Southold News: Wishing everyone a Happy Holidays
Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa — whichever holiday you celebrate this season, may it be filled with family, friends, love and comfort. None of those can be purchased at a store. They simply exist so we can bask in the warmth.
Since this column covers so many weeks, we have a “few” birthdays. Joanna Pontino celebrated Dec. 19 and Samantha Tondo blows out her candles Dec. 27. Happy 18th birthday to “our beautiful princess” Callahan Caitlin Long, with love, from Mommy, Ryan and Seamus. Doug MacArthur’s birthday is Jan. 9 and Gary Moeller celebrates Jan. 13.
Well wishes to Theresa Czech, who is recuperating from open heart surgery. She is blessed to be taken care of by her sister and her niece.
Southold Historical Society’s first-ever Holiday Fair was a resounding success thanks to generous local businesses, talented vendors, the NJROTC cadets and all the volunteers. Thanks to all who filled the rec center for shopping and a visit with Santa.
Have you ever seen Peggy Murphy’s house at Christmas? Well, she has quite the display to bring on the holiday cheer. Peg’s son Rob Dow and his wife, Lynn, helped prepare the incredible snow village display over Thanksgiving weekend. Call 765-3598 to arrange a visit. It really is amazing!
More news from Peggy Murphy: She has a fifth great-grandchild, Julian Bellini Norkus. His dad, Jarrod Norkus, spent many a summer day enjoying Southold. Jarrod’s parents are Kathy Dow Norkus and Greg Norkus, both Southold High School graduates.
School budget forum season is about to begin. The Southold Board of Education will host its first forum Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. (not the usual 7:30 p.m.) in the district auditorium. This will be the first of several forums to gather community input on what’s important in our schools. Please attend and offer your opinions.
Still have people you can’t figure out what to buy for? Try taking a slow drive around town and see what catches your eye. We have so many wonderful small-town shops that carry unusual gifts. Or get a gift certificate to one of our many wonderful eateries or a membership to one of the gyms. Still stumped? How about a donation in their name to the library, the animal shelter, PTA or a charity that is meaningful for them? I think I missed my calling as a personal shopper.
My next column is a ways off: Jan. 15. Please get content to me no later than Jan. 10. And remember, you always send it ahead of time.
In closing for this year, I’d like to say thank you to you the readers who contribute items for me to share. As a new year starts, I’d also like to challenge you all to something difficult: Live outside your box. Take a moment to help that person who dropped something in the post office. Be aware of businesses that are closed and report it if something seems amiss. Get involved at the library, CAST, school or animal shelter. In general, be aware, act and get involved. You’ll be surprised how enriched your life will be.
Make the most of whatever holiday you celebrate. May the new year truly be bright and joyful. Goodbye 2014 and hello 2015!
Contact Southold columnist Tina Koslosky at [email protected] or 631-765-2774.
