Community

Greenport: Basketball season ends, and a farewell to a beloved Little League coach

A reunion of Greenport High School alumni, representing classes ranging from 1945 to 1975, gathered recently on Anna Maria Island in Florida.
COURTESY PHOTO | A reunion of Greenport High School alumni, representing classes ranging from 1945 to 1975, gathered recently on Anna Maria Island in Florida.

I think (actually, I’m praying) that the season of snow has left us for good for another year. March Madness will help me pass the next month; then it’s on to thoughts of sunshine and spring.

Alas, the GHS basketball season has come to an end — but what a season it was! I’d like to thank Coach Al Edwards; his assistants, Rodney Shelby and Ev Corwin; and the team itself — captains Dantré Langhorne and Tremanyne Hansen, Jalen Shelby, Sean Charters, Vince Smith, Tevin Parrish, Tyler McNeil, Tré McKnight, Matt Dibble, Gavin Dibble, Brian Tuthill and Billy Doucett — for giving the community some excitement to replace the winter doldrums and for doing such a wonderful job representing our school.

Just about this time 25 or so years ago I took my son to Little League for his first practice of the season. The new coach, whom I’d never met, was large as life with a voice to match. I distinctly remember him telling the boys that if they didn’t do as they were told they’d be “riding the pine” (sitting the bench). The kids loved him and, when I got to know him, so did I. Al McMoore served his country and our community in so many ways that I couldn’t even begin to list them all. Al passed away this week while waiting for a new liver. His wake will take place this evening at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home. Thanks, Al, for all the memories and all you did for our community. My sincerest sympathies to his wife, Sara, and children, Makai, Michael and Melissa.

To help defray Al’s medical expenses, the Greenport Fire Department Rescue Squad will hold a spaghetti and meatball dinner at the Third Street firehouse on Saturday, March 12, from 6 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 and takeout will be available. Reserve by calling Ed Sieban at 477-2047 or purchase tickets at the door.

The GHS Class of 1976 is gauging interest in a possible 35-year reunion this summer, on July 2 — something impromptu, to keep costs down. If you’d be interested in attending, contact Eileen Lellman Getches at [email protected].

Mention a GHS reunion and people will travel from near and far to meet up and reminisce. Some 27 alums and eight spouses gathered Feb. 5 at the home of Barbara Thornhill Callaghan and her husband, Joe, on Anna Maria Island. Old friendships were renewed, new ones formed and many stories shared. Classes from 1945 up to 1975 were represented, and the Class of 1957 had the most in attendance, including Richard and Sharon Lellman Brooks, Helene Matthias Roberts, John Sullivan and Diane Woodward Sawyer. Also present were Harold Thornhill, Ann Thornhill Felli, Frank Thornhill and wife, Bill and Marion Van Popering Pell, Susan Van Popering Homan, Freida Kluge Petrey, Fred Hulse Jr., Shirley and Ron Carozza, Louise Matthias Young, Elwood and Pat (Tuthill) Rowe, Paula Wilson Longo, Ginny Pirillo Smith and husband, John, Gail Prince Roberts, Ron Prince, Cynthia Pappas Newton, Connie Pappas, Gary Charters, Dick Breese, Earl Breese and Bob Cassidy. Word is a repeat reunion will take place at Barbara and Joe’s on Feb. 4, 2012. All GHS grads and spouses, etc., are welcome. If you’d like to join in, e-mail Barbara at [email protected].

Final reminder: March 7 is the date for the ELIH Auxiliary/Robert’s Jeweler’s “Gold Raiser” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital conference room. Trade in unwanted gold jewelry for cash and help support patient services. Call 477-5196 for details.

Happy birthday wishes to Marian Macomber, David Angevine and Leon Creighton Jr. on March 4; Stephen Klipp on the 7th; Sara Rhodes, Sirece Boldin and Mike Volinski on the 8th; and Jen and Jeff Clark on the 9th.

Happy anniversary to Donna and Dave Angevine, who celebrate 29 years of married life on March 7.