Cutchogue News: Cinematic Series returns Feb. 28

February is American Heart Month. “Show yourself the love” by knowing the risk factors for heart disease and stroke and staying — or getting — heart healthy. The Centers for Disease Control urges us to not become overwhelmed or discouraged; reminds us that each step on this journey and every choice makes a difference; and that the process is more fun — and often more successful — when you have company. It also suggests we get plenty of sleep and find fun things to do to reward ourselves and decrease stress.

Speaking of fun, save the date for the Cutchogue Fire Department chiefs’ steak night fundraiser Saturday, March 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30, which includes a steak dinner, dessert and beverages, including local wines and beers.

The NJROTC unit had a great day at Linden’s Regional Drill Competition. Congratulations to the following on their accomplishments: Commander Joe Saporita, first place, varsity unarmed platoon; Commander Jamie Gaffga, first place, NS1 color guard; Commander Joy Davis, first place, NS1 Inspection Team; Jasmine Clasing, first place (out of 168), individual knockout routine; Commander Julie Dickerson, second place, air rifle team; Commander Taylor Larsen, second place, NS1 platoon; Commander Liz Dumblis, second place, unarmed exhibition team; Commander Frankie Imbriano, third place, athletics team; and Commander Andreana Mineo, third place, varsity inspection team. The unit also won overall trophies: first place for NS1 division and second place for varsity division.

Congratulations to Kelli Stepnoski on graduating from Marine Combat Training.

North Fork Reform Synagogue’s Cinematic Series returns Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. with a screening of “An Orchestra of Exiles” in the social room at Cutchogue Presbyterian Church. The film, about a brilliant young man’s coming of age and how his efforts impact cultural history, features commentary by musical greats Itzhak Perlman, Zubin Mehta and Joshua Bell. Meet other film fans and discuss the film over light refreshments. The social room is handicapped accessible. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Call 722-5712 for more information.

Mattituck High School’s Class of 1965 has narrowed down the dates for its 50th reunion to either June 20 (graduation day, when the 50th-year class will be honored) or Sept. 12. Get in touch with Susie Hiller Smith, Sandy Barker Dries or Jeannette Olmstead.

Bravo to the cast and crew of the MHS production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” It was an inspiration and a special thank-you goes to social studies teacher Gary Buckner, who spent hours and hours of his own time to create some of the best scenery!

The Cutchogue Homemakers will meet at 11 a.m. on Feb. 17 for a celebration of Black History Month and on Feb. 24 for Bon Appetit with soup et al. Call Mary 765-9243 for more information.

I recently wrote that Taylor Gildersleeve and fiancé Brad Livingstone Black traveled together to England, but I left out that during the trip Brad proposed and they became engaged. Congratulations!

Here’s what’s happening at Cutchogue New Suffolk Library (registration is required unless otherwise stated): Salon Days: Nails & Hair Chalk for grade 6 and up, Friday, Feb. 13, 5 p.m.; Tween Movie, “The Giver,” Saturday, Feb. 14, 1:30 p.m. (no registration); Lyrical Children for newborns to age 5, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m.; Field trip to 8 Hands Farm for grades 3-6, , Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m. Grades 3-6; Book discussion about “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini, Thursday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. (no registration); Pottery with Brittney for grades 3-6, Thursday, Feb. 19, 1 p.m.; Legomania for grades 3-6, Thursday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m.; and Prismatic Magic for grades 3-6 at Mattituck-Laurel Library, Thursday, Feb. 19, 5 p.m. Call 734-6360 for information and registration.

Take a deep breath; open your heart, mind and soul; and allow the goodness to flow into your life. Appreciate the people around you, actively listen to those who are speaking; laugh and learn something new as often as possible.

‘Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here.” — Marianne Williamson

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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