Flanders: Lowdown on leaf pickup

Happy Halloween weekend, friends and neighbors. Can you believe the end of October is here? What that means to me is winter is breathing down my neck, which I’m not happy about because I hate being cold.

The Friends of The Big Duck will hold its next general meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. at the David Crohan Community Center. Refreshments will be served. Do join them and bring a friend! You can also follow what’s going on at the Big Duck at bigduck.org. Special thanks go out this week to all those who helped make their classic auto show a success!

Belated happy birthday to Joseph Lennon, who celebrated Oct. 21, from his mom, Debi, his dad, John, and his daughter, Miranda. I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Happy anniversary to Debi and John Schadecker, who celebrate 21 years of happy marriage Oct. 27. Get well wishes also go out to Debi, who’s under the weather at the moment. Enjoy your day as much as you can. By the way, you’re right Debi, you can celebrate your anniversary any day. Just get well first and then party!

Happy birthday to my brother Jim Zaleski, who celebrates Nov. 5, from all of us, your wife, Denise, and your children, James and Charlotte. “Harley Cat” even says “meow.” Hope you enjoy your day, “little” brother.

I was saving the worst news for last so here it goes. Brace yourselves. After receiving an inquiry about the 2011 fall cleanup in Southampton Town mentioned in my column last week, I called the town directly and asked what exactly is going on since their website is kind of confusing. Well, those age 73 and over must call 728-3600 to receive a voucher for the town to pick up loose leaves in front of their home. For all others, all leaves must be bagged in paper or biodegradable bags. They will not pick up loose leaves so don’t put them in front of your home. Here is a quote directly from the town website: “Residents Self-Haul Program: All residents under the age of 73 will be required to either self haul, or hire a contractor to self haul on their behalf, loose leaves only. No more than eight (8) cubic yards will be accepted per household. Residents must have a voucher and list of dropoff locations within the town to self haul. Contact the Southampton Town Highway office at 728-3600, ext. 2585, for details.”

Please be safe while driving on Halloween Monday since all the little ghosts, goblins, princesses and ninjas will be running around. Have your children carry flashlights, make sure they only go to homes that have their porch lights on and remind them never to enter anyone’s home.

Be safe, my friends. Call or email me with any news you’d like to share.