Flanders: Big Duck meeting Sept. 6
So, it’s finally over — the RHS Class of 1986 25-year reunion, that is. After months of planning our big night was almost thwarted by some chick named “Irene,” who decided to come to Long Island and cause a commotion. Well, Riverhead alumni are not ones to be pushed around. We decided to go ahead and have it. Mother Nature must have agreed since it didn’t really start to get nasty until after 10:30 p.m. Thanks to Tony at Eagles Landing in Calverton for being so flexible and understanding. It was beautiful and the food and staff were fabulous. Thanks to John Graziano, Maryann (Rausch) Matlak, Tracy (Ambrose) Wanat, Chrissy (Smith) Slee, and Debbie (Setek) Fleming for all their hard work planning the event. It was a pleasure to work with all of you and I cannot wait until the next one.
I have always said our class is the best. A 50/50 raffle was held with all the proceeds to benefit Michael Hubbard, and we raised over $500! John and Diane Graziano won $250, which they promptly donated back to Michael’s mom, Nancy, to use however she needs to help care for her son. Most of the classmates who pre-paid but couldn’t make it donated their payments to Michael. When we close out our books we’ll have more to give. Michael and Nancy, we’re all praying for you both and sending healing thoughts and love your way.
Michael’s aunt Fran is hosting a yard sale for the family this weekend at her home at 81 Rabbit Run in Riverhead. If you have a gently used item to donate, call her at 369-9076. If you’re a yard-saler, stop down and check out the wares — something for everyone.
Flanders Northampton Volunteer Ambulance thanks those who donated to their annual fund drive. It’s important that we, as a community, support them. Thank you to the volunteers who were on standby answering calls this past weekend. We had many trees down and wires across the road and they were out protecting and helping the residents. Hats off to you all!
The next general meeting of the Friends of the Big Duck is Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the David W. Crohan Community Center at 7 p.m. All are welcome. Come join them and bring a new “Friend.” Upcoming events include the Music Festival, Sept. 24, and the Classic Car Show, Oct. 9.
Belated happy 12th birthday to Steven Harrison, who celebrated Aug. 20. His mom and dad, who love him to pieces, took him to Florida and on the Disney Dream Cruise. They had a fabulous time. Thanks to Robert Harrison for taking good care of their puppies while they were away.
Happy birthday to my classmate Shelley Langhorne-Robinson, who celebrated on Aug. 26, and happy anniversary to Tom and Betty Langhorne on Aug. 28. All your family and friends hope you had a wonderful day!
Birthday wishes also go to another classmate, Lewis Loatmann, who celebrated on Aug. 27, from all of your family and friends. Sorry it had to storm on your birthday but when was the last time your classmates sang happy birthday to you? Hope you had a great day!
In last week’s column I wished Charles and Diane Bennett a happy anniversary, but I got the number of years wrong. They’ve been married 36 years, not 26. Sorry!
The Times/Review office will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day, so my column has to be sent in by tomorrow morning, Sept. 2. If you have anything you’d like to share with the community, please give me a call or email me as soon as possible. Enjoy the last weekend of summer 2011 and please remember to drive safely and to put those cell phones down.
