Southold-Peconic: preschool open house, fire department honors, RFL kickoff meeting

Liz Gordon and Carol Taplin escaped winter’s chill on a recent trip to Florida. Their first stop was Fort Lauderdale, where they visited with Carol’s brother, David Tuthill, and his wife, Janie. Then it was on to Islamorada to see three of Carol’s sisters, followed by the main event: The wedding of Carol’s granddaughter Courtney Taplin in West Palm Beach. Carol and Liz had a great time and they enjoyed the warm Florida sunshine.

Attention parents of preschoolers: The Southold Ecumenical Nursery School will host an open house this Saturday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon at Southold Presbyterian Church. Come see what they have to offer your child.

Southold resident Vivian Eyre is among the featured poets in the current issue of literary journal, FRiGG. Her work may be found at friggmagazine.com.

Four members of Southold Fire Department’s Protection Engine Company were honored last weekend for 50 years of service. Congratulations to Alec Elak, Tom Grattan, Barry Lehr and Henry Smith on this accomplishment.

A Relay for Life kickoff meeting will take place Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Mattituck High School auditorium for anyone interested in participating. Refreshments will be served. The event is set for early June.

I’m going to try this again: Alexander Zaneski, grandson of Georgine Zaneski of Peconic, turned 2 on Jan. 22. I mistakenly referred to him as Andrew last week. My apologies.

Happy birthday to Michelle Metz who celebrates Feb. 3; Ellen O’Neill on the 4th; Ed Boyd, Jim Boyle and Dan Manfredi on the 5th; Jamie Chorao and Edna Wilkens on the 6th; and Darrin Standish, who turns 19, on the 9th.

SHS senior Alex Conway was named male athlete of the week for his efforts on the varsity basketball team. Freshman Alexandra Small was female athlete of the week for basketball, and senior Justin Moore was fan of the week.

Congratulations to Southold Town Police officer John Helf Jr. for being named Police Officer of the Year. Last August, Officer Helf responded to an emergency call involving a 2-year-old who was unresponsive and not breathing. He was able to clear the child’s airway and perform CPR, saving the toddler’s life.

We’ve all had enough of shoveling snow, but if you are able, perhaps you could clear the way to a fire hydrant or two in your neighborhood. Doing so could save lives. Thanks!

Even the most advanced case of cabin fever can be cured by the “Beat the Mid-Winter Blues” party on Friday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., at the Southold American Legion Hall. There will be an open bar, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and music by DJ Joe, all for $32 per person. Don’t get left out in the cold; tickets must be purchased by Feb. 4. Call 765-1786 or 765-5122. No tickets will be sold at the door.