Community

Riverhead Column: County DAR recognizes Linda Hobson and Drew Achilich for community service

By Kathy Berezny

COURTESY PHOTO | Caroline Stepnoski, chairman of the DAR Community Service Award committee (center), with the two award winners, Linda Hobson (left) and Drew Achilich.

Linda L. Hobson and Drew Achilich received the Suffolk Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s 2011 Community Service Award, presented by DAR Chaplain Caroline Stepnoski, at the Riverhead Country Fair. Drew had designed a T-shirt that bears the Horton Avenue street sign with Riverhead High School’s Blue Wave logo on the left sleeve (the sleeve closest to the heart). This raised awareness and funds ($3,000 so far!) for the flood victims on Horton Avenue. Drew’s selfless efforts were contagious, as many students and the faculty at RHS immediately supported his endeavor. His generous nature, love for community and desire to help people makes him worthy of this award.

Although Linda herself was displaced from her Horton Avenue home, she resolved to do whatever it took to get help for the neighboring families. She worked tirelessly to obtain donations of clothing, furnishings, heating systems and vehicles and to get renters relocated. She never gave up. Linda met repeatedly with County Legislator Ed Romaine and other elected officials to ensure that the government was doing its part by keeping the neighbors informed of the progress. She continues to work on this issue when many others have forgotten what has happened. Her selflessness, fortitude, her many endeavors, community activism and love for her community make her an exceptional candidate for this award. The Suffolk Chapter NSDAR continually searches for candidates — local Riverhead Town citizens who volunteer their time. Chapter members feel that volunteerism is one of the greatest gifts a person can give their community.

Jeanine Zeltman wants the community to know that Riverhead United Methodist Church’s thrift shop will close for the 2011 season on Saturday, Oct. 29. Until then, all clothing and shoes are half-price. Stop in and say hello. You just might find some treasures.

Happy birthday wishes to Jacob Smith, Nancy Pollard and Tom Gallo Sr. on Oct. 20; Tyler Dick (who turns 5) and Amy Boyle, Oct. 21; twins Nicholas and Allison Goss (who turn 1), Oct. 22; Mark Bauman, Rebecca Gallo and Linda Lorenz, Oct. 23; Phil Kenter and Thomas Pipczynski, Oct. 24; and Madison Stromski (who turns 9) and Bruce Edwards, Oct. 26. Hope your day is special.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes to Butch and Darlene Taylor and to Dottie and Bob Bugdin, who celebrate their 50th, on Oct. 21; Ginger and Jerry Duvall, Oct. 23; and Chet and Louise Leja, Oct. 24. Be sure to celebrate.

Get well wishes to Barbara Gallo and David Sparrow.

Five members of Riverhead's Troop 1159 recently received the Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouts and the highest award Cadette scouts can receive, for their organization of a "Stuff a Truck" food drive held in March. The food collected was distributed to six local food pantries. From left: Janice Flood, troop organizer with Riverhead Service Unit 59; troop co-leader Lynn Mott: award recipients Renee Mott, Kristal Dewey, TeAndra Jenkins, Nicole Levasseur and Melissa Gillian; co-leader Karen Levasseur; and Dawn Bozuhoski, service unit coordinator.
COURTESY PHOTO | Five members of Riverhead's Troop 1159 recently received the Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouts and the highest award Cadette scouts can receive, for their organization of a "Stuff a Truck" food drive held in March. The food collected was distributed to six local food pantries. From left: Janice Flood, troop organizer with Riverhead Service Unit 59; troop co-leader Lynn Mott: award recipients Renee Mott, Kristal Dewey, TeAndra Jenkins, Nicole Levasseur and Melissa Gillian; co-leader Karen Levasseur; and Dawn Bozuhoski, service unit coordinator.

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