Riverhead News: Friends of Riverhead Free Library honored
The annual meeting of the Friends of Riverhead Free Library and the Riverhead Free Library Association was held May 13. Laurel Sisson and Arlene Peck, co-presidents of the Friends, presented an overview of what the Friends have been up to during the year with funds raised from sales at the Yellow Barn. They also talked about the many sponsored cultural events that are offered throughout the year for community residents, and scholarships to enhance the continuation of education.
RFL board president Stephen Palmer and director Joy Rankin recognized the following employees for their many years of dedicated service: Genevieve Hettrick and Marie Ladonne, 30 years; Linda Stepnoski, 25; Jean Block and Karen DeLisa, 15; Mary Lee Gaylor, Cytherea Mims, James Provencher and Linda Sadowski, 10; Joe Garcia and Margie Santiago, five. Each was given a certificate and pin representing their years of service. The Board of Trustees election was also held that evening.
Those elected for a term of three years include: Milagros Rios (second three-year term), Judy Doll and Kathleen Berezny. Outgoing trustees Stephen Palmer and Kimberly Burns both held their positions for six years and were given a round of applause for a job well done. The new term begins at the July 8 meeting.
The American Legion Auxiliary, Riverhead Unit 273 joined with the Griswold-Terry-Glover and Mitchell units May 14 at Griswold-Terry-Glover Post 803 in Southold to install new officers for 2014-15. Ellen Saunders was installed as president of the Riverhead unit by Suffolk County American Legion Ladies Auxiliary president Patricia Bianculli as well as by presidents and officers of the other two units. Also, Post 803 member Evelyn McConlogue was recognized for her 77 years of service to the American Legion. Congratulations.
Riverhead Fire Department held its 51st annual installation/dinner dance May 16 at Hyatt Place East End. Ed Carey, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, installed Chief Joe Raynor, 1st assistant chief Kevin Brooks, 2nd assistant chief Pete Jackman and 3rd assistant chief Tim Corwin. The top 10 responders for 2013 were: Commissioner John Tradeski Jr., 200 points; James Redmond (203); ex-chief Vincent Golembeski (206); ex-chief Steve Beal (214); ex-captain Skip Beal (228); ex-chief Frank Darrow (235); ex-captain Robert Szczepanik (253); Captain Jamie Brooks (254); ex-captain Ray Atkins (256); and top responder, Bruce Edwards (282). Congratulations to all! The Company of the Year award went to Washington Engine Co. 2; Firefighter of the Year, Robert Zaweski; 2nd Lt. of the Year, Brian Raynor; 1st Lt. of the Year, Jamie Brooks; and Captain of the Year, Baycan Fideli. Robert Kujawski was recognized for his 50 years of service.
The next book discussion at Riverhead Free Library is “Shutter Island,” a psycho-drama by Dennis Lehane, tonight, May 22, from 7 to 8 p.m. Call 727-3228 for more details.
A Mother’s Day celebration was held May 11 at the Riverhead Care Center. A big thank-you goes to Riverhead Florist for its generous donation of carnations that were given to the center’s female residents.
Happy birthday to Lily Luparella (who turns 4), Nicole Lojko and Rose Castillo on May 22; Justin Maas on the 23rd; Michael Ross, Candice Hughes and Reid William Groth (who turns 7) on the 24th; Dennis Kenter, Patrick Flammia and Skip Beal on the 27th; Terry Barty, Bo Goodale and Barbara Langhorne on the 28th; Barbara Warner on the 31st; Sue Harvey on June 1; Allyssa Francis on the 2nd; and Angela Francis on the 3rd.
Belated happy 63rd wedding anniversary to Patricia and Vernon Wells, who celebrated May 18.
Happy wedding anniversary to Connie and Dennis Kenter on May 25; Rich and Nina Campbell on the 26th; John and Pat Kurpetski (49 years) on the 30th; Cheryl and Rich Miller (39 years) and Mark and Wendy Gajowski on June 1; Carol and Jim Lee (29 years) on the 2nd; and Robin and Greg Hulse (32 years) on the 4th.
Get well wishes to Joe Gadzinski and Joan Fleischman.
Remember to fly your flag this Memorial Day and take time to remember those who have served our country so that we can enjoy our freedom.
Contact Riverhead columnist Kathy Berezny at [email protected] or 727-6148
