Grind

In the interest of keeping our readers and our community informed about health-related matters, this week The East Hampton Star removed the paywall for all of its virus-related coverage, meaning that you can read these stories for free whether you are a subscriber or not.

Update, March 14, 7:10 a.m.: The East Hampton Library has announced that it would be closed indefinitely and that fines would be waived for all overdue items. Updates will be posted on the library's website and facebook page.

All talks, classes, and other public programs at the East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, and Amagansett Libraries have been suspended through the end of March.

A number of conveniences are available so you don't have to leave the house.

The United States Postal Service has announced plans to remove a mailbox from the Bridgehampton Commons, in front of the King Kullen grocery store.

"The volume collected from this collection box is no longer significant enough at this location to warrant keeping [one] there," the Postal Service said in a notice placed on the mailbox and tacked up at post offices regionally.

The Montauk St. Patrick's Day Parade has been canceled, and as COVID-19 takes hold in Suffolk County many organizations have closed or canceled programs as a precautionary measure. The Star will update this list as new information becomes available.

Nothing beats good hand washing, but you can easily make a great DIY hand-sanitizer.

You'll need very high proof vodka or rum (we used Spirytus grain alcohol from Poland that is 192 proof — 96% alcohol!) and aloe (available in food stores and Latino specialty shops).

The East Hampton Healthcare Foundation’s monthly wellness fair will take place Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the former Most Holy Trinity Catholic School. Parking is in the church lot off Buell Lane. Services will include screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, and H.I.V. Applications for colorectal screenings and appointments for no-cost mammogram and Pap tests for uninsured women over 40 will also be available.     

Rock the Retreat, a fund-raiser that was to happen tonight at the Stephen Talkhouse, has been rebranded. A “community jam” featuring the Rum Hill Rockers and bands led by East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc and Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman will benefit the Retreat, which provides domestic violence and sexual assault services and education.

The Family Service League will host a workshop at the Springs School on Monday to help adults, teens, and children avoid becoming addicted to vaping.   

Barry Sonnenfeld, the legendary director and cinematographer, will visit the Hayground School tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. to sign copies of his new book, “Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother: Memoirs of a Neurotic Filmmaker.”

The Bridgehampton School is planning a class reunion for alumni who graduated in 1970. As per the school's annual tradition, the reunion will be held around the time of the high school graduation ceremony in late June, with exact details to be announced.

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Family Health and Wellness Fair will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons on St. Andrew’s Road on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.