Aquebogue-Jamesport: honors and congrats
This week’s column is filled with honors and congratulations to many friends and families in our local community.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to John Anderson, who was honored on April 16 for 60 years of service with Jamesport Fire Department at the department’s annual installation and awards ceremony. John received proclamations from local and county dignitaries as well as from the White House for his unselfish dedication to the Jamesport community and to the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Mike Gevinski and Gary Troyan were named Firefighters of the Year for their dramatic water rescue. In addition, Raymond Diem was recognized for 40 years of service to the fire district; John Apicello and Lenard Makowski for 25 years; and Henry Dermigny and David Pfoertner for 20 years. Congratulations to all the department members who were honored.
On April 10, Old Steeple Community Church, UCC, in Aquebogue, honored those members with 50 years or more of service to the church. They include: Jessie Robinson Goodale Jr., 78 years; Leslie Halsey Corwin Jr. (69); Harold Ellsworth Goodale (69); Robert Dillingham (64); Lloyd Corwin Jr. (62); Gene Tyte Goodale (62); Geraldine Hulse (62); Jack Kratoville (62); Avery Young (62); Lois Weber Reeve (61); Janet Corwin Wedel (59); Judy Young (59); Virginia Kratoville Taylor (56); Paula Wright Corwin (55); Diane Goodale Sadowy (55); Carole Goodale Cambi (52); Georgia Young (52); Jesse Goodale III (51); Jean Draper Lapinski (51); Betty Stewart (51); Walter Stewart (51); Nancy Dillingham (50); Harold Goodale Jr. (50); George Reeve Jr. (50); and Elaine Taylor (50). Congratulations to these long-term members for their years of devotion to Old Steeple Community Church.
It’s time for the third annual Spring Tea at Hallockville, Friday, April 29, at 1p.m. The historic Naugles Barn will serve as the venue for this social event featuring a selection of sweets, savories, and teas. Wear your favorite hat. Proceeds support educational programs at Hallockville. See Coming Up section for more details. Call 298-5292.
A warm welcome home is extended to Sgt. Timothy Janis, a New York City fireman and member of the New York Army National Guard’s 442nd Military Police Company, which recently returned from a nine-month deployment in Iraq, where they trained Iraqi police officers. Sgt. Janis’ family, including his wife, Yvette, and 9-year-old son, Max, gathered at the South Jamesport home of his proud parents, Lore and Jerry Janis. The lamppost in the Janis’ front yard is adorned with a big yellow ribbon, surrounded by the fragrant spring daffodils and hyacinths welcoming Timothy home. What a wonderful spring welcome for a man of brave service to his family and our country. Thank you, Sgt. Timothy Janis, and congratulations to you, Lore and Jerry Janis!
I wish you all a very happy and healthy Passover, Holy Week and Easter celebrations. May all these holy signs, symbols and celebrations remind us that out from the darkness, new life blooms.