Community Columns

Riverhead News: Benefit for church restoration this Sunday

EverReady Engine Co. 3 of the Riverhead Fire Department held its inspection and installation at Blackwell’s on Jan. 29.

Those installed by Chief Joe Raynor and assistant chief Kevin Brooks are: Kenny Nabrezny, captain; Joe Hartmann, 1st lieutenant; Greg Szlejer, 2nd lieutenant; Joe Bernat, secretary; and Frank Totten, treasurer. Congratulations! Firefighters Rich Miller and Leslie Moore were recognized for their 20 years of service and ex-chief Kevin Davis for his 30 years of service. Georgette Case presented the A. Lloyd Case Award to firefighter Donald Owen. This is Donald’s second time receiving this award for his hard work and dedication to the fire company. Ex-member and ex-captain Kenny Davis also attended. Everyone was happy he was able to be a part of the festivities, as well as my husband, Joe, who also attended. Other than Christmas Day, this was only the second time he was able to go out for a few hours. He enjoyed seeing all the members and having dinner with Georgette.

Today is day 66 at the Riverhead Care Center for my husband, who is doing quite well and continuing his daily routine going to physical therapy. He also continues to keep busy with all the activities the recreation department provides for its residents. He is enjoying chatting with new residents Paul Osip, John Luce and Helen Fincer, all of whom he has known for years and are also there for rehab. Joe’s sister, Ellen Kramer, is also going to rehab there. She would like to thank her family and friends for their visits, cards and flowers. Once again, thanks to all who are keeping Joe in their prayers and for the cards and phone calls. We are hoping he will soon be back home with his family as we miss him very much.

Louise Wilkinson and I attended the 130th anniversary celebration of Suffolk County Historical Society, where the Honorable Peter F. Cohalan discussed “The History of Suffolk County and Its Ten Founding Towns.” The presentation was awesome and very interesting. Louise bought a book, “Descendants of Captain John Prince of Southold, New York, and Their Place in Local History,” compiled by Helen Wright Prince. Louise’s family (Drumm) is listed on pages 153 and 154. Remarkably, her aunt Deborah Ann Drumm celebrated her 90th birthday that afternoon in Southold.

Here’s a gentle reminder that the brunch buffet to benefit the restoration of First Congregational Church of Riverhead — originally slated for Jan. 24 but canceled due to the snowstorm — has been rescheduled to Sunday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dark Horse Tavern on Main Street in Riverhead. Cost: adults, $20; children, $10; children under 3, free. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 631-727-6160.

February is Black History Month at Riverhead Free Library. The youth services department has many resources available for those students seeking information about famous African-Americans and their contributions to our country. While there, why not browse the displays? Also, “Love Your Library” week will be celebrated Feb. 14-21. Stop in and enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, tea or lemonade and cookies courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Any late fees incurred during this week will be waived.

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Riverhead Fire Department will once again host its winter breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 8 a.m. to noon at the firehouse on Roanoke Avenue. Cost: adults, $12; seniors, $10; children ages 5-12, $5; children under 5, free. Tickets are available at the door or by calling co-chairladies Allison Dick, 631-258-4797, or Gina Hubbard, 631-365-6289. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and chinese auction. Hope to see you there.

Happy birthday wishes to Tom Troyan, Jude Petrowski and Bob Szczepanik on Feb. 4; Melvin Henderson Jr. and Sydney Kito, Feb. 5; Ethan Baumack, Feb. 6; Nancy Carney, Feb. 7; Samuel Quartararo and Emily Hulse, who both turn 6, Feb. 8; Jane Hill and Lynn Kobylenski, Feb. 9; Buffy Krajewski, Feb. 10; Joan Huls, Feb. 11; Valerie Kulhan, Feb. 12; Samuel Halsey, Sue Chorzempa, Christopher Salerno, Ron Caffrey, Linda Ceckowski, Ruth Ann Collins and Barbara Bouchard, Feb. 14; Laura Wooten-Levine and Barbara Swislosky, Feb. 15; Elizabeth Hill, Lance Hugelmeyer, who turns 6, and Aidyn White, who turns 4, Feb. 16; and Reilly Butler, Meghan O’Brien, Judy Hettrick and Brian Stark, Feb. 17.

Happy 43rd wedding anniversary to Bill and Karen Kelly on Feb. 11.

Wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Christopher Triolo, with love from Susan Deduck.

The staff at Maryhaven Center of Hope expresses their deepest sympathy to one of their team leaders, Phil Reed, who passed away recently. They will surely miss him.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all.

Remember to fly your flag on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 15.

Welcome aboard to the columnist world, Colleen Carini. Looking forward to reading your Flanders, Riverside and Northampton column.