Flanders: Big Duck lighting ceremony rescheduled for Dec. 16

I guess with only 12 more days until Christmas everyone is just too busy shopping, baking or decorating to call or e-mail me with news to share. Don’t worry, I’m very busy, too. We just put our tree up this weekend. I usually choose a real tree but decided to go with an artificial one this year. I don’t want to worry about watering a tree and taking it down so soon after Christmas because it’s all dried out. Remember, the tree isn’t what makes Christmas. It’s how you celebrate the holiday that makes it the special day that it is.

Congratulations to the Riverhead High School Blue Masques on their production of “Stage Door” this past weekend. The students and their director, Mrs. Guadagnino, worked very hard on this play. I know this because my daughter was in it and practiced all the time with especially long hours during the week leading up to opening night. All this on top of the normal high school workload, so you have to give them credit for keeping it all together. Great job, everyone! I can’t wait until the spring production, which will be a musical.

The Big Duck Holiday Lighting Ceremony was canceled in the beginning of the month due to heavy rain and has been rescheduled for Thursday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. Although the “big guy” has been lit every night since the Dec. 1, the rescheduled ceremony will feature an official countdown and lighting. Flanders Fire Department and local elected officials are scheduled to attend. Cross your fingers that the weather cooperates this time. Hope to see you there.

Belated happy wedding anniversary wishes to Frank and Christine Adelmann, who celebrated their 40th on Dec. 12 with a cruise to the Bahamas. May you have many more happy years together.

While playing taxi driver this weekend for my kids with their social schedules, I had the opportunity to drive all over Flanders and Riverhead. I have tell you, the holiday decorations are really fabulous on a lot of the homes. If you know of any key areas where there are some great holiday displays, send me an e-mail or give me a call so I can spread the word.

Each week I close the column begging everyone to put their cell phones down while driving. This weekend, while sitting at a light, I counted nine people turning onto Route 24 with cell phones held to their ears. It occurred to me that although the driver is 98 percent responsible for choosing to talk (or text) while driving, it’s also the responsibility of the other person they’re talking to, to choose not to talk to the person who’s driving. So I’m going to ask everyone now, please, please, if you know the person you’re on the phone with is driving, tell them to call you back when they’ve arrived at a safe location.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Since next week is the last column until mid-January I’d like to remind everyone that birthday shout-outs, family news and anniversary wishes are always welcome. I look very forward to hearing from you. Be safe and merry out there.