Community

Cutchogue-New Suffolk

The North Fork strawberry crop is bursting with flavor! As tradition has it, the Mattituck Lions will begin the 56th annual Strawberry Festival this evening with Hulling Night. So come on down to Strawberry Fields at 5 p.m. and lend a hand. The result will be luscious strawberry shortcake, daiquiris, pie, chocolate-dipped berries and more — not to mention raising a lot of money for worthy causes. Carnival rides will also operate tonight for the first time.

Belated birthday wishes are being sent to Patti Burns, who celebrated on June 15.

Diane and Tony Surozenski had the pleasure of attending their daughter Terri’s graduation from St. Joseph’s College on June 1 at Nassau Coliseum. Terri received a Master of Arts in childhood or adolescent special education. She and her husband, Jon, also became the proud parents of Zoey Elizabeth on March 4. Grandparents Diane and Tony, Aunt Lori and Zoey’s great-grandma Mary Ekster couldn’t be happier.

Welcome the Sabbath in song, prayer and meditation while watching the beauty of the set sun over the waters of Long Island Sound. All are invited to join members of North Fork Reform Synagogue as they continue this bucolic tradition. Shabbat at Kenney’s Beach in Southold begins this Friday, June 18, and continues July 9 and 23 and Aug. 6 and 20. Bring a picnic supper and beach chairs. Children are welcome to romp and eat. Supper starts around 6:30 p.m. and services begin at 7:30 p.m. If the weather is bad, services will take place at the home NFRS shares with Cutchogue Presbyterian Church. For more information call 722-5712 or e-mail northforkreformsynagogue.org.

Explore the streets, soak up some local color and learn the history and legends of our quaint village from Cutchogue native and historian Jim Grathwohl. “History on Foot,” a walking tour of Cutchogue, begins at the Village Green at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 26. The program concludes with an English tea and “sweets and savories” in the historic Red Barn on the green. Tickets are limited; to reserve, call 734-2608. The suggested $5 donation will help support the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council’s educational programs.

Chrissy and Ed Viola were surprised to see their daughter Marissa in a full-page ad for Newsday’s college graduation website. In the photo, Marissa stood cheering among rows and rows of fellow graduates, all adorned in their Stony Brook “Red Hot” cap and gowns. What didn’t come as much of a surprise was that Marissa was chosen from among 200 applicants for a paid internship for the American East Conference. Congratulations and all the best!

This weekend, think about these words from an unknown author: “God took the strength of a mountain, the majesty of a tree, the warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea, the generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night, the wisdom of the ages, the power of the eagle’s flight, the joy of a morning in spring, the faith of a mustard seed, the patience of eternity, the depth of a family need. Then God combined these qualities; when there was nothing more to add, he knew His masterpiece was complete, and he called it … Dad.”

Happy Father’s Day!