Community Columns

Neighborhood News: End of hoops season means spring is near

DANIEL DE MATO PHOTO | Austin Hooks of Greenport attempting a layup over the off-balanced Andrew Daniel of Stony Brook during Thursday's game.
Daniel De Mato file photo | Austin Hooks of Greenport attempting a layup over the off-balanced Andrew Daniel of Stony Brook during a game earlier this season.

GREENPORT

If the Porters’ basketball season is coming to a close, spring can’t be far behind. The season’s final game is usually on a weekday, but not this year. The boys’ varsity team will host Smithtown Christian this Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m.

After Saturday’s game, grab a little lunch and head back to the school for the Talent Show, with some wonderful entertainment provided by Greenport students. There will be two talent performances on Feb. 8 — at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and all proceeds benefit the freshman and sophomore classes.

Congratulations to Greenport High School Spanish teacher Katie Hennes, who, Friday afternoon, will become Mrs. James DiGregorio. I wish Katie and Jimmy all the happiness in the world as they start their new life together.

Congratulations are also in order for Jennifer Valcin and Marc LaMaina on the birth of their second son, Jasper Stephen LaMaina, born Jan. 31, tipping the scales at 6 pounds, 10 ounces. Jasper is now resting comfortably at home under the watchful eye of his big brother, Joey.

This is a repeat but it had an error two weeks ago, so I’m putting it out there again. Special birthday wishes go out to pretty little Morgan McElroy, who will celebrate a special birthday — her first — on Jan. 23. These special wishes come from her mommy and daddy, Chrissy and Tim McElroy.

Peconic Landing will host a Have-a-Heart dinner to benefit CAST on Saturday, Feb. 15, with seatings at 5 and 7 p.m. The fare will include Caesar salad, lasagna or vegetarian lasagna, garlic bread, coffee and dessert. Tickets are $20; $10 for children 12 and under. Seating is limited so reservations are a must. Call 477-1717.

This year’s annual Relay for Life will take place at Greenport’s Mitchell Park on Saturday, May 31, from noon through midnight. One kickoff meeting has been held and others are set for March 5, April 8 and May 14. For event information visit relayforlife.org/southoldny.

Special belated birthday wishes go out to Agnes Dansereau, who celebrated Feb. 1, from her pingpong pals.

On-time birthday wishes go out to Erika Cabral on Feb. 6; Jordan Bogden, Jackie Tuthill Sarkis, Doug Peterson, Barbara Taylor, Samantha Reed, Jason Van Brunt and Maureen Cavanaugh on the 7th; Mike O’Brien Jr. on the 8th; Jim Sage, Cindy Sepenoski, Bruce Blasko, Eileen Kapell and Joe Meraz on the 9th; Christy Grattan, Jasmine Luke and Jalisa Dixon (who turns 11) on the 10th; Eric Wilson and Jeffrey Watson Hunt on the 11th; Tonia Franklin, Jason Van Etten and Sally King on the 12th; Greg Kavanagh, Ray Mazzaferro, Jimmy McElroy, Mike Sage, Sheena Welch and Shawn Peterson on the 13th; Sarah Golden and Diane Ship Oates on the 14th; Mark Richter, Bea Crimi, Beth Richter and Kathy Mazzaferro on the 15th; my terrific brother Bob Heaney on the 16th; Rachel Levin Murphy on the 17th; Dave Levine and Paulette Scott Ofrias on the 18th; and Tim Heaney, Diane Peterson, Paul Bondarchuk and Sal Crimi on the 19th.

Those celebrating anniversaries include Stacey and Chris Butterfield, married 21 years on Feb. 6; Mariella and Gary Ostroski, whose 31st anniversary is the 12th; and Chris and Bart Ruroede, marking No. 40 on the 16th.

Contact Joan Dinizio at [email protected] or 477-9411