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Mattituck-Laurel: Junior High Players present “Law and Order: Nursery Rhyme Unit” Nov. 17

I know I can’t be alone when I say it’s a little disconcerting to hear Christmas carols and see Santa before we even carve the turkey. That being said, this is a good time to remind everyone that shopping locally for the holidays will save gas and help our local economy. You’ll be surprised by the selection and prices you will see when you shop in your own neighborhood.

While you’re shopping, pick up a toy for the Mattituck Fire Department Auxiliary’s toy drive. Last week I announced that dropoff boxes will be at Wendy’s Deli, Pike Street Pilates, and the firehouse. This week, you can add Barth’s Pharmacy to that list. Please be sure the toys are unwrapped and are suited for children up to 10 years of age. Help put a smile on a child’s face this season.

I received an email this week from former resident and Mattituck High School employee Marie Milazzo. Marie and her husband, Angelo (former produce guy at the A&P), raised their children locally and then relocated to North Carolina. Angelo Sr. recently completed the NYC Marathon with all his family cheering him on. It was just one of many marathons he’s run alongside his son, Angelo Jr., since moving south. Grandpa Angelo will take the family on a cruise for the Christmas holidays and then head to Disney for the Disney Marathon in January. Guess there is life after 60!

Thursday, Nov. 17, is the Junior High Players’ production of “Law and Order: Nursery Rhyme Unit” beginning at 7 p.m. Come support our local thespians and help our food pantry by donating a nonperishable food item to the high school food drive. Without a food donation, admission is $6 per person. Busy tonight? There’s an encore performance Friday evening at 7 p.m.

Birthdays are plentiful this week, starting with Gary Spath, Ryan Wesnofske, Courtney Penny and Jasmine Glogg on the 17th; Toni Martinez on the 18th; Dimitri Papadopoulos on the 19th; Janique Nine, Susan Stepnoski, Chloe Hansen, Jaclyn Boeckman, Nicole Divello, Cindy Sabat and Rachel Dickerson on the 21st; Jamie Martilotta on the 22nd; and Nicole Guja on the 23rd.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Greenport will embark on its annual trip to Woodloch Pines, Pa., the week of May 14, 2012, and everyone is invited along. The cost is $570 per person, double occupancy, and includes accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment, taxes, gratuities, etc. For more information, call Vicky and Don Insull at 765-4077.

Fifth-graders at Cutchogue East Elementary School participated in “Make a Difference Day” on Oct. 22 by organizing a care package drive to benefit Maureen’s Haven. Each grade level was asked to donate different travel-sized items (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tissues, etc.) and students then assembled the items in individual care packages, creating well over 80 complete bags for Maureen’s Haven clients. The children had to prepare scripts, talk to classes, make morning announcements, decorate collection boxes for each hallway and organize the collecting and packaging of the hundreds of items! All fifth-grade classes took part and were proud to state “Cutchogue East, Where the Difference Begins” on each announcement.

My early deadline for next week is tomorrow, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. Please email me ASAP with any news you want included for the Thanksgiving edition.