Community Columns

Mattituck News: Santa visiting Saturday on a fire truck

Although the holidays can create stress, the joys that accompany them are abundant. It had been many years since I attended the MCTA Turkey Trot, so I was pleasantly surprised to see participants and spectators filling the gym Thanksgiving morning. The teachers union spent hours planning, publicizing, collecting raffle prizes, registering runners and tending to the many details that make this day a success. The best part was seeing familiar faces and families bonding for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a senior scholarship in memory of Kaitlin Doorhy and scholarships to be awarded at graduation. Bravo to all involved! What a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Ho, ho, ho! Santa is coming to Mattituck by fire truck this Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. The event includes our students singing carols, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, and the Christmas tree lighting at 4:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Last Saturday was Small Business Saturday, which emphasizes supporting local businesses during this time of gift-giving. Our first stop was the North Fork Designer Christmas Show House. The care given to creating a unique experience in each room was evident. We ran into Julie Lisewski and Terry Hofer, whose friendly faces encourage you to return for another visit, and I left wanting to re-create every room in my own home. Admission is $10, with proceeds benefiting local charities and the Wounded Warrior Project. A stop here is a great way to experience the traditions of the upcoming season.

My daughter and I also visited several local businesses, picked up some great gifts and enjoyed seeing many familiar faces, including Laura Woodhull and her daughter, Stacey; Jackie Wilsberg and her daughters Chelsea and Ashley; and Greg Ammirati. In front of the post office, the Boy Scouts were selling their wreaths and Luke Wojtas and Chris Merz were among the busy young men working hard to help us all decorate for Christmas. It was a rather fun and productive afternoon. ‘Tis the season to shop local at the places we know and love!

Congratulations to the November students of the month at Mattituck High School: Trevor Poole, John Tardiff, Jason Scalia, Alissa Dabrowski, Daniel Folk, Adam Webb, Joseph Stuckart, Sam Shaffrey, Colin Kaminsky, Joseph Considine and Dennis O’Rourke.

Kristen Ulmet celebrated her birthday Nov. 15 in a very special way: She gave birth to a baby girl, McKenzie Irene, with her husband, Brady, by her side. McKenzie weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 21 inches long. May God bless McKenzie today and always.

Others blowing out their candles during the next two weeks will be Ryan Strong, James Sheppard, Danny Letteriello, Matt Ianno, Jack DiGregorio, Samantha Kowalsick and Gabriella Finora.

Once again, the Mattituck girls basketball team, under the guidance of Steve Van Dood, will be welcoming players from Hjemely High School in Denmark. If you see any of our girls hosting these young ladies, show them some Mattituck hospitality.

Toys are still being collected for the Lions Club by Judy Tilberg at Wendy’s Deli. Please drop off unwrapped toys to help local children enjoy a merry Christmas.

R031209_Arslanian_RContact Mattituck columnist Pat Arslanian at [email protected] or 298-8489.