Calverton Column: One more raccoon-repelling tip

Only 10 days till Santa Claus arrives, so get a move on! Wasn’t it just the Fourth of July? Or even Labor Day, when we were sad to see the summer go? Where did the time go?

The staff at Riley Avenue Elementary School has hung murals at Peconic Bay Medical Center’s skilled nursing facility and the residents and staff there are delighted with the artwork. Riley chorus members will soon be Christmas caroling there, a highly anticipated annual event.

Rebecca Cohen, a third-grader at Riley, had the privilege of having her dad visit Mrs. Menis’ class to teach the students about Veterans Day. The children really learned a lot. Many thanks to Mr. Cohen and all who protect our country.

On Sunday, Jan. 8, at 11:30 a.m. Matt Kar and Rowland, Patti and Jessica Hautsch invite you to enjoy a buffet brunch and some very good company at the Jamesport Manor Inn in memory of Ryan Hautsch, whom we lost so tragically and all to soon. Ryan lives on in our hearts and in a scholarship in his name for local culinary arts students. Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for teens and $12 for children. Soda, coffee and tea are included. For reservations, call 722-0500. All proceeds support the Ryan Hautsch Scholarship Fund. Once again, many thanks to Matt for his thoughtfulness.

Belated happy birthday to Holly Burke, who celebrated on Dec. 11, from your husband, Sean, your children and grandchildren, and especially Joan. We hope you had a perfect birthday. DeeJay Chasse celebrated his 30th on Dec. 10 with a surprise party in his honor. We hope you had a really fun time.

Happy birthday on Dec. 15 to DeeJay’s wife, Danielle, my number one pumpkin helper (OK, number two. Sorry, Danielle; Jamie was there first). We all love you, honey! Wishes also go to Calverton resident Florence Danowski on Dec. 18. Happy birthday to this wonderful, fun lady from all your family and friends. May your day be perfect, Florence. We love you lots.

My little Julia celebrated her first birthday with a party last weekend and I do believe she loved it. There were so many toys, all of which she played with to everyone’s delight — a perfect little hostess. We all had a great time and can’t wait to see what Christmas will bring.

Remember that tip I gave you about keeping raccoons out of the garbage by putting ammonia on top of the bags? Well, I had no ammonia and instead sprayed Westley’s Bleche-Wite tire cleaner on top. I have to say, not one little varmint has dined on my trash. Try it. It’ll give you peace of mind, as you won’t have to keep picking up your trash in the morning before you go to work. Ugh.

A very happy Hanukkah to those of you who celebrate. May your holiday be lovely, happy and healthy.

Be safe, take care and I shall talk to you next week, which, by the way, will be my last column until Jan. 12. Bye.