Riverhead

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO
From boxes to boat
Members of the Riverhead High School rowing team begin crafting a boat from boxes Friday for the upcoming Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race, the first of its kind. The event, sponsored by the Riverhead Business Improvement District, is planned for Sunday, June 27, on the Peconic Riverfront. Entrants may use only cardboard, duct tape and paint to build their vessels, which can win prizes in a variety of categories. For event information, call 727-0048 or visit riverheadbid.org. From left: Ethan Zaweski, Jacki Normoyle, Bri Ristau, Hunter Bingham, Rowhan Sment and Amber Giambone.

The Riverhead Key Club held its annual installation dinner on June 1 at the Riverhead Fire House. The new officers inducted were President Kim Moreno, Co-vice Presidents Sam Gao and Savannah Fleming, and Treasurer Melissa Kujawski. The club is looking forward to the new year. Fulfilling more community service events is one of its goals as well as fundraising for UNICEF, Be Homeless, Seniors Prom at Riverhead Care Center and attending conferences for leadership skills. Louise Wilkinson, their adviser, has done a remarkable job keeping up with the students and all their activities. Their “Going Green Lessons” was an informative awareness program in the elementary schools, and they thanked George Bartunek for encouraging them in the world of recycling, sharing the impact on the environment and the importance of recycling at any age. This club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Riverhead, and Harry Wilkinson, its president, was on hand as well as board member Thelma Booker. Two assistant principals, Mr. Hugelmeyer and Mr. Regan, along with board of education member Anne Cotton DeGrasse and yours truly, enjoyed the presentation and slide show of their yearlong events.

At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, June 8, the 22 employees who are retiring on June 30 were recognized. Congratulations to John McCormick, supervisor of transportation, Adrienne Bucholz, elementary teacher, Barbara Olsen, school librarian, Brian Meindl, special education teacher, Ellen Schnabel, elementary teacher, Frederick Zamorski, mathematics teacher, Gary Shafonda. Science teacher, George Schneider, industrial technology teacher, Janice Mackey, elementary teacher, Judy Kozora, elementary teacher, Kathleen McNary, reading teacher, Laura Grable, foreign language teacher, Lorraine Miller, elementary teacher, Mary Twomey, art teacher, Patricia Discioscia, special education teacher, Richard Gebhardt, industrial technology teacher, Robert Jester, science teacher, Suzanne Conlin, school librarian, Therese Godoy, school social worker, Thomas Cummings, elementary teacher, Virginia Kemnitzer, special education teacher and Pamela Norandeau, special education teacher. The festivities also included recognition of school board members Mary Ellen Harkin for her 12 years of service and Christine Prete for six years of service to the Riverhead Central School District. Recognition of service was given to Dr. Diane Scricca for her three years as superintendent of schools. The evening marked the dedication of all who made a difference in the lives as well as the education of Riverhead students.

Happy birthday wishes to Frank Greenwood, who turns 21 years old on June 11; Fran Schaefer, Marlene Iberger, Evan Kito, Kelsey Bogash and Cindy Hynds on June 13; Richie Terry, Anna Enlund and Freddie Lorenz on June 14; on June 15, Aaron Olivierre, Connie Kenter and my mother, Victoria Percopo, who turns a beautiful 79 years old, and Laura Feuermnan on June 16. Hope your day is extra special.

Happy first wedding anniversary wishes to Kevin and Amanda Cheshire on June 13. Be sure to celebrate.

Get well wishes to Helen Berezny.

The 25th annual Pulaski Street Elementary School “Say No To Drugs March,” sponsored by the Community Awareness Program, was a huge success, with a beautiful sunny day for a march. Former N.Y. Jets football player Bobby Jackson graciously signed “Drug Free Body” T-shirts on the lawn and kindly went to Mrs. Myrden’s and Mrs. Ivins’ rooms at Pulaski (124 and 125 respectively) to sign all their students’ shirts. He led the very first march in 1986, and now was an honored keynote speaker. Moose Lodge #1742 was generous enough to serve a picnic lunch to all the students.

Belated happy wedding anniversary wishes to Carol and Jim Lee, who celebrated their 25th on June 2. The Lees are new to Riverhead’s Glenwood Village community and would like everyone to know that they love their lifestyle. So welcome and congratulations on this milestone.

Be sure to hang your flag this Flag Day, June 14.