Community Columns

Calverton news: A new year, an engagement and a birthday

Happy 2017 to each and every one of you. We can only hope and pray that this year finds lots of good stuff in our lives. I wish us all the very best of luck.

My family had a wonderful start to the new year. My daughter, Jamie, and her boyfriend, Dan, recently got engaged. They are an awesome couple and we are so thrilled for both of them. I have to say, my granddaughter, Julia, is probably the most excited as she gently nudged Dan to proposed to her Aunt Jamie. It worked, Julia! Great job!

The Alley Cat Thrift Store in Riverhead, one of my favorite thrift shops, has been closed for January. Their grand reopening date is Feb. 2. Be sure to stop by. They are all lovely ladies and you will find some great things.

Belated happy birthday to Calverton resident Sammi Darrow, who celebrated Jan. 14, from all your family and friends. We hope you had a great day, Sammi.

All of us at Bach Grazina Orthodontics would like to thank everyone who donated to our coat drive. We got some nice, toasty coats that I’m sure will help keep someone warm. We are currently collecting supplies to send to our troops overseas. The following items would be appreciated: pumpkin seeds, trail mix, combs and brushes, deodorant, and scenic pictures or posters that the troops can hang in their tents to make it feel more like home. Microwave ovens weighing less than 55 pounds will also be accepted. If you can donate, we would love to have your help.

The Riverhead Raceway community lost a very dear friend just before Christmas, Fran Farruggia Conklin. I simply can’t imagine not seeing her at the track this year. You will be missed, my friend. Our love goes out to her family.

My cousin Donnie Troyan also left us. He was such a great guy and loved baseball. I remember going with him when he was trying out for the major leagues. He made it to the New York Mets. His family will be holding a memorial for him Saturday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Riverhead. Everyone who knew and loved him is welcome to come — just make sure you’ve got some stories and memories ready to share.

That’s all for my first column of 2017. Be safe, take care, and I’ll talk to you next time. Bye.

R031209_Pelis_R.jpg Contact Calverton columnist Cheryl Pelis at [email protected] or 631-827-2803.