Riverhead Column: Warm winter accessories wanted for library ‘Mitten Tree’

Riverhead High School’s Class of 1971 held its 40th reunion Nov. 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Riverhead. Some attendees traveled from as far away as Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and Arizona. Faculty members who attended included science teacher Bruce Dinsmore, math teacher Ann Womack-DeGrasse and administrator Tony DeGrasse. Music was provided by Mike Ryan and the Flying Casuals. Name badges with photographs from the yearbook were pinned onto blue-and-white leis and handed out to the guests upon arrival. The June 1971 graduation program was enlarged and hung on the wall near a table containing other memorabilia and party favors such as bubbles, tiny pencils and phone books with magnifying glasses. Everyone had a great time. The next morning some of the alumni gathered in front of the old high school for a picture.

Evie Bruhner just became Medicare-eligible on Nov. 23. Yes, the queen of the Ruby Red and Wild Red Hat Chapter and the “Rubies” celebrated her birthday at the chapter’s November luncheon at the Sea Basin in Rocky Point, where she received a gift card to Dellaquila Beauty in Jamesport. Evie wishes to thank the Rubies for making her 65th birthday extra special, and notes they are truly a great group of ladies. She also thanks all her friends and neighbors in Glenwood Village for all her birthday cards. Best wishes for a great year, Evie.

The children’s department at Riverhead Free Library is currently collecting items for its Mitten Tree through Dec. 9. Any hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, etc. will be donated to the Family Service League’s Family Center on Roanoke Avenue for distribution to their client families. They are also donating brand-new books for families to use as gifts for the older children.

Protect yourself and others from influenza. An annual flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead encourages you to call for a flu shot appointment at 548-6325. There is no charge for the vaccination; however, all recipients must be at least 19 years old.

Riverhead Soccer Club’s girls’ soccer teams — Riverhead Ripples U9 and Riverhead Fury U10 — are hosting a flapjack breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Applebee’s in Riverhead. Tickets are $10; children under 3 eat free. Call 631-275-6221 for more information or to order tickets. There will be a 50/50 raffle and Santa will make an appearance. Come on out to support these hardworking athletes and have some holiday fun.

Happy birthday wishes to Kathy Schaefer and John Frosina on Dec.2; Mildred Nash, and Erik Kloppenburg, Dec. 3; Art Apicello, Shannon McAlister and twins Tim and Joseph Hampson, Dec. 4; Karen Kelly and Doreen Wilk, Dec. 5; Penny Hensley, Marie Harris, Mark Anasky, Anthony Heppner, Shanita Arrindel and Carolyn Smith, Dec. 6; and Marie Madigan, Darlene Taylor and Holly Chew, Dec. 7. Be sure to celebrate.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes to Marie and Bob Madigan on Dec. 7 and Leah and David Sparrow, Dec. 8. Hope your day is special.

Only 24 days till Christmas.