Community Columns

Cutchogue News: Yard sale to benefit Ben Pileski

Many started last week by waking to fierce wind, hail and lighting relentlessly striking every 15 seconds. This week offers us the chance to see another natural phenomenon — a meteor shower. According to a NASA advisory, the Perseids meteor shower will consist of around 100 meteors an hour. Grab your lawn chair, pick a dark area (which shouldn’t be too hard given the new moon), face northeast and enjoy this natural wonder!

Strawberry Fields was the place to be this past Saturday for those working together toward a bias-free community. The sixth annual community picnic celebrating Unity in Diversity was sponsored by Southold Town’s Anti-Bias Task Force, whose  mission is to promote diversity, unity and understanding and be a resource for those who experience bias. The event was a success, thanks to the assistance of Supervisor Scott Russell, Ken Reeves, Jeff Standish, the department of public works, Southold Town police and over 50 sponsors, including local businesses, churches and synagogues and organizations such as Boy Scout Troop 39 and the Mattituck Fire Department.

The New Suffolk Waterfront Fund hosts Art, Oysters and Champagne this Saturday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at a private waterfront venue. Enjoy fresh, briny local oysters, savory hors d’oeuvres, champagne, North Fork wine, an art auction and more! All proceeds support restoration and revitalization of the fund’s waterfront property. Tickets are limited and cost $75. Visit http://newsuffolkwaterfront.org/sitecontent.cfm?contentID=3 to purchase yours.

Speaking of New Suffolk, while you are there be sure to check out the two new picnic tables built by Christopher Merz as his Eagle Scout project. Way to go, Chris!

Our Lady of Mercy Regional School is busy preparing for the upcoming school year. Visitors are always welcome to visit. Summer office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can visit their new website at http://olmregional.org or call 734-5166.

The Kait’s Angels community yard sale to benefit Ben Pileski is this Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Doorhy home, 1125 Ole Jule Lane, Mattituck. You’ll find many unique items and fun deals, including “all you can carry.” Baked goods and volunteers are needed! Drop-offs or donations can be made Friday, Aug. 14, between 3 and 7 p.m. For more information or to make other arrangements, email [email protected].

I visited Ben last week and the progress he’s made in four weeks is amazing. Modern medicine, the resiliency of youth and the power of prayer are miraculous! Godspeed as you continue your recovery, Ben, and continue serving our country in the Navy.

Special birthday wishes are being sent to Vinny Krupski, who will celebrate his 90th birthday Aug. 16.

NFCT’s Youth on Stage production of “All Shook Up” was not to be missed. The theater is a jewel, offering youth and adults a creative outlet and presenting the community with fun and entertainment. It has not been an easy journey, but in the last three years the group has purchased its building, renovated the exterior and raised $120,000 toward its current goal of $300,000. Every contribution from the community makes a difference and, thanks to the generosity of Michael and Emilie Corey, every donation toward that total made through Dec. 31 will be matched.

Events at the library include a book discussion on Ann Martin’s “Rain, Reign” at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13; Tots, Toys & Tales for ages birth to 36 months, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 9:30 a.m.; and a book discussion of “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes Thursday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m.

Special library centennial celebrations include one for children in grades 4-6, Friday, Aug. 14, starting at 11 a.m. featuring a castle bouncy house, face-painting, stories, lemonade and ice pops, old-fashioned crafts and Green Meadows Farm petting zoo. Check the website or call 734-6360 for registration and specific event times and locations.

And, of course, don’t forget the centennial celebration fundraiser Saturday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m., with food, drink and entertainment. Tickets are $100 each and all proceeds go directly to the library. All are welcome! Call 734-6360.

My next column is Aug. 27. Until then, all the best!

Contact Cutchogue-New Suffolk columnist Barbara Sheryll at [email protected] or 734-5242.