Cutchogue-New Suffolk column: Coaches vs. Cancer

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools”. — Martin Luther King Jr.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that empowers coaches, their teams and their communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Steve Van Dood and the varsity girls’ basketball team have been supporting this event since 2008. This year’s games are Monday, Jan. 24. The JV plays at 4 p.m. and the varsity at 5:45. Come on down to support the girls and the cause.

Long Island harpist Miriam Shilling will perform a concert at Cutchogue United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30. Standing-room-only crowds have been thrilled by her playing and choice of repertoire. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted. A reception for the artist follows the concert. For more information call Mary Agria at 765-5667.

Oil paintings by Diane Alec Smith are featured in the mezzanine gallery at Cutchogue–New Suffolk Library for January and February. Also on tap at the library: A book discussion on “Winter Solstice” by Rosamunde Pilcher, today, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. Registration required. A series of 10 Thursday yoga classes begins today, 6 to 7:30 p.m. The series is $60. Also today, from 4:15 to 5 p.m., is “Feathered Friends,” a story and craft for ages 6 and 7. The AARP Driver Safety Course will meet Thursday and Friday, Jan. 20 and 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $12 members, $14 non-members. The Friday Family Flick and Friday Night movie on Jan. 21 begin at 4 and 7 p.m., respectively. On Saturday, Jan. 22, 2-3 p.m., learn to prepare fresh homemade mozzarella. There’s a $5 materials fee. For teens, Books Etc. meets Jan. 22 from 4 to 4 p.m. with refreshments.

What are you grateful for? Todd Patkin, philanthropist and co-author of “Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxiety and — Finally — Let the Sunshine In,” suggests the following ways to help make 2011 a year to be grateful for: Be easier on yourself; use the gifts and talents you’ve been given for a greater good; build rich relationships; celebrate your spouse; let the people in your life know you appreciate them; forgive for your sake as well as others; give; and move toward finding faith.

Sam Sheryll was among 10 Americans who spent part of the winter break in Israel participating in Heroes Are Made through Service Action, a partnership of the Suffolk Y JCC, the French Hill Matnas in Jerusalem, Beit Safafa Community Center in Jerusalem and the Islamic Center of Long Island. Twenty American and Israeli students of Jewish and Muslim backgrounds took educational classes and completed a community service project together. HAMSA teaches the importance of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world through cross-cultural collaboration, community service and civic awareness. And empowers young people to promote change in the world through grassroots efforts. This once-in-a-lifetime experience enabled Sam to look beyond labels and see himself in others.

Have a good week!