Mattituck-Laurel: Community comes to gether to honor vets

Veterans Day is a time when we honor those who have left their families, dedicated themselves to their country and given their lives to protect our freedom. On this Veterans Day, we say thank you to those past and present who have stood tall and proud representing the United States.
To show their appreciation, the entire school body at Mattituck High School joined with Major Grigonis and the NJROTC cadets Tuesday to honor our veterans in a schoolwide assembly.
Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Ethan Helgans, Jon Demopoulos, John Stype, JJ Yousik (who turns 5) and Steven and Lauren Brigham, all on Nov. 12; Evan Reed, Tyler Murphy and Gabriella Hansen on the 13th; John Knoud on the 15th; and Ryan Wesnofske on the 17th.
Special wishes go out to Gary Spath, who blows out many, many candles as he marks a milestone on the 17th. Happy birthday, Gary!
The junior high play, “Aesop’s Foibles,” is a comedy about the famous fable writer Aesop’s struggle with all the imaginary creatures from his stories in his head. The students have worked hard rehearsing since September and invite you to be part of the audience next Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. Non-perishable food items brought in to help with the CAST food drive will reduce the cost of your admission. Admission for students and senior citizens is $4 ($2 with food items) and $5 ($3 with food items) for adults. Come laugh out loud to this play, directed by senior Marissa Russo and co-directed by Casey Burns. Other upperclassmen helping out with the production are John Bradley, Daina Ryenolds, Jaclyn Imbriano, Casie Binkowski, Corrine Araneo and Taylor Loper.
The Mattituck-Cutchogue Teachers Association will host its fifth annual Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving beginning at 9 a.m. The 5K run/walk raises money for scholarships for graduating MHS seniors and for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The preregistration deadline is Nov. 19. Forms are available at mufsd.com. This event brings families and friends together for a good cause and is a great way to get out of the house while the turkey and trimmings are being prepared.
Tyler Cande, MHS Class of 2005, ran in the NYC Marathon last weekend along with his dad, Kevin, and cousin Kyle Lehman, to earn money for the IBD Team, which, among other things, helps fund research on Crohn’s disease. Tyler’s sister, Torie, suffers from Crohn’s, so this cause is near and dear to his heart. To donate, visit active.com/donate/TeamIBDKids2010/TylerCande.
Congratulations to Sarah Fogarty, a seventh-grader at MHS who recently competed in the National American Miss NYS 2010 Pageant. As winner of the NYS 2010 Spokesmodel title and a finalist in the overall pageant, Sarah has earned an invitation to compete for the national title later this month in Anaheim, Calif. Best of luck, Sarah!