Community Columns

Flanders News: Keep those signs in mind

A sign on Route 24 warns drivers of the dangers of texting and driving following the death of Barbara Tocci on the road earlier this year. (Credit: Carrie Miller, file)
A sign on Route 24 warns drivers of the dangers of texting and driving following the death of Barbara Tocci on the road earlier this year. (Credit: Carrie Miller, file)

Hi, friends and neighbors. I hope everyone enjoyed the last weekend of July. It’s crazy how fast this month flew. I’m especially sad because this means my baby girl is leaving in less than a month to embark on her college career. I’m going to miss her so much. Don’t get me wrong, I’m over the moon with pride at her accomplishments and her drive for success but I’m still going to have some serious empty nest syndrome going on. I know I’m not the only mom saying goodbye to a child this August, so if you ever want someone to commiserate with, give me a call.

The next meeting of the Friends of the Big Duck will be Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m. at the David W. Crohan Community Center. And don’t forget, the second annual Rubber Duck Race will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, at noon at the Flanders Men’s Club. It’s still not too late to get your own duck in the race. Call Fran at 727-5342. The Friends of the Big Duck supply the rubber ducks.

Activities for local senior citizens are planned every day at the David W. Crohan Community Center/Flanders Senior Center. Country line dancing continues Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and on Monday afternoons at 1 p.m. Drawing class is held Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and shell painting is offered Thursdays at 10 a.m. These are just a few of the activities available. Horse racing at the center will be held Friday, Aug. 8, at 10:30 a.m. Those celebrating  a birthday in August will be honored at the Twilight Dinner Friday, Aug. 15, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Preregistration is required and transportation is available. Call 702-2375 with any questions and to preregister for the Twilight Dinner birthday celebration! Don’t forget, lunch is served Monday through Friday at noon.

Riverhead High School’s second annual alumni softball game — hosted by coaches Kelly and Bob Fox of Flanders — will be held this Saturday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. at Stotzky Park (Field 4) in Riverhead. This event is for former RHS players. Proceeds will go to the Riverhead schools’ softball program. Rain date is Sunday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m. It’s not too late to sign up to play. To register or get more information call Kelly at 379-0168. You can also register the day of the game. Come down for a fun time and a good cause. Admission is free for spectators.

Speaking of good causes, I’m sure you’ve seen the signs the Tocci family erected on Susan and Mike’s property on Flanders Road warning drivers against texting while driving and driving under the influence. I hope everyone is adhering to these signs. The Tocci family and the entire Flanders community is still reeling from the losses experienced during the first three months of 2014. Please put your phone down and call a friend or a cab if you’ve had anything to drink.

Belated happy birthday to John Schadecker, who celebrated July 24, from your wife, Debi, and your family and friends.

Belated wishes for a happy 60th birthday go out to Debi Schadecker on July 30, from your husband, John, and all your children, grandchildren, family and friends. And to my dear friend Joan Kujawski, who also celebrated on the 30th, from your husband, Ray, your children, all your family and friends and, most importantly, me! I hope you both had a wonderful day. You deserve it for all you do for everyone else.

Happy birthday to JJ Lennon on Aug. 2; Melissa Messina on the 4th; Lisa Bilski, Kelly McAlister and Miranda Lennon (her 10th) on the 6th; and Jimmy Lennon on the 9th.

That’s all for this week. Thanks to everyone who sent me news to share with the community. Please drive safely. See you around the neighborhood.

Contact Flanders columnist Tanya Doherty at 727-8687 or [email protected].