Community

Riverhead: Flag Day essay winners; honoring service in the RFD Ladies’ Auxiliary

Riverhead Elks Lodge 2044 held its annual Flag Day ceremony on June 5. The Combined Veterans of the Town of Riverhead were on hand to present the flags. Riverhead School District elementary school students wrote essays on “What the Flag Means to Me.” The essay winners, from first to third grade, are first place, Maddy Judd (Mr. Deshamps’ class at Phillips Avenue); second place, Kasey Rasanen (Mrs. Messina, Riley Avenue); third place, Andrea Chabla (Mrs. Condon, Aquebogue Elementary); fourth place, Jordyn Falisi (Mrs. Menis, Riley Avenue) and Noah Straus (Mrs. Niebergall, Aquebogue Elementary). Winners from Pulaski Street Elementary School are first place, Thomas Ludwig, (Mrs. Belmonte); second place, Zairel Luna (Mrs. Hubbard). From Riley Avenue: third place, Olivia Raynor (Mrs. Gaare); fourth place, Alyssa Pavuk (Mrs. Vengilio); fourth place, Samantha Seal (Mrs. Gaare).

Special guest speaker was Army Sgt. Wiwczar, who has finished tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thanks to the officers of the Elks Lodge for hosting the patriotic essay contest every year, bringing with it awareness of God, country and the American flag.

The Ladies Auxiliary of Riverhead Fire Department held their June dinner meeting at Meeting House Creek Inn, with 29 members and guests in attendance. Nina Campbell was recognized for her 25 years of service to the auxiliary. President Ann Vonatski read proclamations from Congressman Tim Bishop, Supervisor Sean Walter and the Town Board, and treasurer Michele Lynch read a proclamation from County Legislator Ed Romaine. Nina received a 25-year pin, a bouquet of flowers and a hanging basket as appreciation for all her hard work. Kelli Naugles joined the ranks of being past president and received her ex-president’s pin, a bouquet of flowers and a hanging basket for all her hard work during her two years as president. Joyce Montag was recognized by the auxiliary for her 60 years of service and was presented with a huge dragon begonia hanging basket. Each auxiliary member received a rose to take home as a remembrance of this lovely affair.

On Friday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Living Water Full Gospel Church in Riverhead the instructors at Dayspring Performing Arts Training Center invite you to a showcase featuring a presentation by students, teachers and former students. For tickets and information call 722-4969, ext. 204.

Belated happy birthday to Harold Hansen on June 14, with love from your son, Ron.

Happy anniversary wishes to Cheryl and Nick Luparella, who will celebrate their 37th; Harry and Louise Wilkinson (38); and Pat and Joe Gadzinski (43), on June 22. Be sure to celebrate.

Happy birthday to Jill O’Kula, Jim Redmond, Savion Williams, Ann Duprey and Allen Smith on June 18; Robert Jacobs, June 19; and Jorge Ortiz, June 21. Hope your day is special.

Sorry about the misprint in the May 19 column. Leo Jasinski has over 55 years of service with Riverhead Fire Department. Sorry, Leo, and congratulations on this great accomplishment.