Community Columns

Flanders News: Friends of the Big Duck’s ‘1-2-3’ party

Hello, friends and neighbors! Well, another winter storm has come and gone since my last column. I do hope everyone weathered the storm safely.

I must say, the blustery and howling wind, which delivered sub-zero temps, created some potential concern for me. Living here in the Pine Barrens we are surrounded by many beautiful pines. However, I was very concerned as I watched one through my frosted window sway back and forth in close proximity of my home! Thankfully, the pines are still standing tall on my property. I did notice, however, a few fallen ones along the roads, which always creates another concern — the potential for the loss of electric. Those high winds even made the birds appear like they were competing with each other, fighting for prime real estate at the feeder. Frozen household pipes and cars behaving badly can be serious issues due to these sub-zero temps. Overall, we are blessed to be living here in this part of the country, where we “usually” experience more moderate and temperate weather patterns. My sister just moved back to New York from the Midwest, where she says this type of weather, and the high winds associated with it, is the norm. Welcome back home, Regina.

Belated happy St. Valentine’s Day to all. Love is what can motivate us to do great things in this world to make it a better place.

I have given up chocolate for Lent but allowed myself to savor a few good pieces from a box of chocolates that I was given as a gift, along with a card that really made my day. In these days of overusing technology (texting and emailing), the value of a card with a few scripted sweet sentiments holds a worth beyond measure. Let us keep this old way of communicating alive and well.

Life goes by too quickly! Recently, I saw a Facebook post that challenged me to do more loving and kind acts, especially during this season of Lent. The challenge calls for going through personal possessions on a daily basis and placing those items in a large black bag, for a total of 40 items in 40 days. I have started this challenge and I must say I find it very liberating knowing I can share clothing, books and other items with those in need. Animal shelters are also always in need of clean towels and blankets in any condition, as well as clean rags.

Congratulations to Keith and Michelle Zambzryski on their recent wedding. Much love and happiness to you both. And congrats, Keith, on becoming assistant chief of the Flanders Fire Department.

In other community news: Riverhead Central School District will be open Friday, Feb. 19, to make up the recent snow day.

The Flanders Youth Center ‘drop spot’ will offer extended hours for mid-winter recess. A field trip to Skyzone Trampoline Park in Mount Sinai will be held Friday, Feb. 19. Bus leaves the youth center parking lot at 6:15 p.m. Cost is $28, which includes a 90-minute jump time, socks and round-trip transportation. Call the center to confirm the trip is still running: 631-702-2392 or 631-702-2425.

Don’t forget the Friends of the Big Duck’s “1-2-3” party will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Flanders Men’s Club (located directly behind the Big Duck). Ticket price at the door is $15 and includes light refreshments, DJ music, a 50/50 raffle and other prize giveaways. A cash bar will also be available. Proceeds will go toward the waterview restoration at Big Duck Ranch. For more information, call Fran at 631-727-5342. Sounds like fun!

In honor of Black History Month I would like to close my column with a wonderful quote from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” May we never give up allowing ourselves to begin with one small step toward anything worthwhile. Have a good week!

Flanders columnist Colleen Carini

Contact Colleen Carini at 631-494-8406 or email at [email protected].