Community Columns

Flanders News: Friends of the Big Duck meeting Sept. 2

Labor Day is this weekend, college is back in session and classes at local schools begin next week. The summer went by extremely fast. It probably seemed a lot faster  to me, since my baby girl left for her freshman year at SUNY/Oneonta last weekend. I’m so proud of her. I brag about her all the time, but my heart aches not having her here. I know it’s selfish and I know she’s where she’s supposed to be — yes, Dave McKillop, I know and totally agree — but I miss her terribly and can’t wait for her first visit home. I wish everyone a great academic year. 

Friends of the Big Duck’s next meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. at the David W. Crohan Community Center. They’re planning the Oct. 18 grand opening of the Long Island duck farming exhibit at Big Duck Ranch. Visit bigduck.org or check out their Facebook page.

Congratulations to Jo-Ann McLean of Flanders, incoming president of the Flanders Historical Society. Past president Gary Cobb, who remains as historian, moved away and found it impossible to continue. Jo-Ann, an archaeologist, was asked to fill in. Rose Nigro is the new vice president, Lane Smith is secretary and Liza Skiffington is treasurer. Trustees are Karen Camarda, Laura Camarda and Wendy Camberlange. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Crohan Community Center. Janice Artandi Young of the Southampton Town, Landmarks and Historic Districts Board will present “Flanders — Hamlet Heritage Area Report.”

Happy 15th anniversary to Pam and Blair Brown. I’m sorry to say the message with the exact date was lost in translation. But here’s to many more years of wedded bliss!

Happy birthday to Barbara Oliver Aug. 29 from your family and friends; Ryan Dupuis, who turns 19 on the 29th; Melissa Kujawski of Jamesport Sept. 2; and Janet Luce Sept. 4. I hope everyone has a fabulous day doing whatever it is that makes them happy.

Condolences to the family of Antoinette Normoyle of Flanders, who passed away Aug. 19 after a four-year battle with cancer. She was very active in St. John’s parish outreach and was its 2004 Woman of the Year. She and her husband were together 49 years and married for 42. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

That’s all for this week. Thanks to everyone for their news. School is starting so remember to drive safely. Never pass a school bus and watch out for children. Remember, there will be a lot of tears, so be patient if a bus is stopped longer than usual and give yourself some extra time. Please do not text and drive and please slow down. It’s not worth getting into an accident.

Take care, have a great weekend and see you around the neighborhood.

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