Riverhead Column: It’s time for the Country Fair!

Walt and Marge Lawrence recently returned from a trip to Colorado. They went to the state fair in Pueblo, rode the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway, visited the Garden of the Gods, toured the Anasazi cave dwellings in Manitou Springs, hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park, drove as far as the weather would permit up Mount Evans and took in the sights of the Rocky Mountains and the Red Rocks. During their trip west, they experienced temperatures ranging from 29 to 101 degrees and altitudes of over 14,000 feet. They truly enjoyed this experience from beginning to end.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, First Congregational Church on Main Street will hold a giant yard and bake sale on its front lawn. The doors to the lovely sanctuary will be open and all are invited to come in and view a wonderful exhibit of quilts made by the Eastern Long Island Quilters Guild. Be sure to stop by and say hello. They would be happy to see you!

It’s that time of the season for the pumpkin- and vegetable-decorating/carving contest at the Riverhead Country Fair Sunday, Oct. 9 (rain date: Oct. 10) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entries (one per person) can be brought to the south end of the East End Arts property at 133 E. Main St. from 7 to 9 a.m. Open to ages 4 through adult. Call 631-722-3873, email [email protected] or visit riverheadcountryfair.com for contest rules and more information.

Riverhead Free Library will screen the movie “Capote” on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Based on a true story, the film explores the events behind Truman Capote’s book “In Cold Blood.” Those who wish to view the movie or are currently reading the book are invited to attend a book discussion, “In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences” by Truman Capote, Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 7 to 8 p.m. The book is a gripping account of the 1959 multiple murders of a Kansas farm family. Hailed as a true-crime masterpiece, it remains a classic. Please sign up at the library’s reference desk for the discussion.

If you have a chance to get a copy of the Irish Echo Newspaper dated Sept. 21-27 you will see that Riverhead resident Michele Lynch was one of 50 people honored by the newspaper at a dinner for Irish Labor Leaders at Harbour Lights Restaurant at South Street Seaport, where Gerry Adams was a guest speaker. Congratulations, Michele!

The Riverhead Community Program is looking for volunteers to help teach the 2011-12 Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program to fifth- and sixth-grade students at Pulaski Street School. The program consists of seven monthly sessions taught by community volunteers who are assisted by peer leaders from eighth grade and high school. Volunteers receive training by professional staff each month prior to the presentation, so there is no experience required. Training begins in mid-October. For more information, call Felicia Scocozza at 727-3722. She will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Happy birthday wishes Peg McKinney on Oct. 6; Joan Heppner, Oct. 7; Wanda Wilinski, Mike Beni, Claire Mielnicki, Kyle Tocci and Josh Berezny, Oct. 8; Donna Atkins and Patricia Harris, Oct. 9; Jenna Gobrick, Oct. 10; Robert Doyle, Oct. 11; and Joan Troyan, Oct. 12. Hope your day is extra special.

Happy wedding anniversary to Jason and Becky Hubbard, who celebrate their 6th, and Barbara and Gilles Bouchard, their 38th, on Oct. 7; and to Holly and Skee Chew, who toast 15 years together, Oct. 12. Be sure to celebrate.

Happy Columbus Day on Monday, Oct. 10.