Community Columns

Mattituck News: Fire Department honors its own

It came in like a lion and I know I speak for many when I say we’re hoping it turns into a lamb. February has been tough on many, so welcoming March brings hope of better weather and brighter days. Next Sunday we spring ahead by turning our clocks an hour ahead, which will give us more sunlight and longer days.

The Mattituck Cutchogue PTSA will host its 19th annual Fashion Show March 26 at Vineyard Caterers. Tickets will be on sale March 10 and 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the high school gym lobby. They sell quickly and no one will be admitted at any time during the show without one, so gather a group of friends and come see members of the Class of 2015 walk the runway.

Mattituck Fire Department held its annual installation of chiefs and officers at the end of January. David Haas, chairman of the fire district board, installed Chief Steven Libretto, 1st assistant chief Erick Haas and 2nd assistant chief James Rugnetta. Chief Libretto then swore in department and company officers. The following members were acknowledged for their years of service: David Wells, Randall Wells, Theresa Wells, William Young and Teddy Griffin, 25 years; Peter Doherty, 40 years; and Carl Seltzer, 60 years. Top responders of the year were Robert Haas, Lenny Llewellyn, Richard Fraker, Donald Boyle and James Lessard. Special recognition went to Carolyn Sidor, emergency service provider of the year; Chelsea Ficner, probationary firefighter of the year; and John Sawicki, firefighter of the year. Congratulations and much appreciation to all of our firefighters who work so hard to keep us safe.

Mark your calendar for the North Fork Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 14, in Cutchogue. Join your family and friends as they celebrate the wearing of the green.

March 10 is Joseph Aiello’s 11th birthday and Grammy Dora wanted to make sure he received a special birthday wish!

Happy birthday wishes also go to the following during the next two weeks: Mary Kate Brigham, Pat Feiler, Paul Demchuk, Andrew Cushman, Eddie Gatto, Mark Rolle, Kathy Williams, Lauren Bladykas, Patty Schultz, Christina Weber, Alex Sirico, Christopher Caprise, Patrick Bradley, Brittany Letteriello, Emily Deerkoski, Danielle Stepnoski and Kay Rolle.

Jacqueline Papadopoulos has loved Cinderella since she was a little girl, so when her boyfriend, Dan Rausa, swept her away for a much-deserved rest in Montreal, presented her with roses and got down on bended knee to propose to her, it felt like a dream come true. The fairy tale began when the couple met in medical school. Jacqueline is currently doing her residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center. Dan begins his residency in internal medicine in June at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va. Clearly, for Jacqueline, someday her prince did come.

The days are getting longer and soon you’ll be able to see the spring plants pushing through the snow and ice. Hang in there. Spring is almost here!

R031209_Arslanian_RContact Mattituck columnist Pat Arslanian at [email protected] or 298-8489.