Mattituck-Laurel: Doldrums distractions and MFD elections

The days have been so brutally cold that it’s hard to wash away the winter blues. The good news is that January’s coming to an end and spring is only 53 days away! Hang in there!

Distractions are a good way to while away the winter doldrums and there are a couple of events coming up in February that will put a smile on your face and help others. The Empty Bowls Project culminates with a dinner on Friday, Feb. 11, from 5-7 p.m. in the Mattituck High School cafeteria. The event is a reminder of the worldwide hunger crisis and proceeds will benefit the CAST food pantry. Donations are $10 for adults and $5 for students, which includes soup, bread, dessert and a handmade ceramic bowl of your choice. The bowls have been created by students, teachers, parents and community members.

The musical “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” will be performed Feb. 9, 10 and 11 in the MHS auditorium. Cast members have been working tirelessly to give their very best performances for the first musical the school has put on in many years. This is a play perfect for the whole family.

If basketball makes you happy, make a note that the Harlem Wizards will be playing the faculty of the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. in the high school gym. This event is sponsored by the PTSA and the Booster Club. Tickets are $12 and are available at Love Lane Sweet Shoppe, at home basketball games and in front of the auditorium on Jan. 28 before “Dancing with the Staff.”

Speaking of ‘Dancing with the Staff,’ it is always an awesome night of music and laughter. No tickets will be sold at the door but you can still purchase them today, Jan. 27, after school in the front lobby. The cost is $10 and proceeds benefit the Jazz Ensemble.

Birthday wishes go to Valerie Wowak today, Jan. 27; Jason Harbes, Stephanie Mincielli and Stephen Ostrowski on the 29th; Jared McCoy and Carol Mikelbank on the 30th; and Michael Burden, Steven Jacobs and Scott Worth on the 31st. February begins with 10 candles for Ashley Perkins, who celebrates on the 1st.

Last week I mentioned that the PTSA provided a mini-grant for the Arthur Miller Dance Studio to come to the physical education classes. But I didn’t mention that the Friends of Music also helped offset the cost of this unique opportunity for our students. Thank you!

The Mattituck Fire Department recently held its annual elections with the following results: Samuel Ball, chief; Jason Haas, first assistant; Vincent Tirelli, second assistant; Tim Bialeski, engine captain; Jim Rugnetta, lieutanant 1; Lt. 3: Arthur Hohenberger. lieutenant 3; Robert Buckingham, lieutenant 6; Leslie Beirne, Jerry Goehringer and Lloyd Reisenberg, engine safety officers; Capt. Leslie Beirne, rescue company; Kim Garcia, lieutenant 16; Ginny McCaffrey, lieutenant 17; Lt. Tedd Webb, dive team; Capt. John Heeg, truck; Erick Haas. lieutenant 2; Fred Visser, lieutenant 8; Randy Wells and Ginny McCaffrey, truck safety officers. Brian Williams, Hose Company captain; David Wells, lieutenant 4; Steven Sweeny and John Harrison, hose safety officers; and William Mulrain, fire police lieutenant. The secretary is Jim Rugnetta is secretary, Leslie Beirne is treasurer, Ray Nine is sergeant-at-arms and Jim Murphy is chaplain.