Flanders

Hello, my friends. I have so much to share. First, I’m sure you’re all aware that Flanders Little League 9- and 12-year-olds had their opening-day ceremony last Saturday. It was a beautiful sunny day. The 10 a.m. game featured Flanders Burner Service vs. Suffolk County Title Insurance Agency and at 1 p.m. it was Flanders Men’s Club vs. Aztec Construction. All four teams did very well and we all wish them a terrific season. I’ll post game times next week, in case you want to drop by and watch some great baseball.

The highlight of the morning game was the appearance of Spencer Shea, who was invited to throw out the first pitch of the 2010 season. With God’s grace, Spencer has healed so quickly and well that he was allowed out of St. Charles for the day. His mom, Kathleen, and dad, Mike, along with little brother Ryan and all their friends and family, including his Aunt Kim and Uncle John Jones from Virginia and his Aunt Amelia, Uncle Scott Armbrust and their sons, Christopher and Nick, came down to cheer him on. Spencer was fantastic. There were quite a few teary eyes in the crowd, including mine, when he walked out onto the field, bowed to the crowd when introduced, and then threw a great pitch to catcher Travis Rocco. Spencer was given a team hat, FLL sweatshirt, and the ball he threw as a token of the league’s appreciation.

Spencer also celebrated his 15th birthday on Saturday. It is actually on April 13, but since he was out of the hospital for the day, the family decided to take over Digger’s and have a party for him and his cousin Megan Jacobs, who celebrates her 5th birthday on the same day. Everyone had a wonderful time, of course, especially Spencer, who received an iPod touch from his parents, among many other fantastic gifts. Thanks to Kenny at Best Buy for helping to hook it up to Spencer’s laptop. Happy birthday, Spencer, and may you have many, many more!

Congratulations to the Phillips Avenue students who received principal and citizenship awards in March, and to the students who were Caught Being Good, and were treated to a bagel breakfast as a reward. Way to go!

Phillips Avenue held its annual Terri Peters Science Fair on April 8. Students displayed their science projects for all to see. Congratulations to the following winners: Kindergarten: Dylan Pierristil (1), Emily Flores (2), Mrs. Thompson’s class (3); First Grade: Stefanie Silva (1), Anthony Jones (2), Casey Cawley (3); Second Grade: Scarlett Olsen (1), Kerrin McDonald (2), Yore Walston (3); Third Grade: Sabrina Veliz (1), Taylor Bunch (2), Jared Cawley (3); Fourth Grade: Lauren Behr (1), Christopher D’Amour (2), Catherine Farrell (3).

Belated birthday wishes to Dustin Brewer, who turned 16 on April 6, from Mom, Dad, your brother, Devon, and all your family and friends, especially us here! We hope you had a great day!

Thanks to all who contacted me this week. Have a wonderful weekend and please remember to drive safely.