Flanders: Skating and rocking the park August 5

Another week of the hazy, lazy days of summer has gone by and I’m sad. It always seems to take so long for summer to finally arrive and then once it gets here, it goes by so quickly. I’ve already been seeing back-to-school sales! I know some people like to shop early, but seriously, the week after Fourth of July?

I attended the 80th Birthday Celebration for the Big Duck last Saturday evening at 230 Elm in Southampton. My friends and I had a good time and it was a gorgeous night in the Hamptons. Although attendance wasn’t quite as high as they had hoped, those who did show up to support the Friends of the Big Duck had a very nice time. There was music by Bill Wilkinson and the Long Island Sound Swing Band, a dance contest (the winners will be listed here next week) and good food. It was great fun and I had a really good time seeing people that I don’t see on a regular basis.

The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau will sponsor “Rock ‘n the Park” on Friday, Aug. 5, from 8 to 11 p.m. at Red Creek Skate Park in Hampton Bays. Come skate and listen to local youth bands. Admission is free for all town residents ages 7 and up and skate park membership isn’t required. Protective skate gear is mandatory for all skaters. Don’t forget, the Youth Bureau also sponsors “Rock the Beach,” which is ongoing and continues every Thursday through Aug. 18 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Tiana Bay Activity Center in Hampton Bays. Admission for this event is also free and performances take place indoors. For more information, call 702-2425 or visit southamptontownny.gov/youthbureau. Click on “What’s Happening” for all sorts of fun ideas, events and trips for the kids.

Well, my fellow RHS Class of 1986 alumni, those reunion responses are due this week. If you haven’t gotten around to it yet, please send it as soon as possible. We really want this to be a great event and your presence will make that happen. Call me (at the number above) or John Graziano at 631-335-2035 for more information. I can’t wait to see everyone.

I’m a silly goose. As I was writing about my daughter’s birthday last week, I completely forgot to wish Ed “Poppy” Doherty a very happy birthday on July 11. Happy birthday, Dad/Poppy. I hope your day was wonderful. My sister in-law (Poppy’s daughter) Irene came to visit for the week. It was great to spend time with her. All the kids love Aunt Irene and although she’s pulled in a million different directions while she’s here, she’s a really a good sport about it. It was great seeing you again, Irene. We all wish you lived a bit closer but that just makes the visits all the more special.

So, friends and neighbors, this is where I will close. Thanks to all the people who sent me news this week and I hope to hear from even more of you next week. Please drive safely and put those cell phones down! Take care.