Community Columns

Wading River News: Softball alumni game pushed back

Former Riverhead softball players at last year’s alumni game. (Credit: Robert O’Rourk, file)

I had received an announcement for a Riverhead High School alumni softball game that was to be held Aug. 3 but it was canceled due to rain. The game will be held at a later date. Coordinators Bob and Kelly will keep us informed of the details. Thank you, Bob and Kelly. 

Happy birthday to Dan Newton, who recently visited Wading River to attend a family reunion/barbecue at Smith Point Park. Dan and his fiancée, Jen, enjoyed a nice day at the ocean with great food and company. On July 22 they enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner in Connecticut (given by Jean Newton Hazard). While there, Dan was also invited to the Savage family reunion, at which he was a hit, telling stories of his grandmother, Madeline Savage, his grandfather, Jake Vanderplate, Madeline’s father, Jim Savage (a professional boxer) and his mother and twin sister, Marie and Hilda Vanderplate. Next year, other members of the Newton family will attend the reunion, planned by Susan Savage Goodman. Dan and Jen agree that the entire summer trip was spectacular.

Wading River residents Bob and Jenn Gebbia will be opening their restaurant, Palmer’s American Grille at the Vineyard Golf Club, later than expected. The details are being worked out and the place will look perfect for their grand opening in Riverhead. The new date will be announced here so stay tuned. Thanks for the update, Bob and Jenn.

The Sound Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dorothy Savitch, will appear in concert Aug. 8 at North Shore Public Library in Shoreham. Presented will be the 2014 Summer Pops Concert series, songs of great movie musicals. Stephanie Izzo, soprano, will sing show tunes beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free. I will be attending this performance, as I will soon be launching my own public singing career and am searching for venues and events to gain exposure. For more information or to follow the group, visit soundsymphony.com.

C.K. Auto in Wading River is another place where messages are posted on an outdoor sign. Its most recent sends a happy birthday to Joanne Buhler. Joanne, I don’t know if you’re a family member or friend of theirs, but C.K. Auto says: “You’re the best.”

Wading River Historical Society will host its annual yard sale Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on its grounds by the Duck Ponds. Help keep local history alive. No early birds. Items for sale include classic Duck Pond shirts, which I’m told make excellent beachwear.

Be well and maybe I’ll see you at the yard sale, Sound Symphony concert, a family reunion or just around town. See you in two weeks.

Liz Taggart_BwContact Wading River columnist Elizabeth Taggart at [email protected] or 929-5933.