Aquebogue-Jamesport: Photo exhibit to benefit Kent Animal Shelter

Yes, it’s August, so soak up the summer. There are lots of fun things to do in and around the North Fork. Get off the computer, get to the garden, the beach and the wineries, or visit some of our local attractions that all the tourists are talking about.

John Neely, local resident and Riverhead News-Review contributing photographer, will be exhibiting images of New Orleans at Palmer Vineyards in Aquebogue Aug. 5 to Sept. 11. An opening reception will be held at the vineyard Aug. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A friend of mine from Wading River, Jason Nadler, is co-hosting a photo exhibit and benefit for Kent Animal Shelter on Aug. 6 from noon to 3 p.m. at Peconic Bay Winery, Cutchogue. Admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the door and includes one glass of wine/beverage and hors d’oeuvres. This event is sponsored by Peconic Bay Winery, Parties ‘n’ All, and Nadler Photo Design. To purchase tickets, visit NadlerPhotoDesign.com/NoFo.

Next week, local author Tom Gahan, whose novel “Harmony Bay” hit the top 1 percent in sales at Amazon.com in July, will be signing books and greeting fans at Jason’s Vineyard in Jamesport on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.For information call 631-238-5801.

In last week’s column I inadvertently referred to John Anderson as retired after 60 years in the Jamesport Fire Department. I stand corrected — John is working on another 25!

I have added one more dog to my 5 a.m. walks on Herricks Lane. Madias, our CCI puppy, was just released from advanced training. He is now what we call a “change of career” dog. We gladly took this beautiful golden back into our home. Now we have black, white and gold and we are done. Friend me on Facebook to see a picture of breakfast at the Benthals! Anyway, each morning, as I walk briskly with three leashes and rosary in hand, I feel as though I’m training for the JFD Sound to Bay 10K, even though I can’t make it. The run is on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 9 a.m. You can still preregister for $20 by calling Robert Sikora at 807-4055 or by sending him an email at [email protected] before Aug. 22. I’m not sure how many registrants there are so far, but if you haven’t missed it, the first 400 are guaranteed a T-shirt!

Belated best wishes for a very happy birthday to South Jamesport resident Angela DeVito. Angela is very active in our community and uses her gifts to make our town a better place in which to live. Thanks for all you do, Angela. I hope you had a great birthday!

Johanna and Taffy and I had a wonderful time last Sunday at the ice cream social at the Jamesport Meeting House. It was a beautiful time of community sharing, games, and ice cream. The ice cream melted quickly, but Taffy got to clean up the drips. Thanks to Richard Wines, the board of the Jamesport Meeting House Trust and Anthony Trubisz, of Bruster’s Ice Cream, for sponsoring the event.