bloom offers a unique opportunity for our community to engage with health experts in a festive, family-friendly setting,” said Sonia Spar, CCE Suffolk Board President and member of the Hispanic Advisory Board for the Suffolk County Executive’s Office. “Our ongoing partnership with the 100 Hispanic Women Program highlights our dedication to making health education as inclusive and accessible as possible.”
“Bloom is an excellent illustration of the way that community-based partnerships can enhance the well-being of our constituents,” said County Legislator Chad Lennon, whose district includes the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. “This fun and creative event shows all that can be achieved when multiple organizations come together to focus on comprehensive health and wellness solutions.”
“Family-oriented events like Bloom play a beneficial role in promoting healthy living and the quality of life for Suffolk County residents of all ages,” said County Legislator Dominick Thorne. “Now in its fourth year, it’s exciting to see how Bloom has steadily evolved into a valued, annual festival that supports the health of our community.”
"It was a privilege to attend the Bloom event at the Suffolk County Farm sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension and the 100 Hispanic Women Long Island Program,” said County Legislator Ann Welker. “It was also inspiring how well attended the event was despite the inclement weather! The concept of a bilingual wellness event with opportunities to try goat yoga and to go on a hayride, while promoting family wellness and health education, is an excellent one. I look forward to next year's event, perhaps with a bit more sunshine!"
Bloom’s host location, the Suffolk County Farm, is a working farm in Yaphank that has been in operation since 1870. Managed by CCE Suffolk since 1974, the farm serves as a bridge between the organization's programs and Suffolk’s agricultural heritage. Activities on site include wagon rides, interactions with farm animals, and more.
About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Established in 1917, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk) is a non-profit community education agency that works to preserve the county’s agricultural resources, marine life, protect our eco-systems, support families, provide community service opportunities for youth, and advance research-based education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Affiliated with Cornell University as part of the national land grant university system, CCE Suffolk’s staff consists of educators, researchers, specialists, and support personnel who are dedicated to making Suffolk County a desirable place to live and work.
CCE Suffolk is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under an organizational model approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York.
More information is available at http://ccesuffolk.org/.