Community

Flanders News: Battle of the Bands set for Sept. 12

Last weekend was absolutely gorgeous, wasn’t it? It was perfect in every way. I went to the ocean on Sunday and I even went in the water!

For those who know me this is big news because I don’t swim in the ocean. The weather was just too nice not to. I guess it’s time for me to get over the fear and live in the moment. Our community has lost too much this year. Take advantage of the life you’ve been given and live it. Enjoy your life and enjoy what our island has to offer.

The Friends of the Big Duck would like to thank everyone who helped make their Rubber Duckie race a success last week. Congratulations to the first-place winner, Chase Wanat of Flanders. A special thanks goes to the Flanders Men’s Club for use of the grounds. It was a beautiful day with a great bay view. Also, special thanks to the Flanders Fire Department for all its help and to Islandia Pools, Splish Splash, Riverhead Auto Wash, The Suffolk Theater and Lisa Dabrowski for their generous donations. Thanks also to everyone who helped organize, cook and clean up and to all who participated in the race or came to watch. We hope everyone had a good time and hope to see you again next year.

The 12th annual Battle of the Bands will rock the house at Ponquogue Beach, on Dune Road in Hampton Bays, Friday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m. Applications will be accepted until tomorrow, Aug. 15, at 4 p.m. If you’re planning to enter, you’d better get on the computer or phone now. Visit southamptontownny.gov/youthbureau for more information. If you don’t have access to a computer, call 702-2432. Gates open at 7 p.m. There will be prizes for first, second and third place. Tickets are only $5 at the door.

Belated happy birthday to Wayne Fork and Lisa Dabrowski on Aug. 11 and Arlene Chastaine on the 13th. I hope your day was great!

Happy birthday to Anthony Meras, who makes the best reuben and onion rings on the planet, on Aug. 19; Toni “T-Love” Vodola on the 20th; John Graziano on the 21st; Pete Blasl and Debbie Buczynski-Bahner on the 22nd; Kim Rogers-Overton on the 23rd; Shelley Robinson on the 26th; Sandi Goodwin, Lewis Loatman and Trish Jeski on the 27th; and Barbara Oliver and Ryan Dupuis on the 29th. I hope everyone enjoys their special day!

A motorcycle run and barbecue fundraiser was held Aug. 3 that started/ended at the home of Mike Pace to help raise money for Barbara Tocci’s Random Acts of Kindness, East End Hospice and Kadence Tocci, daughter of Thomas Podlas and Hayley Riggens — Barbara’s son and future daughter-in-law, who were recently killed in an accident. The Tocci family has endured too much loss this year and this was a way for all the friends and family to come together to celebrate the lives of these two beautiful women who were taken way too soon. The turnout was a success. The Tocci family would like to thank everyone who attended and/or donated.

Please remember: Do not text while driving and never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you or someone else has been drinking or using drugs. Be safe.

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