Community Columns

Flanders News: Riverside Rediscovered hosting back-to-school event

Hello! I hope everyone has been staying cool out there.

Riverside Rediscovered will be partnering with United Healthcare and Truth Community Church for a back-to-school event Saturday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 129 Peconic Ave. (the grass-covered property on the circle in Riverside). The event is free and everyone is welcome. There will be children’s activities and snacks and school supplies will be distributed. Information and sign-up for United Healthcare will be available, plus lots more. For information or to donate school supplies for local kids, call Siris or Angela at Riverside Rediscovered, 631-591-3926.

Don’t forget about the moonlight paddle tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 20) coordinated by Ron Fisher. Everyone will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. and heading out shortly after. It will start on the beach at the end of Long Neck Boulevard. Bring something to drink — it can get hot out there.

The Flanders Riverside Northampton Citizens Advisory Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the David W. Crohan Community Center. The Peconic Estuary Program beautification grant will be discussed. Rose Nigro, the beautification committee and Ron Fisher are working with the Peconic Estuary Program to apply for a grant that would help purchase native plants for the intersection of 105 and Route 24. They plan to work with a local Girl Scout Troop on an educational planting session in the early fall. Come to the meeting if you love to garden or are interested in helping.

Steven Schreiber, a board member of the Flanders Riverside Northampton Community Association, is collecting food for the food pantries at Galilee Church of God in Christ and Phillips Avenue Elementary School. If your garden is overflowing with more fruits and vegetables than you need, how about donating some? He is also looking for nonperishable food items and paper goods to help local families in need. To donate, contact Steve at 631-846-1212. If you cannot get the items to him, he is willing to pick up locally. Please help your neighbors in need.

Galilee Church of God in Christ is looking for donations of items for a charity auction planned for Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Riverhead Moose Lodge. The event is being coordinated by Lonaway Mildrow. To donate or to help with the fundraiser, call 631-727-4754. All proceeds will go to the church.

Unfortunately, the carnival that FRNCA was hoping to hold this year had to be put off until next year. So get ready, because they are already working on having one in 2017. I will keep you posted!

I would like to wish Kim Lennon a belated happy birthday from her dad, Nicole, and the Lennon clan. She turned 18 on Aug. 11. Kim spent her birthday in Florida with all of her cousins. Hope you had a wonderful birthday, Kim!
Barbara Oliver, family and friends of Sally Oliver, hope Sally had a wonderful birthday Aug. 17!

On Aug. 14, the Podlas/Tocci family had its third annual Memorial Ride for Barbara Tocci and Hayley. I have known this family for many years and I am so proud of the community and the way it has supported this family at the time of their loss. Barbara and Hayley were two very strong, beautiful women taken from their loved ones way too soon. The Podlas/Tocci family is always in my thoughts and prayers.

Please make sure you send me your news by Saturday afternoon so I can guarantee it will be in my next column.
That is all for this week. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me with local news and events and please get in touch if you have anything you’d like to share. Stay cool out there and please watch out for others walking, crossing the street and riding bikes while you are out driving.

Kathy KruelContact Flanders, Riverside and Northampton columnist Kathy Kruel at 631-727-5530 or [email protected].