Community

Mattituck-Laurel: Many thanks to Mattituck Fire Department volunteers

As I write this last column of 2011, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say thank you to all of you who call, email and stop me in Waldbaum’s or on Love Lane to share your good news, accomplishments and good works. May the holiday season bring with it all you wish for and may 2012 be a year full of joy, new adventures and memory-making moments.

At this time of year, and throughout the months ahead, special thanks go out to all our volunteers at Mattituck Fire Department. During November they responded to 40 calls: 29 rescues, two motor vehicle accidents, four false alarms, one motor vehicle fire, one chemical fire and three other alarms. To all of you who give your time to keep us safe, Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012!

If you’re taking out new 2012 calendars and filling in dates, make sure to include two important events at the high school. The high school jazz band will give a concert on Friday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. If you’ve never had the chance to hear these young musicians, come to the auditorium, kick back and enjoy the show. Watch this column for more details as the date gets closer.

Another important date is Monday, Jan. 30, when the high school, the PTSA and the Southold Youth Bureau will jointly host a guest speaker on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at the high school. John Halligan will present “Ryan’s Story,” a discussion about cyber-bullying, bullying and suicide prevention. This community presentation will follow an assembly for the students during the day. Mr. Halligan has shared his son’s story on national television and at schools and organizations across the country. This important presentation is open to the public. Please make an effort to attend.

Ending the year or starting a new one with birthday celebrations are: Tim Spath, Juliet Biemiller and Joel Mercier on Dec. 22; Stefanie LaSota on the 23rd; Sean McBride, Holly Cavalier and Will Gildersleeve on the 24th; Greg Simmons on the 25th; Tom Smith, Meghan Riley and Carol O’Connor on the 29th; Joey Macari on the 30th; Aaron Pacholk on the 31st; Pat Fedun on Jan. 1; Ashley Gonzalez on the 3rd; Christian Bennardo on the 6th; Dylan Greenberg on the 7th; Nicole Fedun and Nina Lentini on the 8th; Claire Smith on the 10th; and Elena Grefe and Jill Ross on the 11th.

Congratulations to 2005 Mattituck graduate Emily McDonald, daughter of Ed and Carolyn, on her acceptance to medical school. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Bravo to Dana Kowalsick and Kathryn Zukowski on their recent performance at Sparkling Pointe Vineyards. They have voices like angels!

It was nice catching up with Abby Pacholk last week when she came to MHS to visit Major Grigonis. Abby graduated in 2005 and was an active member of NJROTC. She then graduated from Boston University and became active in the Navy. She was home for two weeks to visit with family and is headed back to San Diego and once again out to sea.

My next column comes out on Jan. 12. Talk to you soon!