Mattituck-Laurel: Locals run in Chicago marathon, two get engaged afterwards

Columbus Day offered perfect weather for a marathon. Billy Young and his daughter, Laura, traveled to Chicago to participate in one of the nation’s largest. They were cheered on by Patti, Katie and Danielle Young and Laura’s boyfriend, Tom Carroll. Both finished the race and after everyone was showered and rested, Tom surprised Laura with a marriage proposal! Congratulations on the race and the engagement. What a great day that must have been.

The Youngs were not the only locals running in the Chicago marathon. Vinny Barry and his brothers also took part and completed the race. Wow!

Newborn babies add such joy to our lives. On October 13, Mallaigh Bridget Collins entered the world at Stony Brook University Hospital, weighing seven pounds, two ounces. Mallaigh was welcomed by her parents, John and Megan, and big brother, Kevin. May God shine his light upon Mallaigh today and always. Megan’s close friend Becky gave birth on the very same day. Now that’s what I call an instant friendship!

Celebrating the day they were born this week are Alison Surozenski and Zully Escalante on the 21st; Ryan Wilsberg, Carl Timpone and Christine Zaweski on the 22nd; Joe Pfaff, Megan Collins, Corrine Araneo and Casie Binkowski on the 23rd; Marcy Menard on the 24th; and Nicole Diffley on the 26th.

The transition from sixth grade can be rewarding and challenging for our students. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, parents of seventh-graders are invited to share their experiences with this milestone in their children’s lives. Come to the school library at 7 p.m. and share your thoughts with principal Shawn Petretti.

The junior high Student Council will host its annual Halloween dance on Friday, Oct. 28, in the cafeteria. Students are welcome to come in costume and enjoy the music while spending time with their classmates.

Seventh- and eighth-graders are selling magazine subscriptions to raise money for the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., in the spring. Magazines make a great holiday gift so think about subscribing and helping our students reach their goal. All profits go to individual students’ accounts. If you don’t know a student who is selling magazines, you can order by calling 298-8471, ext. 3269. In these tough economic times, proceeds from these orders could help give a child who can’t afford to pay the chance to go on this educational adventure.

Best wishes to John and Ellen Knoud as they get ready to relocate to Florida. Ellen was always involved at the high school before her son John graduated and now she will be missed even more as she has been a regular at Mattituck-Laurel Library’s circulation desk. Ellen has secured a job in a local library in Florida and I’m sure she’ll be as valuable there as she has been here.

Last week was National Fire Prevention Week and members of both the Mattituck and Cutchogue departments visited Cutchogue East Elementary and New Suffolk School, with a guest appearance by Sparky the fire dog.

The Schmidt kids want to send their parents, Bill and Diane Schmidt, a very special silver anniversary wish. The couple will celebrate their 25th anniversary on Oct. 25.