Riverhead Column

The Glenwood Village Lassies held their first-ever spaghetti dinner fundraiser Jan. 28 at the Glenwood Recreation Center. Sixty-five guests were served salad, spaghetti, meatballs, sausage and fresh baked bread, followed by dessert and coffee. The door prize was an Italian basket, won by Mary Mottl. Monies raised go toward charities during the year. Everyone enjoyed a great meal.

The teen department at Riverhead Free Library would like to congratulate those who participated in the “Winter Battle Express 2012” mock book battle Jan. 31 with coach Joyce Rienzo. Open to teens in grades 6-8, this in-house battle prepares the students for the “Battle of the Books” event held in the summer. Those who participated read three books and then reported on them once a week for four weeks. The winners are: 1st place: The Athenians — Dominique Marichal, Keely McCabe and Cesar Palencia; 2nd place: The Jims — Damien Cowell, Mary Kate Teresky and Kevin Tobin; and 3rd place: The Chronomancers — Justin Brennan, Jacob Nitti and Joseph Gorgone. Laurel Sisson judged the costume contest. Winners are: Funniest, Mary Kate Teresy; scariest, Cesar Palencia; far-out, Justin Brennan; beautiful, Dominique Marichael; happiest, Damien Cowell; bravest, Jacob Nitti; original, Keely McCabe; and “uncostumist”, Joseph Gorgone. The three books read were “Black Duck” by Janet Lisle, “Schooled” by Gordon Korman and “Two Princesses of Bamarre” by Gail Levine. Special thanks go to the parents, who brought the students to and from the event.

Members of the teen department also made 50 valentines for soldiers and 50 valentines for homebound and nursing home residents. They also enjoyed a Chinese New Year celebration, complete with delicious ginger tea, and wrote their names in Chinese calligraphy. There’s always something going on for everyone at Riverhead Free Library. Check it out and have a good time.

Support downtown Riverhead businesses at a “cash mob” on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. behind the former Swezey’s building on the Peconic Riverfront. There’ll be something for everyone. Come on down with a $20 bill and be a part of the shopping action.

Kent Animal Shelter is offering a “Beat the Heat” promotion, sponsored by PetSmart Charities. During February Kent will spay female cats for a special rate of $20. For more information, call 727- 5731 or email Pam at [email protected].

Belated happy birthday to Bob Szczepanik on Feb. 4. Hope you have a great year.

Happy birthday to Jane Hill and Lynn Kobylenski on Feb. 9; A.J. Riker, Joan Hulse and Rashae Smith (with love from family and friends), Feb. 11; Valerie Kuhlan and Joe Ogeka Jr., Feb. 12; Samuel Halsey, Joseph Hart, Sue Chorzempa, Chris Salerno, Ron Caffrey, Linda Ceckowski, Ruth Ann Collins, Barbara Bouchard and J.R. Renten (a happy 50th from your wife, Donna, and girls Nikki, Mackenzie and Jordan), Feb. 14; and Laura Wooten-Levine, Feb. 15. Be sure to celebrate.

Happy 39th wedding anniversary to Karen and Bill Kelly on Feb. 11. Hope your day is extra special.

Remember to fly your flag Feb. 12 in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.