Riverhead News: BBQ at Riverhead United Methodist Church

Congratulations to Joyce Rienzo, youth services librarian at Riverhead Free Library and coach of the Battle of the Books team Armedius Academy, on their participation in the Suffolk County-wide Battle of the Books event at SUNY/Stony Brook on Aug. 1.

On July 29 dear friends Frank Rotenberg, Tara Cunningham, Paulette Bates, Patricia Kurpetski and Dot Madonia celebrated Dot’s retirement from Riverhead High School, where she worked for 19 years, at Tong Fu in Riverhead. Dot, who loves cardinals, was given a stepping stone with cardinals, solar lights and wind chimes for her garden. Pat Kurpetski made a photo book for her so that Dot can reminisce about the years she worked at RHS. Everyone had a wonderful time. Congratulations, Dot, and enjoy retirement! You certainly deserve it.

Patricia and John Kurpetski enjoyed a full two weeks with their son, John Henry, and grandson, Logan, who came for a visit from Florida. They enjoyed dinners with great-grandma Bertha Kulesa; trips to the ocean and Sound; collecting stones and shells; seeing fireworks at Riverhead Raceway; spending time with Uncle Robert and his friend Jenn, Katelyn, Sean and Connor; playing laser tag; barbecues; sleep-overs; and swimming. What a glorious two weeks it was for the Kurpetski clan.

Riverhead United Methodist Church will hold its annual chicken barbecue on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. Take-out will be available. Cost: $15, adults; children under 10, $10. The menu includes half a chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, corn on the cob, roll, and dessert. All proceeds will benefit the church’s Moller Organ Fund. To reserve tickets or for more information, call the church at 727-2327.

Local recording artist and talented singer Darren Stakey, known as “Stay Key,” will attempt to break two Guinness World Records Aug. 11-15 for the longest singing marathon and longest piano-playing marathon at the Outerbanks Restaurant at Indian Island Golf and Country Club on Riverside Drive. He has been recording with the record label On-The-Go Music for the past three years. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Autism Speaks LI. Your tax-deductible contribution will help make a better life for families and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders on Long Island. The marathon challenge runs from 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, until 8:11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.

Belated happy birthday to Frederica Miles, who celebrated July 31, with love from your family and friends.

Happy birthday to Robert Kujawski on Aug. 6; Pat Bilski, Krista Flammia and Sandy Szczepanik, Aug. 7; Logann Carey, Wendy Ruskowski and Nina Campbell, Aug. 8; Ann Cotton DeGrasse and Jeff Falisi, Aug. 9; Christopher Kenter (who turns 14) and Jason Hubbard Jr. (who turns 4), Aug. 10; Donald Kulesa, Pat Kaelin, Kariane Chew and Lisa Dabrowski, Aug. 11; Richie Wysocki, Aug. 12; Kevin Zanieski, Thomas Pipczynski III, Laura O’Kula and Sarah Halpin, Aug. 13; Louise Leja and James Mongori, Aug. 14; Mary Punda and Michelle Atkins, Aug. 15; and Cynthia Bogash, Michael Hubbard (who turns 19) and Ashlyn White (who turns 2), Aug. 16.

Happy 5th wedding anniversary to Paul and Vanessa LeCann on Aug. 7; Caroline and Tony Bugdin, their 62nd, Aug. 9; Regina and Phil Kenter, their 30th, Aug. 10; Pat and Bill Carey, their 44th, Aug. 14; and Mary and Conrad Dabrowski, their 53rd, Aug. 18.

Get well wishes to Dick Hogan.

Contact Riverhead columnist Kathy Berezny at 727-6148 at [email protected].