Community Columns

Cutchogue News: Chowderfest set for today

May is one of my favorite months of the year. I love the transition to mid-spring and the celebration of first Communion and confirmation. May God bless all those receiving these holy sacraments. May they continue to feel the support and love of their families and community as they journey through their lives.

Think local, eat local! Local asparagus is in and it is delicious! It will only be around for another week or two, so enjoy!

MHS principal Shawn Petretti was on his way home after a long day at work and, as he drove past Magic Fountain, he saw about 20 students making a commotion out front. After stopping to see what it was all about, he learned that Select Chorus members were there celebrating their last practice before the spring concert. Swept up in the moment, the group broke into an a cappella rendition of “Celebrate Me Home.” Just another “proud” Mattituck High School moment for this principal!

Did you know that three out of four car seats are being used incorrectly? CAST, the Suffolk County Police Department and EAC have teamed up for a Car Seat Safety Day on Saturday, June 6. You can get a free car seat inspection at the Southold firehouse between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 648-7100, ext. 219, to make an appointment.

Congratulations to Karen McLaughlin, director of the town Human Services/Senior Center on being accepted into the online Master of Public Administration and Policy program offered by American University.

Congratulations to Kellie Stepnoski on being seventh in her MOS class at Camp Johnson. After graduation, Kellie will be stationed with the 2nd Marine Division, Combat Logistics Battalion 6 at Camp Lejeune. Oorah!

Teeny Award nominees include Gwen Foley, Colleen Kelly, Emmas Leaden and Raven Janoski, all of whom were recognized for their roles in the Mattituck High School production of “You Can’t Take It With You.” Actor Oliver Orr and Emily Gatz (playbill and poster design) were also nominated. Here’s hoping all of you will hear your names following the words “and the winner is …” Congratulations and good luck Sunday, June 7!

More congratulations, this time to the Mattituck-Southold-Greenport NJROTC unit for securing first place in the overall Long Island competition, as well as numerous first-, second- and third-place wins in numerous other events including, drill, color guard, physical fitness and academics!

‘Does your teen rule the roost?’ A free workshop sponsored by the North Fork Alliance on Tuesday, June 2, at 7 p.m. at Peconic Lane Community Center will help you find out if your rules are lax, you are over-nurturing or simply giving too much. If you are a big spender, pushover or helicopter parent, you’ll discover ways to avoid these parenting pitfalls. For more information call 833-0699.

The New Suffolk Waterfront Fund’s seventh annual Chowderfest is this Saturday, May 23 (rain date: May 25), from noon to 3 p.m. This fun, family event features a variety of locally prepared chowders, a barbecue lunch, activities for the kids, a perennial plant sale, music and a chinese auction. All proceeds go toward restoration and revitalization of New Suffolk waterfront property. Tickets are limited. For details and tickets, visit newsuffolkwaterfront.org or call 566-0806.

The Cutchogue Village Green’s historic buildings and Carriage House Gift Shop are open for the season Saturday through Monday, 1 to 4 p.m., through Aug. 31. Stop by for a tour and that special gift!

You may wonder why the main entrance to Cutchogue New Suffolk Library has been redesigned. But on closer observation, you can see that the ramp now leads to a handicapped-accessible entrance. Nicely done! This week, the library will host a book discussion of Lauren Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken” on Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. Also on Thursday, at 4 p.m., is Legomania Jr. for grades K-2 (registration requested). On Saturday, May 23, at noon, there’s “Bagel and a Movie” for ages 12 to 17, featuring “Into the Woods” (PG). Toys, Tots & Tales for newborns through 36 months is set for Tuesday, May 26, at 9:30 a.m. and there will be a Board Game Extravaganza for grades 7-12 next Thursday, May 28, 5-7 p.m. Call 734-6360 to register.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, bringing with it an influx of summertime residents, visitors, motorists, bicyclists, walkers, runners and more. Please plan ahead and leave yourself enough time to get from place to place and take it slow!

Check the Calendar of Events to see all that’s going on in Southold Town to honor and remember our veterans. God bless and enjoy!

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