Community Columns

Flanders News: Who’s ready for some poker?

Hello, friends and neighbors. Welcome to fall. It got cold, didn’t it? Speaking of the cold, my daughter downloaded an app that counts the days till Christmas. I don’t want to think about Christmas yet. I want to get through Halloween, Thanksgiving and Kaitlyn’s college finals first. I can’t believe her first semester is almost over. She is doing so well and enjoying her college experience. Thank you to everyone who asks about her. 

By the time this column is printed, the Flanders Road/Route 24 repaving project will have — hopefully — been started. I hope everyone is taking an alternate route, if possible, so that the road doesn’t become even more dangerous. If you don’t live in Flanders and need to get to the South Shore, I suggest you take Route 104 via Route 105. Between the school buses, local traffic and road construction I can promise you there will be delays.

The Southampton Kiwanis Club is hosting a no-limit Texas hold ’em poker tournament Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Southampton Elks Club on County Road 39. Doors open at 6 p.m.; cards hit the table at 7 p.m. The buy-in is $100, including an open bar and dinner. Seating is limited to 100. Proceeds will benefit the Flying Point Foundation for Autism, food baskets and families in need. For more information, email [email protected] or call 516-316-1119.

Congratulations to former Flanders Fire Department member Mike DeNicolo, who was recognized for 50 years of dedicated service in Pioneer Co. 2 Oct. 15 at the firehouse. Mike received many proclamations from the state Assembly and the Fire Chiefs’ Council of Suffolk County, and plaques from Co. 2, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, and the Town of Southampton. Mike had been a member of the department for 60 years prior to relocating. All enjoyed dinner, which was catered by Scotto’s of Hampton Bays. Mike’s family was there to help him celebrate.

The office where I work, Peconic Pediatrics in Riverhead, is helping Long Island’s hungry by accepting donations of canned or boxed goods and grocery store gift cards through Nov. 14. All donations will be donated to Island Harvest. This is a difficult time of year for many families and every little bit helps. You need not be a patient to donate. I’ll even be happy to pick up your items. Please call or email me for more information.

Belated happy birthday to Mahki Adams, who celebrated Oct. 10, from your family and friends. They hope you had a wonderful day!

Happy birthday to Rebecca Gallo on Oct. 23; Chrissy Floege, Oct. 25; Penny Gallo, Oct. 26; Mike Van Houten, Oct. 27; Tracey Densieski, Oct. 28; Ira Talsky and Jane Schneider, Oct. 30; Gwen Pileski and Carl Pace, Oct. 31; Chris Hand and Phyllis Holt, Nov. 1; Donna Elmore and Laurie Goode, Nov. 3; and my brother Jim Zaleski, Nov. 5.

My dear friend Charlotte Nelson wanted me to give a shout-out to her daughter Gina for decorating her home so beautifully for Halloween. Charlotte is so appreciative of all her daughter does and wants everyone to know how much she loves Gina. I stopped by there this past weekend and the house looks fabulous! I met Charlotte and Gina many years ago during Christmastime. I had stopped by their home to tell them how much I loved the way they decorated it. The inside of the home was just as stunning. I’m so glad I knocked on their door that night because I adore Charlotte and her family.

That’s all for this week. I am very thankful for all those who called or emailed me with news to share. Please be safe, and remember — don’t text while driving.

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