While people across the country celebrated Independence Day on Sunday, many gathered in Bridgehampton to celebrate their interdependence at a multi-location event focused on unity and food justice.

Striking a positive note in the lengthy process of grassroots fund-raising required before breaking ground on renovations and expansion of the Montauk Skatepark, the Montauk Skatepark Coalition said its mid-June art auction was a big success and that it is continuing its efforts through Labor Day.

"At 16, I had no idea what I'd be remembered for," Stephen Rosen of East Hampton wrote in an email. "I had a talent for math and physics. I suspected I would be a professor of physics (I was, later), a research scientist (I was, later), a writer (I was, later)."