Riverhead column: Fifth-grader raises funds for St. Jude’s

The things children do that will take you by surprise. Christopher Kenter, a fifth-grader at Pulaski Street School, worked diligently during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays doing odd jobs at his dad’s office and around the house and raised $500 to help the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Chris’ parents, Connie and Dennis, are very proud of him. What a great way to start off the New Year.

The students in rooms 218 and 219 at Pulaski Street Elementary School once again organized “The Giving Tree” during the month of December. Plenty of hats, gloves, scarves and mittens were donated and hung on the tree with lots of love and compassion. The classes would like to thank the students, parents and staff for their contributions. A special thank-you goes to the Glenwood Lassies, who, once again, generously knitted, crocheted and purchased numerous items for the tree. It’s a great partnership working with the Lassies. Thanks to all those who cared, many families will be warmer this winter.

The Verizon Telecom Pioneers, Aquebogue Life Member Club, has been very busy delivering nonperishable food items to two local food pantries; toiletries and gifts to a women’s substance-recovery home; and cookies, candies and gifts to two local adult homes. This hardworking group of retirees is committed to serving those in need and also works on many other community service projects throughout the year.

The Riverhead Middle School Middle Masques will present its musical production “Grease Jr., Go Greased Lightning” Friday, Jan. 20 and 27, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 21 and 28, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 by calling Pat Skura at 369-6767, or at the door for $10. It is well worth it as the students always do a phenomenal job. Pat Skura and Ed Tholl are quite a team, and with the costumes, props and music you’ll feel as if you’re watching a Broadway show. Order yours today!

Happy birthday to Adam Bugdin (who turns 12), Marissa Kess, Sarah Paulos, Frances Friszolowski, Becky Hubbard and Barry Palmer (who turns 60), Jan. 19; Tim Griffing Jr., George Atkinson, Pearl Trent and Natausha Magee, Jan. 20; Bryan Krajewski, Sean Rachubka and Louise Meyer, Jan. 21; Bill Hubbard, Pat Gadzinski, Michael Young, Andrew Pekar and Sebastian Hulse (who turns 5), Jan. 23; and Amy (Wooten) Guecha and Laurie Downs, Jan. 25. Hope your day is extra special.

Get well wishes to Mary Dabrowski, Georgiana Danowski and Nina Campbell.

The cold weather is here and it’s nice to bundle up but I’m sure the children would like to see some white stuff. For me, however, the cold weather is enough for now.