Community

Southold-Peconic: Washington’s Birthday parade; junior class presents talent showcase

What has everyone been doing to survive this particularly harsh North Fork winter? How about a parade? Yes, it will most likely be cold, but bundle up and come to the Washington’s Birthday Parade this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Greenport. You’ll see the NJROTC cadets, members of local fire departments and many people who have been hibernating all winter. If you’re not headed to warmer climates, come and enjoy a fun day close to home.
Southold Fire Department members gathered last Sunday afternoon to commemorate the formation of the department on Feb. 13, 1886. Other events in conjunction with its 125th anniversary are planned for this year. I’ll keep you posted on them as they approach.

Southold High School’s junior class has an exciting night planned on March 4, when the Long Island band GRECO will perform at 7 p.m. in the district auditorium. Southold students will also be presenting a musical talent showcase. You can purchase tickets in the high school office or at the door on the night of the show. Check out GRECO on iTunes!

A fundraiser to benefit Bill Smith’s family will be held Saturday, March 12, at the Soundview. Bill passed away suddenly last fall, leaving his wife, Marijo, and children Dina, Will and Noah. If you cannot attend but would like to make a donation, please send it to “Friends of Bill Smith Benefit,” Capital One Bank, Greenport Branch, Greenport, NY 11944.

Congratulations to Dan and Lois Manfredi, who celebrated 50 years of marriage on Feb. 12, and Dan and Ruth Poliwoda, who will toast 45 years of marriage on the 20th. Anniversary wishes are also sent to Jeff and Lauren Standish on the 22nd.

Belated happy birthday to Carol Taplin on Feb. 8, and Brian Cassidy, who turned 17, on the 15th. Rita DiSalvo and Jai Jacobs celebrate on the 20th; Patti DiGregorio and Toni Ann Sinning on the 21st; my mom, Kathy Elak, on the 22nd; and Laura Batyr and Mary Fitzpatrick on the 23rd.

Lorraine Cassidy won the silver earrings and matching necklace in Southold Free Library’s February raffle. An adorable child’s sweater (size 6-8) created by Carole Barron and a puzzle donated by the Friends are the prizes for the March 15 drawing.

Thanks to all who have donated to the library’s food drive. Donations will be accepted through the month of February.

While you’re at the library, be sure to read the reviews written by members of the winter reading club and check out the “book pole” that measures stack by stack the total contributions to the library so far — a whopping $975,000!

Kenji Fujita, a freshman on the SHS boys’ junior varsity basketball team has been named male athlete of the week, and Sarah Smith, a senior on the girls’ varsity basketball team, is female athlete of the week. Cheering everyone on is the fan of the week, Danielle Alpi.