Calverton Column: School year off to a good start at Riley Avenue

OK, I want you all to stop going nuts. We have pumpkins — perhaps not the incredible selection that you are used to — but we have pumpkins at our farms and farm stands, which I expect you to visit not only for pumpkins but also for your mums, stalks, straw and, yes, candy apples. Have fun and enjoy, even if you have to wear shorts and tank tops while doing so. Here’s a quick observation. The animals seem to be stocking up big-time for winter. Just check out your acorns, or lack thereof. Cornstalks are being stripped of corn, walnuts are disappearing — and this is only the beginning.

Riley Avenue Elementary School held its first Riley Avenue Parents Association meeting of the year and they are off to a good start. There is so much to help out with at the school. I encourage all parents to attend the meetings and lend a hand. You will not only make new friends but will become a little bit closer to your child as he or she makes their way through this wonderful school.

Character education is a very important part at Riley. Our teachers consistently emphasize that students make positive choices and take personal responsibility. Schoolwide community service will once again be a top priority at Riley. Thanks once again to all our custodians at Riley for their hard work in getting the school ready for the new school year. Great job, everyone.

Riley will see its first days off on Sept. 29 and 30 for Rosh Hashana. “Meet the Teachers” nights will begin at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 for grades 3-4 and Oct. 11 for grades K-2. Do try your best to meet with your child(ren)’s teachers.

Belated happy birthday to Calverton resident Steve Hackal, who recently celebrated, from your wife and all your family and friends. We hope you had a really nice day.

Happy birthday to Steve’s wife, Pat, who will celebrate Oct. 4. We hope you have a great day. Birthday wishes are also sent to my mom, Kay Troyan, who will celebrate Oct. 5. We wish you a wonderful birthday.

Happy wedding anniversary to my mom and my dad, Paul Troyan, who will celebrate Oct. 2. All of us, especially little Brookie, who simply adores both of you, hope your day is sunny, warm and perfect. Congratulations.

That is all for this week. Enjoy whatever weather Mother Nature throws at us, and boy she’s been tossing some stuff at us lately. Take care, bye.