Community Columns

Greenport: It’s officially the holiday season

’Tis the season! Thursday at noon (when Santa appears at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade) is the official start of the holidays! Let’s not forget Thanksgiving. I am truly thankful for all of you who are regular readers of my column and especially those of you who make my job easier by submitting news. May each and every one of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well as a splendid Christmas season.
Diane and Dale Eissler are as proud as can be. On Nov. 12 they attended a ceremony at which their third dog, Aaren V, graduated from Canine Companions for Independence. Aaren is now a facility dog, working every day at the Long Island State Veterans’ Home in Stony Brook. Accompanied by his new master, nursing supervisor Jane Feinstein, Aaren assists veterans with daily living and motor skills and helps lift their spirits. Diane and Dale couldn’t have done it without the help of family, friends, communities and, especially, Greenport Schools and North Fork Animal Hospital — and they’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone.
Canine Companions for Independence has its northeast center in Medford. If you’d like to become a puppy-raiser or want more information about the organization, visit cci.org or call 561-0200. CCI is a nonprofit that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
Congratulations to Alexis Reed, daughter of Aileen and Mike, who recently learned that she was selected as an All-Conference player in field hockey. Way to go, Lexi!
Greenport lost two more of its own this past week. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mary Moisa and her family on the passing of her husband, Stanley “Babe” Moisa. Greenport native Walt Gaffga (who retired to Georgia) also passed away, and I send my condolences to his wife, Pat, daughter, Patty, Debbie and Chris and their families.
The ELIH Auxiliary will host a book sale on Friday, Dec. 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital conference room. Now is the time to stock up on books for winter reading and holiday gift-giving. Among the selections are children’s books, cookbooks, craft books and more. For more information, call 477-5196.
We’ve got some people celebrating both Turkey Day and birthdays this week. They include Eddie Yoskovich on the 25th; Christian Gebhardt and Vaughn Edwards Jr. on the 26th; Jane Comiskey, Shanna Jimenez and Will Blasko (who will turn 3) on the 28th; Jennie Boyle and Jim’s aunt Mary Jane Dinizio on the 29th; Ryan Dinizio, David Lakowitz Slaght and Anna Wiggins (daughter of former Greenporter Billy Wiggins) on the 20th; and Jillian Hughes, Lill White (one of my favorite ladies ever!), Paul Surozenski and Southold IGA manager Joe Droskoski on Dec. 1.
Belated birthday wishes to Billy Bond, who celebrated on Nov. 20.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!