Community Columns

Southold News: Kudos to cheer squad

The Southold cheerleading team. (Courtesy photo)

SOUTHOLD, PECONIC

I had the pleasure and blessing of participating in a wonderful event with the Southold Girl Scout service unit. Marguerite Schondebare and many helpers came to guide the girls through the process of turning pillowcases into dresses for children in underprivileged countries. Unfortunately, the event was plagued by a power outage that slowed the progress of dressmaking, but not the girls’ fervor. I found myself reminiscing about home ec in high school. (Sorry, Ms. Rizzo, but that’s what it was called when I was in school.) We laughed and shared stories of Ms. Winters and all that we learned. Thank you to the women who came to help the Girl Scouts, including among them Ms. Milford, who joined in the reminiscing. Check out the website whistlesforpeace.org for this wonderful organization. You can also contact Ms. Schondebare at [email protected] on how you can get involved.

As with anything, I do make mistakes. So let me apologize to Emily Baumann for shaving a year off her age this year. In belated birthday news, Karen Danzer wanted to share that her father, Frank Donohue, celebrated his 90 birthday on Jan. 17. His grandson, Matt, Karen’s son, threw Frank a birthday bash that weekend at his restaurant in New York City, Uncle Boons. It was also Matt’s birthday the same day! Other belated birthday wishes go to Marilyn McCarthy, who celebrated Feb. 8, Karen Van Bourgondien, Feb 16, and Paulette Ofrias, Feb. 18.

Rose Van Duzer celebrates being an octogenarian on Feb. 25 (if you see Rose shopping in IGA, be sure to extend a wish for a happy one and maybe for some carrot cake, which is her favorite). Toni Ann Sinning and Hanna DeSimone share a birthday on Feb. 21; Bernadette Taplin celebrates Feb. 28; Kelli Baumann blows out candles March 1; and Jen Cardi’s birthday is March 3.

Southold Fire Department’s Eagle Hook and Ladder Company will host a Steak Night Saturday, March 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the firehouse in advance or at the door. Call 765-3385 for more information.

January students of the month for the middle school are Liam Mullen, physical education; Robbie Elliston and Bridget Comiskey, art; Dante Tramontana, English; Eric Connolly, family and consumer science; Katie Baumann, technology; and Franchesca Rodriguez for French. High school students of the month are Leah Passanant and Winter Wilcenski, art; Justina Babcock, business; Ashley Alexander, psychology; Rob Mohony, family and consumer science; Joe Saporita, NJROTC; Cole Baxendale, global history; Emma Alvarez, English; Sam Basel, physical education; and Daniella Menjivar, French.

Kudos to Southold Cheer Squad members, who participated Feb. 8 in Cheer for a Cure at Hampton Bays High School. Eight schools took part in cheer demonstrations and just-for-fun challenges, as well as the Cheer for a Cure routine. This fundraiser benefited the Flying Point Foundation for Autism.

CAST’s Have a Heart dinner was postponed from last Saturday, Feb. 15, due to the weather. Stay tuned for details about its rescheduling.

Please take a moment to share a hug and a smile with those you love. Life is often far shorter than any of us can imagine. Make sure those who have affected your life positively know it. You might be surprised by their reaction.

My next deadline is March 2. Email or call me to share your wonderful news. Until then, enjoy the weather, no matter what it is. Smile, it can positively impact someone’s day.

Contact Tina Koslosky at [email protected] or 765-2774