Riverhead: Thanks to the BID for Saturday’s bonfire!

Santa Claus came to town again, this time on a boat. He docked at the riverfront to make his guest appearance. After the tree lighting ceremony, the children had a chance to visit with Santa to make their wishes known and to have their picture taken. You could not have asked for a better evening to enjoy a bonfire, Christmas music and a hot cup of cocoa with whipped cream to ward off the night’s chill. Thanks to Dwayne Lewin for supplying Santa’s cruise boat, and all the members of BID who came up with the necessities for the evening’s festivities.

Riverhead Fire Department responds 24/7 to emergencies in all kinds of weather. They not only respond to fires but also to various types of safety calls, such as auto accidents to extricate trapped victims. In addition, they assist in transporting victims by ambulance or helicopter, secure electrical problems and deal with carbon monoxide detection, brush fires, flood control in homes, and water and boat rescues. Members receive 25 hours of training through the accredited Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank. Once the courses are completed, they are certified in first aid, CPR, hazardous materials, national firefighter I training, specialized training in thermal cameras, rescue tactics, railroad emergencies, leadership, safety and liability. Volunteers are needed. If you would like to join or learn more about the responsibility of becoming a firefighter, stop in at department headquarters at 540 Roanoke Ave., visit riverheadfd.org, or call 603-3671.

The Riverhead High School Blue Masques held their production of “Stage Door” this past weekend in the Charles Cardona auditorium. The cast included Julia Vun Kannon, Amanda Kozakiewicz, Brianne Egan, Karla Alvizures, Dayna DiMartino, Julianna Nolan, Beth Wells, Tori Greenidge, Hannah Keiffert, Emma Bernhardt, Samantha Walters, Aimee Trafford, Chelsea Chizever, Nina Giannuzzi, Alicia Waldron, Holly Williams, Meghan Davis, Tara Smith, Kayla D’Amour, Shauna Huizing, Krystian Jamrozek, James Yaiullo, John Vail, Jonathan Troiano, Brandon Hollborn, Michael Drozd, Stephen Peppaceno, Aubree Walters, Daniel Morgan, Shawn Klopfer, Miles Moloney, Chris Aguilar, Amanda Walters, Kyle Breitenbach, Kaitlyn Doherty, Samantha Starsiak, Aysha Ozylilmaz, Emily Cardillo, Hannah Kulp, Jessica Herzog, Debbie Bates, Jaclyn Griffith, Amanda Osborn, Sarah Cook, Brionna Cook, Jordan Tapley, Kendall Stark, Kayla Lessard, Jessica Sisti, Josh Bieling, Justin Harris, Daniel Raynor and Alex Roytman. Thanks to Jessica Guadagnino, who directed the play; student stage manager/student director Jennifer Bliss; and assistant manager Jerilynn Toole, who all did a wonderful job.

Belated happy birthday to Brenna Latour, who turned 13 on Dec. 9.

Happy birthday wishes to Ellen Kramer, Barbara Lennon and Kyle Watts on Dec. 16; Rich Freeborn, Dec. 17; Karen Fleischman and triplets Ashley, Mark and Sean Kwasna, Dec. 18; Rose Haupt, Ron Darling, Irene Futerko (with love from Madeline, Karen, John, Jason, Grace and Mike) and Caroline Stepnoski, Dec. 19; Greg Heppner, Christine Bouchard and Robert Doremus (who turns 3), Dec. 20; Rich Campbell, Debra Koroleski and Rich Miller, Dec. 21; and Jason Galka, who turns 27, with love from Mom, aunts Karen and Irene, Mike, uncle John and Grace, on Dec. 22. Be sure to celebrate.

Only 11 days till Christmas!