Flanders

Happy return to school to all the kids and happy return to sanity to all the parents! We’ve waited two months for this moment and already they have off for two days. Well, what are you going to do, right? It’s for a good reason. Happy Rosh Hashanah to all who celebrate!

This week’s column comes on the heels of last week’s because of the Labor Day holiday, so it’s going to be short and sweet. Don’t forget to come on down to the Big Duck Ranch this weekend for the Blue Grass Country Music Festival on Sept. 11. There will also be an autumn farmers market. Rain date: Sept. 12. The fun starts at 9 a.m.

I promised last week that I’d tell you a little about the 50th birthday party thrown for Robert “Mr. Luke” Lucas by his wife, Denise. The guest list included family and friends and some special guests: SpongeBob Squarepants, Pee-Wee Herman and Marilyn Monroe were there! There was also a petting zoo with some of Mr. Luke’s favorite animals, especially rabbits, a monster truck, two piñatas (because one is never enough) and prizes for the games, including jewelry and even underwear. A fantastic time was had by all. Luke wishes to thank everyone for coming out to help celebrate his birthday and he’d especially like to thank his wife, Denise, for all her love and for throwing such an amazing party!

If you haven’t done so already, please mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 19, at 9 a.m. On this date, a fundraiser walk for Polycystic Kidney Disease will be held at the Ecology Site and Animal Park Preserve in Holtsville. “Troop TJ” from Flanders, named for little TJ Lopez, will be walking. If you’d like to make a donation or find out more about this devastating disease, please visit pkdcure.org or e-mail [email protected].

Well, that’s it, friends and neighbors. Please remember to call or e-mail me with any news you’d like to share with the community. This is such a great way to get the word out about upcoming events, birthdays, anniversaries. I’ll be waiting for your call.

Take care, enjoy the weekend, and please remember that school is in session and there will be children by the side of the road waiting for the school bus. Please slow down and watch out for them. Hugs and kisses to you all!