Riverhead News: Student tours Europe with ‘People to People’

Christian Hojenski has been very busy these past few months. In February, he attended the National Youth Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., having been nominated by Col. McCarthy, Riverhead High School ROTC instructor, and sponsored by Envision. Christian was selected to act as commissioner of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and also as an administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency during the forum. On spring break he went to Parris Island, S.C., with ROTC to participate in a U.S. Marine training experience. The American Legion on Hubbard Avenue sponsored him for Boys’ State at SUNY/Morrisville June 27 to July 3, where he was chosen as an assemblyman and learned how government works by voting on real bills. On July 5, he went on tour with “People to People” as a student ambassador, visiting France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy — a trip, according to his mother, Dawn, he’s truly enjoying. Among other experiences on the trip, he stayed with a farm family in Germany, attended a concert in Vienna and visited a concentration camp, where a survivor spoke of his ordeal. Christian, who returns home July 23, will be a senior at Riverhead High School in September and hopes to go into law enforcement.

Harriet McDonald of Riverhead turned 75 years young June 12, celebrating with a dinner for 33 at the Meeting House Creek Inn. Her nephew David and his son Ryan came from Arizona as a surprise to help her celebrate this milestone.

Be sure to mark your calendar Saturday, July 26, when First Congregational Church of Riverhead has its summer junktique/yard sale. Wander around the front lawn of the church on Main Street to find that perfect treasure or necessity. The sale, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be held rain or shine, moving into the Fellowship Hall should it rain. Hope to see you there. One never knows what bargains await.

Happy birthday wishes to Larry Danowski on July 17; Shirley Coverdale and Sharon Yousik on July 18; Bill Wilkinson, Jeffrey Bogdan Jr. and Brittany Folkes on July 19; Eugene Downs, Angela DeVito and Andy Dick on July 20; Joseph Doremus and Bill Bilski on July 21; Brenda Boyd and Susan Miles on July 22; Debbie Fischer, Matthew and Andrew Vandercreek and Kyle Warner on July 23; Sheila Muller, Bernie Hettrick and Gail Yeager on July 24; Kayla Hojenski on July 25; Roseanne Berezny and Dave Hartmayer on July 26; Christopher Costantini on July 27; Pat Carey, Jim Grace and Linda Mueller on July 28; Anna Pekar on July 29; and Michon Griffing, Frederica Miles and Marilyn Blumstein on July 30. Be sure to celebrate.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes to Paulette and Fred Sherman. Hope your day is extra-special.

Enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer with family, friends or just a good book.

Contact Riverhead columnist Kathy Berezny at 727-6148 at [email protected].