Aquebogue-Jamesport

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO
Let’s do lunch
Riverhead Town’s Senior Center bused guests to the Peconic Riverfront last Thursday afternoon for the monthly ‘Lunch on the Riverfront’ hosted by the recreation department. The group pictured has been attending the event since June.

This is the weekend for the Jamesport House Tour! Here’s the latest update, thanks to Richard Wines: Tickets are still available at $40 in advance by buying online at JamesportMeetingHouse.org or by phone at 631-722-0008. They will be available on the day of the tour for $50 at the Jamesport Meeting House, which will open at 9 a.m. The tour homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour-goers can walk, bicycle or drive from home to home at their own pace and in their own order. The whole route, including return trip to the Meeting House, is approximately three miles.

This year’s tour will include 14 houses, covering a wide range of styles and time periods, starting with the founding of Jamesport in the 1830s and running into the 21st century. Tour homes range from the grandest home ever built in South Jamesport, which had quarters for three servants, to some of the humblest baymen’s cottages, with only a few rooms for the whole family.

Each home will be staffed by knowledgeable docents who will tell the stories of the homes and how Jamesport started as a whaling port in the early 19th century, became “a little Polish fishing village,” thrived as a summer resort, and how it survived hard times when “there was no money.” Best of all, these are all homes of real Jamesporters, not fancy designers. Every one of them is a treat to explore.

Proceeds will go to repair and maintain the Jamesport Meeting House, supported by members of the community and all who appreciate this local treasure. There is still a need for volunteers to serve as docents for the afternoon shift, 1-4 p.m. All docents can buy their tickets at half price! Contact Richard at 722-0008 to volunteer.

There is another opportunity to attend a labyrinth workshop at First Parish Church on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop will focus on the history of the labyrinth, different designs and uses, journal writing, dowsing¬ and group sharing. The workshop is conducted by Lisa Barrow of Sacred Spaces Organic Gardening. Lisa is a graduate of New York Institute of Chinese Medicine, with a background in acupuncture, western and eastern herbology, and alcohol- and substance-abuse counseling.

First Parish Church is also sponsoring a Blessing of the Artists on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. This is not a religious service, but rather an acknowledgement and affirmation of the gifts and talents of all the artists in our midst. The Spiritual Renewal Center is providing an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the local artists and their creations.

The day will begin with a blessing of the artists, followed by a showing of featured artwork at the Grange, music and holy and healthy local organic foods. For reservations and information e-mail maryannsuozzi @yahoo.com or call 905-1614.