Community Columns

Cutchogue News: Stoutenburgh will be sorely missed

Paul Stoutenburgh once wrote in his 'Focus on Nature' column that standing beneath the Great Arches of Utah made him feel 'humble and proud of this great country of ours.'
Paul Stoutenburgh once wrote in his ‘Focus on Nature’ column that standing beneath the Great Arches of Utah made him feel ‘humble and proud of this great country of ours.’

Longtime Cutchogue resident Paul Stoutenburgh’s “Focus on Nature” column ran in The Suffolk Times for 50 years. He taught many to appreciate nature while giving back to the community he loved. Southold Town will reap the benefits of his vision and dedication to the environment for years to come. He will be sorely missed; heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. 

Our Lady of Mercy Regional School is here to stay as the Catholic school of the North Fork! Registration is now open for its new nursery and pre-K full-day, five-day-a-week programs. Call 734-5166 to register or schedule a visit — and ask about before and after-care.

Calling all artisans: The Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild invites you to participate in its annual arts and crafts show Saturday, Aug. 2, on the Cutchogue Village Green. For applications or information visit oldtownartsguild.org or call 734-6382.

Reminder: Free tours of the houses on the Village Green are given Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 1 to 4 p.m. The Carriage House Gift Shop will also be open.

The 2014 North Fork Designer Show House at the Cutchogue Presbyterian Church manse will reveal 16 decorators’ design approaches —from primitive to modern, neutral to bright, minimalist to loud and whimsical to serious. Proceeds benefit CAST, Timothy Hill Ranch, Maureen’s Haven and Katinka House. Visit northforkdesignershowhouse.com for information about public and private tours.

MHS school friends Patrick Fedun and Stefanie Pesce stayed in touch after graduation and, at some point, their feelings progressed to the next level so they began dating. It may not have come as a surprise that Patrick popped the question and they are now engaged! Patrick is practicing real estate law in East Northport and Stefanie is pursuing a master’s degree in speech pathology. Congratulations and God bless!

Congratulations to Elizabeth Peterson on being hired as a Senior Corps member on the New York civic engagement team at City Year!

The annual book sale sponsored by Friends of the Library is set for Friday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bargain bag sale begins Saturday at 1 p.m. Contributions may be brought to the library between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. through July 31. Call 734-6360 for more information.

At Cutchogue New Suffolk Library: “Corn is Maize” art program for grades K-2 Thursday, July 24, 1 p.m. at Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport (register); afternoon movie, “Philomena” (PG-13), July 24,1:30 p.m.; Lego-Mania Jr. for grades K-2, Friday, July 25, 4 p.m.; teen movie, “Justin Bieber Believe,” Friday, July 25, 5 p.m., with refreshments (register); Bubblemania for all ages on the Village Green, Monday, July 28, 10 a.m. (rain cancels); Giant Bubble Paintings for grades K and up, Monday, July 28, 1:30 p.m. at Southold Free Library (register); DIY Recycled Mirror craft for ages 10-14, Tuesday, July 29, 5 p.m. (register); Robotics Technology and Healthcare, Wednesday, July 30, 6:30 p.m. Learn about minimally invasive surgery using da Vinci surgical system technology system (register). Call 734-6360 to sign up for programs that require registration.

‘From Jazz to Soul,’ a summer concert in the park with Rhonda Denet and the Silver Fox Songs Trio will take place this Sunday, July 27, 3 p.m., jointly sponsored by all our local libraries. You’re welcome to come at 1 p.m. to picnic ahead of time . Bring your own chairs or blankets.

Outdoor family Shabbat services with North Fork Reform Synagogue take place at Kenney’s Beach, Southold, Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m. Bring chairs and picnic before services begin. Bad weather moves things to NFRS’ home at Cutchogue Presbyterian Church. Call 722-5712 or visit northforkreformsynagogue.org for more information.

My next column is Aug. 7. Until then, enjoy your days and be a blessing!

Contact Cutchogue-New Suffolk columnist Barbara Sheryll at [email protected] or 734-5242.