Cutchogue-New Suffolk: Cutchogue Fire Department’s Christmas tree and wreath sale underway

‘Christmas in Cutchogue’ on Dec. 11 officially welcomed the holiday season. The North Fork Chamber of Commerce, the Cutchogue Fire Department and its Ladies Auxiliary sponsor this auspicious occasion each year. More than 200 children of the community were treated to a fun-filled hour-long magic show and enjoyed holiday treats including cookies, candy canes, cider and hot cocoa. Santa arrived by helicopter to greet them and was then escorted by firefighters aboard Engine 8-5-4 through the Village to Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library, where he spent the rest of the morning meeting with the children.

The Cutchogue Fire Department’s annual Christmas tree and wreath sale has begun and will continue through Christmas. Quality Fraser fir trees in various heights are for sale at the firehouse starting at $45. Wreaths are $10 with a bow; decorated wreaths are $15. Roping and grave blankets are also for sale. Proceeds benefit the CFD Panthers Drill Team. Free local delivery is available. Panthers members thank everyone for their continued support of this annual fundraiser.

Attention holiday shoppers! Over 100 popular retailers will give eBoxTops to Cutchogue East Elementary when you do your online shopping at btfe.com/marketplace. Just click on your favorite retailer and money will be donated directly to the school. Many retailers offer free shipping and other incentives. This program is sponsored by the Cutchogue East
Congratulations to members of the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade bands and chorus on their performance in the Cutchogue East Holiday concert. Job well done!

Our family is celebrating one special occasion after the other this week. A very happy birthday to my mom; happy anniversary to my mom and dad; and a special wish of love and admiration to my husband, Marc, as we celebrate 25 years of marriage this Sunday.

The Southold-Mattituck-Greenport NJROTC gathered at Southold High School this past Friday for annual inspection. Lt. Col. George was impressed with the cadets, as were family, friends and dignitaries. Congratulations!

At the library: Rockin’ Around the Holidays, Friday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.; music movement and art for ages 2-3. Register. Book discussion, Monday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo. Holiday Open House, Saturday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m., with refreshments and music by Dune Grass. All welcome.

Wishing college students who are studying and taking exams this month a transcript full of A’s and a safe trip home!

‘Let’s bring ‘em home’ is a program to help eligible service personnel return home for the holidays. The military has a limited number of spaces and those with the highest rank get first priority. LBEH wants to help junior enlisted personnel spend the Christmas holiday with their families. This year they’ve received 106 ticket requests, 26 of which are pending. Want to help? Donations are tax-deductible and frequent flyer miles are accepted. Log onto www.lbeh.org.

I have just one more column to write until well into the New Year, so next week will be your last chance to have anything mentioned here before Jan. 13.

Have a good week!