Flanders Column: Kim Wise named ambulance volunteer of the year

Hello family, friends and neighbors. It’s starting to get colder and I’m starting to complain again. I am not a cold-weather person. If it could be 80 degrees year round I’d be in heaven. The only plus is there’s only 96 more days till spring. Believe you me, I’m counting down the days.

I’m happy to report that as of Dec. 11 the Big Duck is lit up again. I guess someone forgot to plug him in for a few nights. Just kidding. I’m not sure what went wrong but I’m grateful the county fixed it quickly. He looks so good all decorated for the holidays.

Congratulations to the Riverhead High School Blue Masques for their solid performance of “Working” this past weekend. There is so much talent in our community. Those who had solos were amazing and the rest of the cast and crew were phenomenal. Thank you for a very entertaining evening. Thanks also to Jessica Guadagnino and Dena Tishim for directing and for working so hard with the students. I cannot wait for the spring production of “West Side Story.”

Many thanks and congratulations to Kim Wise, who was awarded Volunteer of the Year for Flanders Northampton Volunteer Ambulance. Our community is very fortunate to have its own ambulance district. I, for one, feel much safer at night knowing my neighbors and friends are available 24/7 in case we need them. It’s nice knowing that they are “there with care.”

Looking for something for the kids to do in January? The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau is sponsoring a ski and snowboard trip to Belleayre Mountain on Saturday, Jan. 28, for those ages 12 and up. $80 per person includes round-trip transportation, an all-mountain lift ticket, lunch and a beginner lesson. Equipment rental is $25 extra. The bus will depart from Red Creek Park in Hampton Bays at 4:30 a.m. and will return at approximately 9 p.m. Chaperones are provided by the Youth Bureau and families are welcome. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 631-702-2425. For a registration form, visit southamptontownny.gov/youthbureau.

Belated happy 4th birthday to Mykel Lennon, who celebrated Dec. 4, from Grandma, Pop-Pop and all your family, and to Cindy Barrow, who celebrated Dec. 13, with love from your husband, Horace, and all your family and friends.

Happy birthday to my friends Theresa Colon, Al Lopez and Michele Dupuis on Dec. 21. Before Facebook I never knew I had three friends who all celebrated on the same day. I hope you all have a wonderful day and the greatest year ever!

Welcome home JJ, Ann and John Lennon, who just returned from a week at Disney in Florida. Congratulations to JJ, who was recently elected second deputy chief of Flanders Fire Department. Mom, John, Ann and your entire family are very proud of you and know you will do a great job in the year to come.

I can’t believe Christmas is right around the corner. Are you ready? I’m nowhere near ready and at this moment I don’t even really care. I’m sure I’ll be singing a different tune this weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend. Remember to call or email with any news you’d like to share. The last column for 2011 is Dec. 22. You won’t see it again until Jan. 12, so if you have anything you need to mention, now would be a good time to let me know. Drive safe, everyone.