Flanders Column: FRNCA food and toy drives under way
Happy Thursday, friends and neighbors. The Good Book says, “Ask and you shall receive.” Well, that really works. Two weeks ago I was complaining that I had nothing to write about and this week I received so many calls and emails. I cannot wait to share them with you.
The holiday season is upon us and as always FRNCA is committed to helping those in our community with the FRNCA Community Cares toy and food drives. Both drives have begun and will continue for the next month. Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the David Crohan Community Center. The community’s generosity has been phenomenal in the past but FRNCA hopes this year’s drives will be even more successful, especially during these bad economic times. All donations remain in the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton area and help the seniors and children in the community. Please help in any way you can.
One way to usher in the holidays is by attending the annual Big Duck lighting. This year’s event will take place at the Big Duck Ranch on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Let’s hope it’s not a crummy day like last year, when they had to cancel. I’ll have more information for you next week as I am writing this column on a Sunday, when the county office is not open.
Mark your calendars, card sharks. Flanders seniors are holding a card party at the David Crohan Community Center on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 12:30 p.m. Admission is $3. All are invited.
My very good friend Charlotte Nelson, aka the sweetest woman in the world, gave me the names of the two winners of her annual Halloween costume contest that she hosts at her home with the local trick-or-treaters. Congratulations to Nyjel Dozier, who dressed as Spiderman, and Kody Bincob, who dressed as a devil. Each child won $5.
Ms. Nelson would like me to let her friends, neighbors and community members know that she is feeling much better. She was a little under the weather recently but has recovered nicely. I’m so happy to hear and share this news.
Belated happy birthday to some friends of mine: Kelly Fox, who celebrated Nov. 15; and Jennifer Normoyle and Ethel Delia on Nov. 16.
Happy birthday to my classmate and very good friend Horace Barrow, who celebrates Thursday, Nov. 17. Much love from your wife, Cindy, and all your friends. And finally, birthday wishes go to Ava Sumwalt, who turns 7, also on the 17th, from your mom, dad and little brother, Griffin. I hope you have an extra-special and exciting birthday!
Condolences to the family of Kristie Jeski of Flanders, who passed away suddenly Monday morning. A Celebration of Life for Kristie will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Flanders firehouse from 1 to 4 p.m. All friends and family and neighbors are invited. Memorial donations may be made to Developmental Disabilities Institute in Riverhead or St. Jude’s Children Hospital. The family thanks the community for its support during this difficult time, with special thanks to the Flanders Northampton Volunteer Ambulance and the Peconic Bay Medical Center ER and ICU doctors, nurses and staff.
Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, the next column has an early deadline. All calls and emails must be sent to me by the eve of Thursday, Nov. 17, since my deadline is Friday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. Please make sure you call or email me right now while you’re thinking about it.
That’s all for this week. I’m very thankful with all the news I received. Please keep the calls/emails coming. Have a wonderful, and hopefully warm, weekend. Drive safely, everyone, and put those cell phones down. See you around the neighborhood.
