Cutchogue-New Suffolk

At a recent town-sponsored informational meeting in Cutchogue, Justine Gilvarry and Dot Mulhall voiced concern about the serious health problems caused in our area by tick-borne diseases. They asked that medical research be done to combat this problem and that Albany support an effort to attack the tick problem.

According to Ms. Gilvarry, the Lyme Disease Research Clinic at Stony Brook is closed, there is only one medication on the market that combats Lyme symptoms and pharmaceutical companies are not working on alternatives. “What happens if the tick is genetically able to become immune to this drug?” she asked. “How can we fight the increase in the tick population?”

Town Councilman Bill Ruland suggested that a “grass roots” effort would be most effective in enlisting Albany’s assistance in combating the deer and tick disease infestation. You can help by sending a letter, making a call or e-mailing Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver about the seriousness of the tick infestation and the diseases that are occurring on Eastern Long Island. He can be contacted at 250 Broadway, Suite 2307, N.Y., NY 10007, 212-312-1420 or LOB932, Albany, NY 12248 or via e-mail [email protected]. No form letters, please!

Our Lady of Ostrabrama R.C. Church will hold registration for CCD on Friday, Sept. 17, 3 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to noon. Forms can also be downloaded at ourladyofostrabrama.com

Old Town Art and Crafts Guild will host a snow fence Art and Crafts Show on its lawn this Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Jewelry, crafts, artwork and prints by local artists and crafters will be for sale. The Gift Shop and Gallery will be open also. Stop by and explore and discover all the talents we have locally.

Roberta Jaklevic will lead a walking tour of New Suffolk on Saturday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to noon (rain date, Sept. 19). Gather at the submarine marker/flagpole at the waterfront. A lunch of chowder and sandwiches will be served after the tour in the Red Barn on the Village Green in Cutchogue. The fee is $7. Tour is limited to 20 people, so call 734-6062 for your reservation. Please include your e-mail address.

Cub Scout Pack 39’s popcorn sale is on. Trails End, the scout’s supplier, produces flavorful, healthy snacks. Microwave popcorn and cheese corn are made with canola oil, caramel corn is naturally sweetened and the chocolate items have no hydrogenated oils. Seventy percent of all sales goes directly to the scouting program. Popcorn is available from your local scout.

At the library: This month’s Monday morning book discussion of “The Man in My Basement” takes place Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. No registration; newcomers welcome. Also visit the exhibit of photos by Michelle Bullock and “Coastal Scenes” watercolors and oils by Gregory Bullock.

Have a good week!