Community Columns

Riverhead Garden Club celebrate 85th anniversary: Riverhead News

On April 11 the Lynch girls — 2-year-old Madelyn, her grandmother Michele, and Madelyn’s mom, Kris (Fuerman) — were in Washington, D.C., and had a photo op with Hillary Clinton.

Also, at Michele’s request, Hillary signed a copy of “Call Me Madame President” by Sue Pyatt for Madelyn. What an exciting day it was for all three of them.

John and Pat Kurpetski recently spent a glorious time in sunny Costa Rica. They enjoyed beautiful sunsets on the Pacific Ocean, wake-up calls by monkeys on their terrace and magnificent views. They said the nightly entertainment/shows were also great and they were able to relax by the pool.

Riverhead High School graduate Jack Barnes started writing the book “Dirt Poor” after his retirement in 2013. Upon its completion and after waiting another year for it to be published, the book is now available for purchase online at Amazon. It is a history of Riverhead and depicts his life as a child with his father and grandfather. Jack wanted to tell his story that no matter how hard life can be you still can survive. Jack has also been featured twice in Newsday articles. Those who grew up in Riverhead can certainly relate to his story.

The Riverhead Garden Club will celebrate its 85th anniversary with a luncheon Wednesday, June 8, at the Inn at East Wind in Wading River from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be floral designs by Theresa Soto, a three-course lunch and raffles. Tickets are $45; reserve by June 1. Call Luci Mueller at 631-722-4288.

Happy wedding anniversary to Brian and Monique Gablenz on April 26; Barbara and Joe Vail, May 4; John and Stacy Seal, their 21st, May 6; and Cheryl (Berezny) and Gil Michaelis, their 3rd, May 11.

Happy birthday to Haleigh Miller (who turns 10) today, April 28; Kyle Harris, April 30; Kristen and Emily Brophy, May 1; Peter Friszolowski, May 2; Diane Gianni, Joe Arnau and Tina Atkinson, May 3; Kevin Curtis, Brian Block and Anthony and Felicia Miles, May 4; Amari Langhorne and Russell Murray, May 5; Walter Paulick, Regina Kenter and Howie Gassert, May 6; Irene Karzenski, Emilee Downs and Kurt Carter, May 7; Wendy Keenan and Sue Edwards, May 8; Louise Wilkinson and Donna Czajkowski, May 9; and Kevin Schuhmann, May 10.

It’s been difficult for me to contemplate the passing of a dear friend, Renee Linnen, who worked at the Riverhead Care Center forever and loved her job. I would see her all the time when she was working while my mother was a resident there and more recently when my husband, Joe, was in rehab there. Joe and Renee went to school together and we shared many wonderful times with her and her family — at the beach, at playgroup with our children, Fourth of July parties, fire department functions and so much more. It is so surreal that she is no longer here. Love you, Renee. You were a special friend to all but God has taken you home and you are now among the angels. My deepest sympathy to her beautiful family.

Have a Happy Mother’s Day! Be sure to call or email or send a card/write a letter to that special woman in your life and say thank you.

Berezny_RContact Riverhead columnist Kathy Berezny at 727-6148 at [email protected].