Cutchogue-New Suffolk: Barbecue at Founders Landing to benefit Menard family Sept. 16

I just keep reminding myself that my child is doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing. One can’t help experiencing mixed emotions when a child goes off to college for the first time or even returns to earn their four-year degree. All the best to students and parents alike!

Jackie and Rudy Lonk were so proud when their son Taylor became a private pilot! And those mixed emotions kicked in as they prepared to bring their Taylor to Averett University in Virginia, where he’ll be studying aviation.

No one ever wants to need emergency services from Cutchogue Fire Department, but if you ever do, having Jeff Smith among those responding to the call is a true blessing! Therefore, it was with much trepidation that I read about Susie and Jeff Smith moving to North Carolina. I spoke to Jeff this week who informed me that he and Susie did not move and are still living right here in Cutchogue!

Those of you who know Susie and Jeff know that their daughter Jennifer married Chad Menard, son of Carolyn (retired Cutchogue East elementary school teacher) and Rich Menard. Jennifer and Chad welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Olivia Mae, on Feb. 9. Olivia was recently diagnosed with peroxisomal biogenesis disease, aka Zellweger syndrome. To help the couple cover medical expenses, family and friends have organized a benefit barbecue at Founders Landing in Southold on Friday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. Karenann Volinski of Mattituck is also accepting donation checks, made out to Chad and Jen Menard, at 805 Theresa Drive, Mattituck, NY 11952. Tickets are $30, with no charge for children 10 and under. For more information and tickets, call Christina Smith at 734-8304, Karenann Volinski at 516-658-7247, Holly Cavalier at 553-5755 or Peggy Dickerson at 734-2619.

Emma Milligan was one of the happy recipients of two VIP tickets to the “Today” show’s summer concert series. She traveled with mom Maryann Fleischman via LIRR into NYC to see Enrique Iglesias! One of those special moments memories are made of.

Belated anniversary wishes to Monica and Ed Harbes on 33 blessed years together.

Birthday wishes to Jennifer Riley, who celebrates this week.

At the library: The Friday Family Flick on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 4 p.m. is “The Perfect Game” (PG); the Friday Night Movie on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. “127 Hours” (R). “Creation Cave” for all ages takes place daily Monday, Aug. 29, through Saturday, Sept. 3, from 9:30 a.m. till one hour before closing. Enjoy an assortment of materials to use in creating your own piece of art to take home. No registration required.

Have a good week!