Community

Flanders: Big Duck friends meeting and farewell to a neighbor

This kids are off from school this week, which started out with more snow. Ugh! After last Friday’s gorgeous 61-degree day, I, along with everyone I know, was really looking forward to some spring-like weather. Since it’s still February I guess I shouldn’t complain. Now I know why the grocery store was so crowded on Sunday. I had forgotten that we were expecting more snow (or maybe I was in denial) and everyone was stocking up in case we were going to be snowed in for a week.

The next general meeting of the Friends of the Big Duck will be Tuesday, March 1, at 7 p.m. at the David W. Crohan Community Center. Refreshments will be served. Do attend and bring a friend. The Friends will be planning their events for this year, including a flea market, a music festival and a car show.

Back when I was first starting my family I lived next door to my future sister-in-law Kim on Temple Avenue. Across the street lived two very nice people who were like the resident grandparents, Mary and Joe Coscia. Joe passed away quite awhile ago but Mary continued to reside in the same house until she moved to New Jersey a few years back to be closer to her family. It is with a very heavy heart when I tell you that dear, sweet Mary passed away on Feb. 18. There will be a private service in New Jersey this week. Rest in peace, Mary, we all miss you terribly. Say hello to Joe for us and watch over us all until we meet again.

Happy birthday to my cousin Dan Tribuzio, who will celebrate on March 4. Thank goodness this wish isn’t going to Iraq, as he’s now back in the states. We love you and hope you have a wonderful day.

Attention, RHS Class of 1986! Don’t forget to e-mail or call me with your address so you can be put on the list for the 25th reunion to be held in August. If anyone knows the whereabouts of any alumni, send us their address too. Some have moved away but I’m sure we can locate them if we all work at it.

Well, my fellow freezing friends and neighbors, that’s all for this week. I hope everyone enjoys the weekend. Please remember to drive safely and put those cell phones down — no texting either. Not only is it against the law, it’s extremely dangerous. No text or phone call is worth your life or someone else’s. Don’t forget to call or e-mail me with any news you’d like to share with our community.