Flanders: Big Duck, blood drive, a kind lady and more

Hello, freezing friends and neighbors. I’m watching the weather report as I’m writing this column. Not only do we have record-low temperatures, we now have to contend with the possibility of more snow. Please, Mother Nature, give us a 50-degree day soon.

The next general meeting of the Friends of the Big Duck will be Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. at the David W. Crohan Community Center. You need not be a Flanders resident to become a Friend of the Big Duck. All are welcome to attend.

FRNCA (Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Community Association) and the Flanders Fire Department would like to thank the community for supporting their winter blood drive on Jan. 15. Your donation of the gift of life helps our families and friends near and far. Thanks also to the Meetinghouse Deli in Aquebogue for their generous donation of sandwiches for all the donors. Those who wish to be put on the reminder list for the summer blood drive can call Barbara Swislosky at 631-574-8958 or Patty Hopkins at 631-727-3977.

The random acts of kindness mentioned in last week’s column prompted a Flanders gentleman to call me after he received help from a complete stranger. He told me that he and a friend went to King Kullen in Riverhead and, after a bit of shopping, went outside where they both forgot where they had parked the car. After they made a few laps around the parking lot in the bitter cold, a woman pulled up to them and asked if she could help and then proceeded to drive them around until they found the car. Blessings to the woman who helped them out. She knows who she is.

The RHS Class of 1986 is planning its 25th reunion. If you or someone you know were a member of that class, call John Graziano at 335-2035 or contact me at the number/e-mail above to be put on the invitation list. You can also join the fun on the Facebook page that’s been set up: Riverhead HS Class of 1986.

If you’re looking for a fun night out with the family, check out the RCFA Scholarship Variety Show Friday, Feb. 4. See this week’s Coming Up section for more details.

Get well wishes to Spencer Shea, who had another surgery last Friday. We’re all still here for you and sending healing thoughts your way. On Jan. 30 it’ll be one year since that horrible night. I’m going to look at it as the anniversary of your miracle, not your accident. Take care of yourself and feel better, buddy. Heaven in a cup soon? Oh yeah!

Belated happy birthday to my friend Fran Cobb, who celebrated Jan. 23. Sorry I missed it in the column last week but you know I love ya. Hope you had a great day!

Happy birthday to Bob Makson on Jan. 29 from your daughters Karen and Amanda, your son-in-law, Sean, your grandchildren, Morgan and Jake, and all your family and friends. Make it a good one!

That’s all for this week, folks. I hope it warms up a bit and I hope to hear from you with any news you’d like to share with the community. Please drive safely and remember to put those cell phones down.