Montauk Columns

On April 1, there will be a Full Pink Moon in Libra. This is such an exciting time! This moon highlights themes of love, harmony, …more

Hybrid Astronomy Lecture: “The Science of Science Fiction” (A Free, Hybrid Lecture) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 6:00-7:30pm CO-HOST & LOCATION: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St, …more

Mount Dora…A Charming Lakeside Escape Filled with History, Festivals, and Family Florida is known for its beaches, theme parks, and cruise ports, yet tucked among …more

by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel It’s been publicized for almost a year now that the United States Mint will stop producing the penny. Why is this …more

by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel So we’ve had a taste of warm weather for a few days and all the snow is finally melted. Daylight savings …more

Animals of the Month SKEETER: Skeeter is just a year and a half old and already an old soul. She came to ARF through our …more

CAPTAIN PAUL G. FORSBERG November 3, 1939 – March 20, 2026 Founder of the Viking Fleet • Pioneer of Party Boat Fishing Champion of Fishermen’s …more

Cause and effect.  A poem by Lawrence Spiro I am enclosed in six walls – l can’t feel it The culpable containment—no, I can’t patiently …more

Galápagos “The natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well deserves attention” – Charles Darwin We all have our favorite surf destinations; Latin …more

The Art of the Apology “A stiff apology is a second insult.” — G.K. Chesterton  There is a useful maxim; tell the complete truth faster.  This …more

DAISY JONES and the SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid Last month I reviewed Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid which I then followed up by reading …more

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired EHTPD Lieutenant Charlie Morici at the age of 88. He served the Department …more

Dear EarthTalk: What happened at the most recent climate summit (COP30)?                    ~ P.F., via email In November 2025, the 30th annual Conference of Parties —the …more

Animals of the Month TRIXIE: Trixie is an 8-year-old beauty with a gentle heart and a whole lot of love to give. She came to …more

Be Water, my Friend “For an instant, silence, noisier than a waterfall.”   ~ Salman Rushdie If you are lucky enough to step away from winter …more

A  Parallel poem with epistrophe and rhyming couplets. It is a “trope” of obsession. I think this poem would make a beautiful love song, N’est-ce pas? …more

In the quiet early hours of January 2nd, Montauk lost one of its most enduring spirits. John Keeshan passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children. …more

Queen Elizabeth – A Cut Above Every great cruise begins long before you step onto the gangway. Ours started with a practical decision that made …more

On March 3, there will be a Full Worm Moon in Virgo, which will also be a Lunar Eclipse. This Lunar Eclipse is a rare …more

by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel Have the freezing below zero temperatures this winter got you down and content to stay indoors and be bored of winter? …more

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that wireless electricity distribution is a thing? And can we expect to see it implemented widely in our lifetime?    …more

by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel The Winter Olympics XXV, which took place in February in Italy, was all that it promised to be. The competitions that …more

There’s an old saying. “Everyone complains about the weather but no one does anything about it.”  Well, one weekend in January, we got 18 inches …more

ATMOSPHERE by Taylor Jenkins Reid Atmosphere (2025) is a captivating historical fiction novel set during NASA’s Space Shuttle program in the 1980s. Although Reid incorporates …more

Undulating with the Seasons Staying in surf shape and maintaining fitness overall are not mutually exclusive.  We speak of undulating physical training, when we alternate …more

An exhibition of Springs artists at the Springs Community Library. Opening Reception: March 8, 2026 from 11am to 1pm |On View: March 8th thru April …more

“How to Choose and Use Your Telescope” (A Free, In-Person Lecture) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27th, 6:00-7:30pm CO-HOST & LOCATION: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St, East …more

“Great Circle” by Maggie Shipstead Spanning Prohibition-era Montana, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, New Zealand, wartime London, and modern-day Los Angeles, Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead is an …more

by Larry Spiro The following poems describe our journey into winter.  Quid pro quo best describes living in the North East part of this great …more

Animals of the Month CUDDLES: Cuddles, known around ARF as our very own Phantom, is a year and a half old and ready to leave shelter …more

The cruise that began with a crazy Uber detour — and became a holiday to remember A Different Kind of Departure…A cruise usually begins with …more

“Comets and Interstellar Visitors: Exploring The Dynamic Sky” (A Free, Virtual Lecture) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22nd, 7:00-8:00pm CO-HOST: Suffolk County Community College SPEAKER: Dr. Ariel Graykowski …more

by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel The Friends of the Montauk Library announced the winners of their First Annual Gingerbread Creation Contest. This year’s theme was The …more

Dear EarthTalk: Why are Arctic rivers and streams turning orange?               – Will Mortimer, Largo, FL Over the past decade, an increasing number of orange rivers and …more

Welcome January 2026, the year of the Fire Horse! Happy New Year! 2026, celebrated as the Year of the Fire Horse, promises to be a …more

“We Die Alone” by David Howarth A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance This is an unbelievable yet true story which recounts an exciting tale …more

Going Zip-Free for Winter Mastering the seasonal transition of wetsuits is a skill earned with plenty of practice.  The need for a 3.2, 4.3, 5.4, …more

Animals of the Month SALEM: Salem is a stunning 10-month-old cat with long, silky fur and captivating green eyes. He’s the perfect mix of independent …more

Dear EarthTalk: What are some natural ways to fight ocean acidification?      ~ Jim Kline, Boston, MA  Ocean acidification, the lowered pH levels of ocean water, …more

The Dock Restaurant’s Annual Closing Race is a favorite Montauk tradition started by George Watson in the 1970’s. He and his son, Chris, organize the …more