Cutchogue-New Suffolk: Homemakers; NFRS cinema series returns; and Healing Heart 5k run/walk info

Who says there’s nothing to do out here in the winter? Week after week one need only look to our schools, libraries and houses of worship to find something to help ward off the doldrums and winter blues.

Audience members’ jaws dropped as Lunatic from the Harlem Wizards slam-dunked the ball, shattering a backboard in the process. The cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” — John Bradley, Marissa Russo, Rebecca Mincieli, Colin Keil, Thomas Batuello, Isabel Torgrove and the whole “Peanuts” gang — performed for three days straight to nearly sold out audiences. Bravo! Community service volunteers turned out for Empty Bowls, a fundraiser for CAST, and the Peconic Plunge, a fundraiser for Maureen’s Haven.

Speaking of the Plunge, Jake Gambaiani won best sponsorship in the youth division, raising $550. Participants had to run through snow to get to the bay, and seemed thrilled to do so. Jake would like to thank everyone who sponsored him.

As the snow continues to melt, the Cutchogue Homemakers find themselves together and busier than ever. This month’s meetings included a visit from police officer Frank Mele and his dog, Hudzin, who demonstrated his skills by finding “contraband” hidden in the snow outside the Cutchogue Methodist Church, and a celebration in honor of Black History Month. A “Soup and Casserole” luncheon is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 22. For more information, contact Bobbi Rubenstein at 734-7543.

Congratulations to Amber Mello on signing a letter of intent to attend Rider College and participate as a scholarship athlete on the girls’ soccer team!

It’s a family affair! Birthday wishes to Jane Krupski, her son-in-law Stanley Siejka and his nephew Evan Viola — all of whom blow out their candles today, Feb. 17. Happy birthday wishes are also sent to Sam Sheryll; we love and miss you!

Jeff and Susie Smith are happy to share that their daughter Jennifer and her husband, Chad Menard (son of Rich and Carolyn Menard), have been blessed with the arrival of Olivia Mae, born Feb. 9. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long. Olivia joins big sister Lila at their home in Clayton, N.C. May G-d’s light shine on you all!

North Fork Reform Synagogue’s Cinema Series returns Saturday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the social room at Cutchogue Presbyterian Church with “Hester Street,” depicting the assimilation of Jewish immigrants in America in the late 1800s. The 1970s film stars a then-unknown Carol Kane. All are welcome. Discussion and refreshments follow. Suggested donation: $5 per person. For information visit northforkreformsynagogue.com or call 722-5712.

At the library: Hunting is for Hearts, music, movement and art for ages 2 and 3, Friday, Feb. 18, 10-10:30 a.m. Computers for 4th grade: Understanding Windows file management structure, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m. Stamping School for grades 3 to 6, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2-3 p.m. Registration required for all.

Congratulations to Ashley Goeller and Patricija Markovaite, whose artwork will be included in the “Go APE” Art League of Long Island exhibit in Dix Hills through Feb. 16.

February is American Heart Month, so what better time to support the cause of healing hearts. Jill Schroeder has set a goal of recruiting 100 participants and raising $10,000 for the Healing Heart 5K on May 22. To find out more, visit http://heartwalk.kintera.org/healingheart5k/trainingwithjillschroeder.

Have a good week!