June 4th, 2019– Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter welcomed students to Town Hall as part of the annual Elks’ Youth in Government Day visit. A total of 21 students in 6th and 7th grade from East Islip Middle School and St. Mary’s School took part, visiting the WRAP Recycling Center and the Shellfish Culture Facility.

"Visiting Town government is an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of an area that may be a potential career path. The students consistently demonstrate a genuine interest in how their Town government works. It’s always a pleasure to host the Elks’ Youth in Government Day," said Supervisor Carpenter.

Students learned about recycling, the Adopt/Recycle a Bike Program and important lessons on what to and not to throw out in the regular trash. At the hatchery, students learned how to cultivate oysters and clams before they are sold to shellfish farmers and were able to see the parent oysters and clams, larva and baby shellfish at different stages. They also learned how algae is used to feed the shellfish, and the process that goes into creating the perfect environment in which to grow shellfish.

Students enjoyed a pizza lunch while chatting with Parks and Rec staff, who explained the various services offered by the department as well as summer job opportunities.