Mattituck-Laurel: American Littoral Society’s national beach cleanup, Sept. 17

Watching the ceremonies this past Sunday remembering 9/11 was an emotional experience for us all. A heartfelt thank-you to our own Lauren Guja, who read names at the ceremony in honor of her uncle Geoffrey Guja and helped us to never forget.

School buses, activity on the sports fields and the voices of students coming in and out of school is a true sign that fall is coming quickly. Even if you don’t have kids in school, why not stand on the sidelines this season and cheer on one of our school teams. The sense of community that comes with rooting for the home team is worth the time out of your hectic schedule. Consider attending Mattituck High School’s homecoming festivities on Sept. 24, starting at 4 p.m. And while you’re there, visit the Booster Club’s Snack Shack for some refreshments.

Our kids are never too old for us to be involved in their school activities. This Tuesday is Back to School Night for the high school. It’s a good time to reconnect with the school and the parents of your children’s friends. While you’re there, be sure to join the Booster Club, PTSA, Art Partners and Friends of Music.

Volunteering to do good work is an important part of our small community’s lifestyle here on the North Fork. So consider participating in the American Littoral Society’s national beach cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Bailie Beach in Mattituck from 9 a.m. to noon.

Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Autumn Reichardt, Erica Fedison and Kim Scheer on Sept. 15; Travis Keller on the 16th; Teagan Nine, Mally Fogarty, Dorian Harkoff and Jake Sisson on the 17th; and Cara Slotkin on the 21st.

‘The Anniversary Waltz’ will play this week for Patty and Billy Young, who toast their years together on Sept. 15.

Our eighth-graders travel to Washington, D.C., each spring and to offset the cost of their trip they take part in fundraising activities during seventh and eighth grades. Many students manage to earn enough to pay all of their expenses. Fundraising begins this week with the Pampered Chef sale. If a student does not ring your bell, feel free to contact me at [email protected] to place an order.

High school students are also fundraising this month with the sale of Yankee Candle products. Stop by the PTSA table at Back to School Night to get more information.

Registration for CCD at Our Lady of Ostrabrama will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18, from 10 a.m. to noon. For more info, contact Mary Lentini at 516-994-0158.