Community

Flanders: Baskets for NJROTC and basketball at SYB

February is almost over. I can’t wait until the first day of spring. Even if it’s 20 degrees that day I’ll still be celebrating. It means the light at the end of the winter tunnel is in sight!

Donations of baskets of any shape or size are needed for Riverhead NJROTC’s chinese auction and craft fair, slated for April 16 at the high school. The cadets are also looking for new items with which to fill the baskets … you know, those gifts that you never got around to returning that you just aren’t going to use. If you wish to donate, call Joan at 926-4499 or myself and we can arrange to have it picked up.

The Town of Southampton Youth Bureau is sponsoring its ninth annual basketball tournament on Friday, March 11, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the town recreation center at 1370A Majors Path. Registration is from 6 to 7 p.m. This event is open to girls and boys in grades 6-12. Preregistration by Friday, March 4, is $15 per team; $30 at the door. Proof of age (school ID, report card or class schedule) is required. Fee includes admission, prizes and refreshments. Free transportation is also available. For the transportation schedule, to register a team, or for more information, call the SYB at 702-2425. You can also visit southamptontownny.gov/youthbureau and click on “What’s Happening/Upcoming Events.”

A friend of mine called with a “random acts of kindness” story to share. One morning she used her debit card to make purchases at King Kullen. and decided to get cash back, then ended up walking out without her cash. She didn’t realize this until the next morning when she went to give her children their lunch money for school, then she realized she had left the money at the store. Fearing the worst but hoping for the best, she called the store. The cashier had turned it in! While picking up her money, my friend told the manager how grateful she was and thanked the employee personally.

I heard that everyone’s son, brother, nephew and friend Spencer Shea and his family were invited to the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps installation dinner last Saturday night, where his mom and dad, Kathleen and Mike, spoke with appreciation for all the volunteers did that night on Jan. 30, 2010. In her speech Spencer’s mom said “Many times we thank the doctors and surgeons for saving lives, they truly do an amazing job, but the fact is, if it weren’t for this crew, that went out on a bitterly cold night, to help a stranger, Spencer might not be with us today … the doctors might not have had a “Spencer” to work on.” No truer words have ever been spoken, so I’d like to personally thank all the volunteers, everywhere, for doing what you do. Thank you and God bless.
Don’t forget, if you were a member of RHS Class of 1986 call me or e-mail me so that you can be put on the invitation list for the 25-year reunion, to be held in August. I can’t wait to see everyone!

That’s it for this week, friends and neighbors. I hope everyone enjoys the weekend and all the kids enjoy their week off. Please remember to drive safely and put those cell phones down! Call or e-mail me with any news you’d like to share. Take care.