Riverhead News: Flag Day winners honored at Elks Lodge
The Ladies Auxiliary of Riverhead Fire Department held its June meeting at Meeting House Creek Inn on the 11th. Auxiliary vice president Ann Vonatzski and secretary Kelli Naugles presented hanging flower baskets to outgoing president Marie Madigan and outgoing secretary JoAnne Krajewski, who both served during 2013-14. Ann and Kelli also proudly presented Pat Gadzinski with her 25-year pin, along with a bouquet of flowers. Thirty-four members and guests attended the event, which was organized by auxiliary president Connie Kenter. A round of “happy birthday” was sung for three members who celebrate in June: Marlene Iberber, Connie Kenter and Joanne Krajewski. The auxiliary will meet again in September.
Riverhead Elks Lodge 2044 held its annual Flag Day ceremony at the lodge on Flag Day, June 14. Theresa Hubbard discussed the history of the seven flags, which were proudly displayed by American Legion veterans. Riverhead students in grades 1 through 5 had entered an essay contest titled “What the American Flag Means to Me.” The winners in grades 1-3 were: first place, Thomas Downey; second place, Emma Royer; third place, Erin Hubbard and Caden Lesiewicz; and fourth place, Mikayla Nirrengarten and Yeida Velasquez. The fourth- and fifth-grade winners are: first place, Matthew Nitti; second place, Marcus Conti; third place, Rebecca Siemers; and fourth place, Madison Runnalls and Kate Carlson. 1st Sgt. Tom Wiwczar was the guest speaker. He announced that the U.S. Army is celebrating its 239th birthday, that he was proud to be invited, and that he was impressed that students are encouraging patriotism among our youth. Town Supervisor Sean Walter, Councilman Jim Wooten and Councilwoman Jodi Giglio presented each student with a certificate. Also in attendance were town clerk Diane Wilhelm and George Alexander, district representative from the Elks. Congratulations to all the essay winners and thanks to Lodge 2044 for sponsoring the contest.
Karen Glover, president of the Telephone Pioneers (retirees of the telephone company), held its annual luncheon June 18 at Vineyard Caterers in Aquebogue. This great, community-minded organization is collecting pop-tabs from aluminum cans to feed the hungry on the East End. So, when you go for that can be sure to pull the tab and store it in another can somewhere within your reach. When it’s filled, just put them into a Ziploc bag and call Joan, 878-0778, for pickup. What a great way to help raise funds for those in need.
Riverhead Free Library’s next book discussion is “The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York” by Deborah Blum, Wednesday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at the library. This is a real-life science thriller for true-crime and CSI fans. For more details, call adult services at 727-3228.
Belated happy birthday to Mike Hatziminadakis, who celebrated June 18.
Happy birthday to Jorge Ortiz and Liz Stokes on June 21; Donald Oliver IV and Wendy Gajowski on the 24th; Lenny Van Vliet on the 25th; Bob Inzalco, Jan Niewadomski, Skip Zagorsku and Chris Fischer on the 27th; Frank Darrow, Joanne Krajewski, Franny Davis and Kareleen Densieski on the 28th; Kevin Kulhan and Connie LaGue on the 29th; Tom Galka, Nacara Turpin and Vinnie Golembeski on the 30th; Thomas Doremus on July 1; and Scott Robertson, Cara Jacobs and Robert Bugdin Jr. on the 2nd.
Happy wedding anniversary to those who celebrate June 22 — Cheryl and Nick Luparella, their 40th, Louise and Harry Wilkinson, their 41st, and Joe and Pat Gadzinski, their 46th. Nancy and Howie Gassert will celebrate their 40th on June 23; Pat and Charles Bloss on the 27th; and Bill and Maureen Sanok on the 29th.
Get well wishes to Ramona Moore.
Congratulations to all the high school seniors. Pursue your dreams, whether it’s college, military service or the work force.
Contact Riverhead columnist Kathy Berezny at 727-6148 at [email protected].
