Greenport

KATHARINE SCHROEDER PHOTO
Merle Levine of Greenport, whose poem was a judge’s selection.

Someone told me they envied the togetherness of those who have attended GHS in years past. I think the events of this past weekend proved why. The community came together for Greenport Idol on Friday and the alumni basketball game on Saturday for one great reason: to honor the lives of Dr. Dennis Claire, Mike Brown and Corey Freeman. Dennis, Mike and Corey were taken from us much too young and much too soon but last weekend’s outpouring of love and support shows that they will not be forgotten.

People came from up-island, upstate, New York City, Massachusetts and Maryland to take part in the basketball game. I was still adding names to the roster as the starting buzzer sounded! I must congratulate Captain Ryan Creighton and his teammates, Cindy Chute Sepenoski, Jeff Dinizio, Kevin Sage, Tim McLaughlin, Cedric Davis, Greg Dlhopolsky, P.J. Parks and Maylon “Lam” Lamison, who won the game. It was a great turnout and I thank everyone who had a part in making it a success.

Superintendent Mike Comanda will hold a roundtable to discuss the budget and the school’s roof on Thursday, May 6, 4-5 p.m., in the Board of Ed room. All are invited to attend.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Greenport PTA will hold its annual plant sale May 5, 6 and 7 in the main corridor of the school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and then on Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. The sale features hanging baskets, vegetables and herbs, annuals and perennials. There will also be a student special: pansies for $1.

Kathy Richter has asked me to inquire if anyone videotaped the GHS Drama Club’s Friday night (Feb. 27, 2009) production of “Peter Pan.” If so, drop her a line at [email protected].

Crystal Anderson and Marcellus Shedrick have completed their own production of “My Three Sons.” Their son, Elijah Corey, was born April 7, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Rounding out the trio are big brothers Ahkee and Nigier. Congratulations to you all!

Vicky Chute is tickled to announce the arrival of the two newest additions to her family. Son Greg and his wife are the proud parents of twins born on April 25. Aiden James tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 4 ounces, and his sister, Addisyn Lyvonne, weighed in at 6 pounds, 1 ounce. Also welcoming them are sister Alyssa and brothers Austin and Alex and great-grandparents Peggy and “Cricky” Krukoski.

Blowing out another candle on their respective birthday cakes this week are Jon Gould, Brandon Padworski and Jim McAllister on the 29th; Claude Kumjian, Josh Horton and Jennifer Costello on the 20th; Christopher Lakowitz Slaght and John Blasko on May 1; Jewell Gonzalez and Abaigael Pacholk on the 2nd; Ricky Haynie, Greg Rhinow, Amy Milovich, Colin VanTuyl and Karen McLaughlin on the 3rd; my niece Stevi Dinzio, Jennifer Kopek, Mike Quillin, Joan Moore, Dave Kapell and Deborah Angevine on the 4th; and Joyce Ruthinoski, Mike Checklick, Gary Ostroski and Alexa Suess on the 5th.

Because he’s very special in all our lives and is celebrating a special birthday this week, I’m sending out extra-special birthday wishes to my father-in-law, Jim Dinizio, from his wife, Marie, as well as his children and grandchildren: Joy and Ralph, Jim and Joan, Cindy and Matt, Teresa and Kip, Mike and Chris, Jenn, Jeff, Kris, Marcus, Seamus, Caitlyn, Stephanie, Maggie and Kaleen. Happy birthday, Dad!

Anniversary wishes go out to Suzanne and Curtis Hamilton, who will celebrate 45 years together on May 1.