Joe and I went to Ocean City, Md., with friends last week. Although it was hot and humid, it was also sunny and beautiful. We walked the boardwalk, took a dip in the ocean and toured Secrets Distilling Company. I also couldn’t resist a visit to the library on the Coastal Highway. I bought many books, some of which I read during our ride home. My friends Steve, Grant and Linda from Rehoboth Beach, Del., met us and we enjoyed dinner together at Nick’s Original Ribs. We also took a drive to visit their new home. It was great catching up with them. Grant is into making clocks, one of which is proudly displayed in our home. It was a whirlwind five days!
Tag: Riverhead column
BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | Riverhead Garden Club volunteers on East Main Street in 2011.
Congratulations to the following newly installed Riverhead Garden Club officers: Marlene Steers and Fay Young, co-presidents; Nancy Binger, first vice president; Dorothy Sullivan, second vice president; Eileen Norton, correspondence secretary; Carol Lee, recording secretary; and Joan Comer, treasurer. The club, which meets the first Tuesday of each month at James-port Community Center, promotes the beautification, preservation and conservation of trees, flowers and plants, and various horticultural projects in the community. It offers garden therapy at adult centers; children’s programs on gardening, such as the Star Garden at Roanoke Avenue Elementary School; and scholarships for district students.
The meetings also feature many speakers discussing topics such as composting, ecology, flower arranging and more.
The Girls Scouts at Roanoke Avenue Elementary have been busy learning how to attract wildlife to the school’s garden and helping the garden survive during the cold winter months. Members of the Riverhead Garden Club have supported the girls’ efforts by teaching them about birds and guiding the girls in projects like making pine cone feeders in December and painting bird feeders in January.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Riverhead is seeking new members. This global organization is dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Members can assist with already developed programs or may develop their own. Various ways the club has supported the community include the Toys for Tots program and the Riverhead High School Key Club, recognized as the only distinguished Key Club in Suffolk County. For more information call Harry Wilkinson at 463-5811.
Riverhead Free Library’s popular “Booked for Lunch” program will be held off-site Friday, Jan. 31, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Express Deli Cafe, 303 Osborn Ave. RFL’s adult reference librarians will talk about Latin American literature. Twenty books will be featured. Lunch may be purchased beforehand.
RFL will kick off its Prosperity and Abundance book discussion series Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. Each month will feature an inspiring prosperity classic. The first book to be discussed will be Rhonda Byrne’s “The Secret.” For more information, call the RFL adult reference department at 727-3228.
Happy birthday to Ariel Reichel and Ashley Hulse on Jan. 31; Forest Vail, Seth Fruedenberg and Joe Czulada on Feb. 1; Billy Hartmann on the 3rd; Stephanie Gill, Tom Troyan, Jude Petrowski and Bob Szcepanik on the 4th; Melvin Henderson Jr. and Sydney Kito on the 5th; Ethan Baumack on the 6th; Nancy Carney on the 7th; Samuel Quartararo and Emily Hulse, who both turn 4, on the 8th; Jane Hill and Lynn Kobylenski on the 9th; Rashae Smith and Joan Hulse on the 11th; and Valerie Kulhan on the 12th. Be sure to celebrate.
Happy 41st wedding anniversary to Karen and Bill Kelly on Feb. 11. I hope your day is special.
Enjoy the winter days ahead. Take care of our feathered friends by offering them some birdseed and suet while the snow is on the ground.
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.
Ever Ready Engine Company No. 3 of Riverhead Fire Department held its annual installation of officers at a dinner at the Cooperage Inn Jan. 27. Josh Berezny, secretary, and Frank Totten, treasurer, were installed by 3rd Assistant Chief Kevin Brooks; 2nd Lt. Ken Nabrezny and 1st Lt. Thomas Pipczynski were installed by 2nd Assistant Chief Joe Raynor; and Captain Ed Hodun was installed by 1st Assistant Chief Tony White Sr. The oath of office for 2012 was administered by Chief Nick Luparella. Recognized for 20 years of service were: Phil Keiper, George Woodson, John Behr and Don Owen. Mark Heppner and John Hartmann were recognized for 30 years of service. Each year a member of the company is picked by the officers to receive the prestigious A. Lloyd Case Award. This year Georgette Case, daughter of the man the award is named for, took great honor in presenting the award to Greg Szlejter for his outstanding dedication and service to the company. Harold “Smokey” Schaefer received a proclamation by Assemblyman Dan Losquadro’s office for 70 years of dedicated service. The committee did a great job setting up the evening’s festivities. Congratulations to the officers.
The Polish Town Civic Association held a dinner party on Jan. 21 for its volunteers, who work hard fundraising for the association throughout the year. This year member Robert Latour played a key role in obtaining a new American flag, which replaced the frayed one that previously flew over the Chalet headquarters in Polish Town. He contacted Congressman Tim Bishop’s office and the congressman delivered the new flag himself. Bob said all the members enjoyed the congressman’s being there with them.
SAT prep with Mary Kromhout will be held on Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and March 1, from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m. at Riverhead Free Library. Call 727-3228 for more information. Check out the library and all it has to offer for all ages. It’s a great place to learn and make friends.
Congratulations to Brian Linnen and Mary Gebhart on the birth of their son, Kaden Alexander. Kaden was born Jan. 18 weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches.
Happy birthday to Milli Smith on Feb. 2; Billy Hartmann, Feb. 3; Stephanie Gill, Tom Troyan, and Jude Petrowski, Feb. 4; Melvin Henderson Jr. and Sydney Kito, Feb. 5; Ethan Baumack, Feb. 6; Superintendent of Schools for Riverhead Central School District Nancy Carney, Feb. 7; and Samuel Quartararo (who turns 2) and Emily Hulse (2), Feb. 8. Hope your day is extra special.
Pfc. Jason Gevinski, son of Lisa Rheaume and Peter Gevinski and a 2010 Riverhead High School graduate, is currently serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Military Police and Infantry Border Patrol. An airborne paratrooper, he is looking to be trained as a sniper. Jason’s parents are truly proud of his commitment to serving our nation. He plans to visit his family late in February and hopefully again next Thanksgiving. He will serve five years on active duty and three years in the reserves. Thank you, Jason, for your commitment and service to our country. The Riverhead community is proud of you.
We had a surprise knock on our door a few nights ago from Keith Berezny, son of David Berezny Jr., who stopped by to visit our son Josh. Keith recently completed Marine Corps boot camp training at Parris Island. We talked about the Berezny family’s ancestry and how they came to live in the Town of Riverhead. A truly remarkable experience for Keith was when we showed him a picture of his grandfather when he was a young man, along with his great-great-grandfather. Keith will be shipping out soon and we wish him the best of luck. His family is also proud of him and his commitment to serve our country.
During February be sure to visit Riverhead Free Library, where artwork by Lianne Alcon will be on display in the Elizabeth Fox Overton Gallery. Also, while there check out the new energy-efficient LED lighting in the courtyard and parking lot. The library is expecting to receive a grant to partially fund this capital improvement, which will decrease the library’s energy use and save money for years to come. Also, the teen department at RFL will feature Valentines for Soldiers and Seniors Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 3 to 5 p.m. Drop in and make or sign a card. Call 727-3228 for more information.
Don’t miss the fourth annual Rockin’ for the Homeless benefit concert Saturday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Polish Hall in Riverhead. There will be four bands and four hours of fun. What a great way to help out those less fortunate while having some fun, too. Visit rockinforthehomeless.org.
Happy birthday to Les Grefe and Justin Harris on Jan. 26; Chrissie Reichel and Tim Lessard, Jan. 27; Marvin Warner, Jan. 28; Lette Grefe, Seth Bishop, Luke Stepnoski and Sister Linda Joseph, Jan. 29; Ariel Reichel and Ashley Hulse, Jan. 31; and Forest Vail, Seth Fruedenberg, Joe Czulada and Pat Harris, Feb. 1. Hope your day is special.
Happy wedding anniversary to Harry and Anastasia Smith, who will celebrate their 66th on Jan. 27, and to Robert and Dolly Hartmann, who will celebrate their 59th on Jan. 30. Be sure to celebrate.
Get well wishes to Frank Totten.
I hope the children enjoyed the snow this past weekend. I enjoyed it but it was enough for the season. I’m hoping for nice, warm weather in the future forecast.
Here’s hoping 2012 will be a great year and fulfill all your expectations.
Everyone celebrates the holidays in their own fashion. This year Richie Ligon and his daughter, Lynn, celebrated Christmas in Texas at the Dallas Cowboys football stadium, where they watched Lynn’s son, Curtis Flippen, play in a football game. Curtis, an eighth-grader at Riverhead Middle School, is an outstanding athlete and a two-time All American football player. In the game he made five tackles and had three sacks. Pre-game practice was at the University of Texas at Arlington. They also visited the locker rooms of both the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, the press conference room and received autographs from NFL and Senior Bowl players. Although many memories were made, Curtis will never forget walking through the tunnel and onto the playing field before the game. It was a wonderful weeklong celebration, from Dec. 25 through New Year’s Day.
Patricia and John Kurpetski had a hectic holiday season with their aunt Irene’s wake and funeral. However, they were able to meet their cousins Linda Luiser and Skip and Ellen Kurpetski, David Kurpetski and Leighann and Kirk Straughen in Kissimmee, Fla. They then visited their son John Henry and grandson, Logan. Their other son, Robert, also joined them for Christmas. In the evening they went sightseeing and were in awe of the beautiful Christmas lights in Orlando. They also went to Congo River Miniature Golf — Logan’s favorite thing to do. Christmas Day was spent watching Logan open his presents and receive messages from Santa. In the following days more time was spent with Logan, who flew his remote control helicopter, used his night vision spy glasses, spent hours playing PlayStation and read from his book collection. It was truly an enjoyable homestyle Christmas. They can’t wait to go back and visit again.
Dana Hubbard, a member of the Riverhead High School NJROTC, would like the community to come out and support its flapjack breakfast fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 21, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Applebee’s in Riverhead. Tickets are $10 each from any RHS NJROTC cadet or by calling the NJROTC office at 369-6806. Hope to see you there.
Happy birthday to Renee Linnen and Karen Heppner on Jan. 12; Dale Messina and Tony Naugles (who turns 50), Jan. 13; Mary Ann Trojanowski and Ty Brian Paddleford, Jan. 14; Corale Bloss, Karen Paulick, Frank Stepnoski and Mark Gajowski, Jan. 15; Logan Kurpetski (who turns 8) and Ariana Mielnicki (22), Jan. 16; Tristan Krajewski, Heather Howell and Jason Cobb, Jan. 17; and Scott Kubacki, Jan. 18. Hope your day is extra special.
Riverhead Free Library’s next book discussion, “One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd” by Jim Fergus, will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, from 11 a.m. to noon. For more information, call the adult reference desk at 727-3228.
Remember to hang your flag from sunrise to sunset in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Monday, Jan. 16.
The Glenwood Lassies held their annual holiday bazaar Dec. 10. Included was a Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle, a granny’s attic sale and a special raffle for a Christmas wheelbarrow. The Lassies wish to thank Bruce Binetti for making and donating the wheelbarrow. Congratulations to raffle winner Delores Burke. All monies collected will be donated to the Lassies’ favorite charities. Thanks also to all those who supported this cause.
Marine Kevin Klein recently completed basic training at Parris Island, S.C. In attendance at his graduation were Kevin’s dad, Mike, his sister, Cristin, and his uncle Charlie Klein. All enjoyed the festivities planned for the families. Kevin, a Riverhead High School graduate, should be proud of his commitment to defending his country and our community. This Christmas will be extra-special for Barbara Klein of Jamesport, as Kevin will be home with his family. He is currently awaiting orders as to where he will be stationed.
Riverhead Garden Club members have completed their fall programs with Girl Scout troops 2309 and 1689 at Roanoke Avenue Elementary School. In October, the girls helped to plant a small Native American garden, which tied in with their social studies curriculum. November found them researching vegetables and coming up with ways on how to use them to decorate a Thanksgiving table. They completed their community service project in December by using vegetables to print a greeting card that was tied to a gift bag filled with soaps and donated to a nursing home.
RGC also planted 160 daffodil bulbs and mums recently near the flagpole at the George Young Community Center in Jamesport. The beautiful mums were donated by Northville Farms. A special thank-you to Eleanor and Ben Gatz for helping to beautify this area.
Garden club member Patricia Carey has successfully completed the required course for Environmental Studies School — accredited by National Garden Clubs Inc. — and is now an environmental consultant. Congratulations, Pat!
The teens at Riverhead Free Library made 75 holiday greeting cards for U.S. soldiers as well as 50 cards for homebound patrons. Thanks to all who took the time to work on this project.
It’s now time to register for the New Year’s party on Friday, Dec. 30, at RFL. There will be delicious food from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and teen games from 6 to 8 p.m. What a great way to connect with others and welcome in 2012.
The library is still accepting contributions for shelter animals to help keep them snuggly and cozy. Thanks to those who have already donated to the furry friends.
Happy birthday to Jason Galka on Dec. 22; Tommy Reichel Sr., Gerry Hegner, Kathy Soto, Teresa Dioguardo, Dec. 23; Ann Reichel, Dec. 24; Kathy Hughes, Kevin Davis, Linda Hartmann and Mary Ann Hughes, Dec. 25; Holly Hughes and Kira Atkins, Dec. 27; Mona Vasquez, Cathy Karabiberoglu and Melissa Muller, Dec. 28; Paul Sparrow, Dec. 29; Judy Kozora and Laura James, Dec. 30; Bobby Hartmann, Jan. 1; Tyler Wegley, Jan. 2; Millie Roth, Jan. 4; Kobe Wilkinson, Jan. 5; Dennis Hamill, Jan. 6; Paul Fischer, Jan. 7; Jesse Goodale IV and James Windsor, Jan. 8; Lori Hulse, Jan. 9; Mary Caffrey Eliot, Jan. 10; and Lauren Reichel, Keri Cybulski, Donna Caporaso and Richie Gadzinski, Jan. 11. Be sure to celebrate.
Get well wishes to Julianna Kulesa.
This is my last column till the Jan. 12, 2012, issue. There will be no newspaper published Thursday, Dec. 29 as the Times/Review office will be closed Dec. 26-30. Have a very merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and a wonderful new year!
Riverhead High School’s girls’ basketball booster club is sponsoring a Burger King fundraiser to help defray the cost of purchasing items for the team on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. Patrons must order inside and mention that they are there for the girls’ basketball team, to which a percentage of all sales will be donated. Why cook dinner when you can go out and help the girls instead? You’ll be glad you did.
The Long Island Science Center on West Main Street is a great place to visit with your children. During the Christmas break, Dec. 27-30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. kids can learn about light, color and optics, play in the museum and make a craft to take home. Cost is $5 per person. Call 208-8000 for more information or visit lisciencecenter.org
The Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps services the largest ambulance district in Suffolk County — Aquebogue, Calverton, Jamesport, Laurel, Manorville and Riverhead. Last year RVAC responded to over 3,000 emergency calls and is on track to reach 3,100 calls in 2011. Their annual fund drive is geared toward receiving tax-deductible donations from residents and businesses in the Riverhead Ambulance District to help fund activities that attract and retain volunteers and reduce requests for tax-based funding. Consider sending a donation today to: Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps Inc., P.O. Box 924, Riverhead, NY 11901. Interested in joining an organization whose members measure their success in life by how they help their fellow citizens? Call 727-1686. It’s a great way to serve others. Remember, they are always there because they truly care.
Happy birthday wishes to Michael Frosina, Matthew Atkins and Alyssa Meyer on Dec. 15; Ellen Kramer, Barbara Lennon and Kyle Watts, Dec. 16; Karen Fleischman and triplets Ashley, Mark and Sean Kwasna, Dec. 18; Rose Haupt, Ron Darling and Caroline Stepnoski, Dec. 19; Greg Heppner, Christine Bouchard and Robert Doremus (who turns 4), Dec. 20; and Rich Campbell, Debra Koroleski and Rich Miller, Dec. 21. Be sure to celebrate.
Get well wishes to Ginny Bilski.
During this holiday season be sure to take some time to call, email or drop a note to a special someone in your life and say thank you. Also, remember those less fortunate by dropping off a nonperishable food donation at a local pantry or perhaps a gift card for a special holiday dinner. ’Tis the season of giving. God bless.
Only 10 days ’til Christmas.