Aquebogue-Jamesport: Blood drive, antique show, book signing, more

My husband and I attended the opening reception of local photographer and retired Riverhead School District teacher John Neely’s exhibit last week at Palmer Vineyard. It is a very interesting display of New Orleans’ people and places. We enjoyed the reception and viewing the photographs with John describing a little background on the people and the places. The photo exhibit is on display through Sept. 5. All finished and framed pictures are for sale.

As I mentioned last week, another local talent, author Tom Gahan, whose novel “Harmony Bay” hit the top one percent in sales at Amazon.com in July, will be signing books and greeting fans at Jason’s Vineyard in Jamesport on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. For information call 631-238-5801.

Living Waters Church in Aquebogue will be hosting a blood drive on Monday, Aug. 22, from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Call 722-4969 for more information.

First Parish Church will be hosting their monthly Taizé experience Thursday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome and a free-will offering will be accepted.

Old Steeple Community Church in Aquebogue will be holding its 35th Annual Antique Show and Sale on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (rain date: Sept. 5). The donation is $6 per person (children under 12 are free). Over 65 dealers will be on site. Lunch, baked goods, and vegetables will also be available for sale in the church’s fellowship hall. I have only lived here for 12 years, but the church’s antique show is the traditional end-of-summer event for me. Come out and enjoy the community flavor as you browse and buy antiques and food.

Two very special birthdays are coming up. On Aug. 16 local resident Michael Hubbard will be 15. Michael was critically injured in a burn accident back in May and he remains in a coma in Stony Brook Hospital. Please continue to pray for Michael and his mom, Nancy, as they fight for Michael’s full return to health. Please consider donating to help offset the ongoing costs of Michael’s care and hospitalization. Checks can be made out to Michael Hubbard and mailed to 61 Rabbit Run, Riverhead, 11901. Even with insurance, the costs of having a child in the hospital can be overwhelming. Join us in wishing Michael a happy birthday and healing for a full recovery. You can view Michael’s updates on caringbridge.org/visit/michaelhubbard.

The other very special birthday is my daughter, Johanna, who will be 15 on Aug. 14. We will be celebrating at our home tonight with a movie in the backyard. Johanna, we are amazed at your faith and perseverance. Truly, you are a witness of hope and courage to all of us who know and love you. It is my honor to be your mom. Happy birthday, Johanna! You can view pictures of our celebration at caringbridge.org/visit/johannabenthal.