Community Columns

Mattituck News: Bittersweet time for Mattituck Library

As many of you already know, Kay Zegel, director of Mattituck-Laurel Library for the past 24 years, will retire at the end of this month. This is a bittersweet time for those of us who’ve worked closely with Kay, but also a time to celebrate and wish her well. The good news is that the library board wisely chose reference librarian Jeff Walden as its new director. I could never have finished college as an adult without the many hours of help and guidance Jeff gave me, so I’m very happy for him and for our community. You can stop in to give Kay and Jeff your best wishes during an open house at the library Friday, May 1, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Speaking of the library, artwork created by Mattituck-Cutchogue School District students will be on display throughout April. Drop in and see the work of our talented and creative young people.

Also on the agenda there is a book discussion on Thursday, April 23, about Maria Semple’s book “Where’d You Go, Bernadette?” All are welcome.

Many of our students deserve to be applauded for their hard work and effort. This month, the following students were honored at a “Breakfast of Champions” with principal Shawn Petretti: Adam Kaya, Jacqueline Galdamez SantaMaria, Colleen Kelly, Rachel Voegel, Joseph Mele, Justin Lake, Michael Goodale, Drew Hahn, Tyler F. Olsen and Jessica Lessard. Congratulations to all!

Save the date: The Class of 1975 from Mattituck High School will celebrate its 40th class reunion Saturday, Aug. 8, at Strong’s Water Club in Mattituck. Details will be sent out shortly but if you have questions, contact Jeff Strong at [email protected] or Donna Wilsberg at [email protected].

April birthdays will be celebrated by the following this week: Dr. Larry Kelly, Sara Norkelun, Lee Harned, Nancy Baxter, Bernadette Mahoney, Bryan Tyler, Matt Czujko, Nan Reeve, Joanne Davis Slotkin, Kevin Pumillo, Courtney Ficner, Joann Simicich, Byron Brinkman, Nick Troisi and Wally Bunker.

Belated birthday wishes to 5-year-old Hannah McCleery, who blew out her candles April 15.

Best wishes to Dan and Kaylee Lynch, who were married April 4 in North Carolina. Among the many family members attending were the groom’s parents, Cheryl and Kevin, and sisters Allie and Jenn. Also traveling to celebrate with the couple were Marissa Russo and her parents, Dan and Cathy; Susan Beebe and children Alex and Doug; Declan Lynch; and many more who surrounded them with love. Congratulations, Dan and Kaylee! May your life together be filled with love and laughter.

Twenty-four Mattituck student musicians performed in the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s All County Concerts last month. Performing in the Division 1 concert (grades 5 and 6) were Silvia Borrayo, Nate Demchak, Annabel Hammerle, Rylie Rittberg, Ainsley Brewer, Katie Hamilton, Jaimee Hanly, Sophia Kalish and Emma Olsen. Division 2 (grades 7 and 8) participants were Amber Rochon, Gabrielle Finora, Billy Hickox, Taylor Montgomery, Tyler Olsen, Jillian Orr and Emmet Ryan. Ninth and 10th-graders performing in the Division 3 concert were Alex Bradley, Ryan Buchholz, Aidan Carter, Colleen Kelly, Amy Macaluso, Liam McShane, Ethan Smith and Joseph Mele. Congratulations to these fine musicians on their outstanding accomplishment!

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