Flanders: Historical Society gets windfall; FRNCA looks for volunteers

Hello, friends and neighbors. I know I’m probably the loudest person complaining about winter and wanting spring to get here but even I have to admit that seeing the ice cream man on March 4 was just a little too much. When I was younger, seeing the ice cream man in June meant that summer was right around the corner and school was almost out. Seeing him or her in March … not so good.

Flanders Historical Society would like to thank the Klokis family, the former owners of the Blue Barn, for graciously donating their remaining inventory of antiques and bric-a-brac to the society. In the near future they will need as many volunteers as possible to assist in an inventory and cleanup of all the donated items, which will then be sold. The proceeds will go to support the Society’s efforts. Those wishing to help out or get involved are asked to attend the next Board of Trustees meeting, tonight, Thursday, March 10, 7 o’clock at the Dave W. Crohan Community Center.

FRNCA is seeking volunteers to fill upcoming vacant seats on the executive board. All positions are available. New ideas are being sought to keep Flanders, Riverside and Northampton moving in the right direction. The next meeting will be held Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m. at the Dave W. Crohan Community Center. This month’s guest speaker is Peconic Baykeeper Kevin McAllister.

The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau will present the fifth annual Hampton Idol Vocal Competition on Saturday, March 26, from 8 to 11 p.m. at Southampton High School, 141 Narrow Lane. Admission is $10 per person plus one nonperishable food item, which the Youth Advisory Committee will donate to local food pantries. For more information, call 702-2425 or visit southamptontownny.gov.

Those 60 and older are eligible to attend the senior programs at the community center. On weekdays, you can enjoy a hot lunch there for just $3. Transportation is available. For information, call Rosemary at 727-6223.

Get well wishes to everyone’s friend Susan Tocci-Dispenziere, who underwent surgery recently and is now home recovering. Residents of Flanders, Northampton or Riverside, probably know Susan from the Ambulance Corps, where she has been a volunteer for more than 20 years and was chief for a number of years. I’ve known Susan for a long time and I can tell you she’s one good person. She always thinks of everyone else first. For example, one morning (6 a.m.) when I was pregnant with my firstborn I was driving to work and felt funny so I stopped at my parents’ house, where I walked in and immediately fainted. My mom called for an ambulance and when I came to there was Sue standing over me in her pajamas and slippers — she wasn’t on call but had heard about it on the scanner. Thank you, Sue, for all you’ve done for the community. All your friends and neighbors are praying for a speedy recovery.

That’s all for this week. Thanks to everyone who called or e-mailed me with news to share. Please remember to drive safely and slowly … and put those cell phones down! Take care. Enjoy your weekend!