Flanders Column: Blood drive, teen bands and birthdays

As September comes to a close I cannot believe my baby girl has been away at college for a month already. It feels like forever to me. Do any other parents feel the same way? I can’t wait until she comes home for a visit Oct. 10; I’ll be one happy mom. How is everyone else doing with this back-to-school business? It’s very strange not having a child in the Riverhead Central School District. I feel like I’m so out of the loop. If you’re reading this and belong to or attend any district PTA/PTO meetings (especially at Phillips Avenue) and you know of something coming up, please send me an email or give me a call. I’d love to write about it and know the community would love to hear about it.  

The following info is a bit late — totally my fault; I apologize. The Flanders Fire Department/FRNCA blood drive committee would like to thank everyone who helped make their July 14 blood drive a success: Neil Young, for his time and voice doing the PSA for the drive; the Meetinghouse Deli in Aquebogue for donating food; the kitchen crew; and fire department members Scott, Joe C. and Greg and volunteer Danielle, who all helped with refreshments. The biggest thanks, of course, goes to all those who took the time to help save a life by donating blood. I know it’s early but mark your calendar for Jan. 11, 2015, the date of their next blood drive.

The Southampton Youth Bureau is pleased to announce the winners of the 12th annual Battle of the Bands: First place, Red Tide from Sag Harbor; second place, The Entertainment from Center Moriches; and third place, Vintage Penguin of Westhampton. All the winners were presented with a plaque and gift certificates. All the entrants chosen to perform did an amazing job. It was definitely a memorable experience for all!

Happy birthday to Denise Zaleski on Sept. 27; Carrie Barzak and Kathy Berezny, Sept. 28; Peggy Hubbard and Kaitlyn Matlak, Sept. 29; Wayne Conforti, Sept. 30; Michael Kujawski, Oct. 2; Dave Bogash, Oct. 3; Paula Gillian and Buddy Turbush, Oct. 4; Bonnie Edwards, Chuck Buczynski and Amy Jean Rivera, Oct. 5; Peggy Hansen, Oct. 6; and Carl Hansen, Oct. 7. I hope everyone enjoys their day doing whatever it is that makes them happy.

Have a great week. Thank you to everyone who emailed or called. Please drive safely!