Community Columns

Flanders News: A local does his community proud

I’m so happy it’s Friday — not because it’s my birthday or anything but because there are only four more Fridays till spring (March 20)!

Before then, however, is daylight-saving time on March 8, when we turn our clocks ahead one hour. It’s also a day when the fire department recommends we change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Have you ever been to the corned beef and cabbage dinner hosted by the Riverhead Lions Club? It’s so much fun and the food is fabulous. You should give it a try. This year’s event will be held Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m. at Riverhead Polish Hall. Proceeds benefit scholarships for local youth and the club’s perpetual pledge to New Beginnings/Brendan House. Tickets are available at Barth’s Drug Store and the law office of Peter Danowski, both in Riverhead, or by calling Bobby at 631-764-3003 or Greg at 631-466-6405.

Congratulations to Flanders’ own Ethan Greenidge, who recently signed to play football for Villanova University (Pa.) in the fall. I’ve known the Greenidge family since Little League days and I’m not surprised by Ethan’s achievement. Those familiar with his parents, Xann and Robin, know they did a great job with all their kids. Way to go, Ethan. You’ve made us proud and you’ll always have a lot of support from your local community.

Congratulations are also sent to Flanders resident and NJROTC Cadet Brianne Corwin, daughter of Todd and Mary Anne Corwin. Brianne was recently selected by Commander David Byrd to receive an NJROTC scholarship. She has been already accepted by several colleges but is awaiting acceptance from her preferred school, the University of Florida, where she plans to study materials science and engineering.

The next meeting of the Friends of the Big Duck will be Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at the David Crohan Community Center. All are invited. This is the Friends’ first meeting with their newly elected officers — yours truly and Lisa. We are really excited about being a part of such a great group of people who love the Big Duck as much as we do. If you’re interested in joining us, you need not be a Flanders resident. Come on by. I’ll see you there.

Happy birthday to Barry Chandler on Feb. 19; Ray Bouchard, Feb. 22; Mike Pace and Robyn Allen, Feb. 23; Dave Troyan, Feb. 26; Carol Loper, Michelle Diming and my BFF Theresa Lebron Shenck (whose actual birthday is Feb. 29), Feb. 28; Tim Edwards, March 1; Pam Mosely and Anne Lao, March 2; and my cousin Dan Tribuzio, March 4.

That’s all for this week. Thank you to those who emailed me information to share with everyone. Please drive safely and don’t drink or text while driving. Have a good week/weekend and I’ll see you all next time.

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