Community Columns

Mattituck News: Students enjoy Breakfast of Champions

I love this time of year. Everything is blooming, many families are celebrating college graduations, communions and confirmations, and school is a flutter of activity. 

MHS Students of the Month enjoyed a Breakfast of Champions last week with the principal. Congratulations to Jack Dufton, Julia Vasile-Cozzo, Katherine Stumpf, Eneyda Herrera Pinte, Sandy Montoya, Taylor Berkoski, Madison Osler, Julie Seifert, Bryce Grathwohl, Courtney Benediktsson, Sophie Jacobs, Drew Krupski , Meghan Corazzini and Erin Feeney.

I recently ran into a very busy Alex Macari at Macari Vineyards and couldn’t help thinking how connected we all are. Ten years ago, Alex’s daughter, Gabriella, graduated with my daughter from MHS. Gabriella has a voice of an angel and sang with our jazz band, led at that time by teacher Dave Smith. Fast-forward: Dave is now assistant principal and has recently reignited his love of jazz by forming the East End Jazz Ensemble which includes, among others, fellow MHS teachers John Schwetje and Jacob Fowle.

Birthdays are coming up in the next two weeks for Amy Martinez, Lori Burden, Courtney Italia, Allison Olsen, Brady Ulmet Jr., James McDonald, Kevin Litchhult, Stacy Moyer, Dr. Jay Slotkin, Richie Koch, Christian Montgomery, Dot Nine and Lucas Sisson.

Talia Grace Aiello is having a very special month. Not only is she receiving her confirmation but she’s celebrating her quinceañera. Happy 15th birthday!

Two weeks ago, Mattituck Laurel Library honored retiring director Kay Zegel and welcomed new director Jeff Walden. It was nice to catch up with old friends and see the outpouring of appreciation for the work Kay has done over the years. Among those gathered at the reception to wish her well were Pat and Don Feiler, Bobbie and Tom McLeod, Nancy Krakowka, Nancy Loeffeler, Marilyn and Dwayne Adsitt, Karen Ross, Lori Burden, Jim Underwood, Bobby Johnson, Nancy Reeve and so many more. Best wishes, Kay, as you begin your next chapter in Maine!

A special thank-you to the PTSA for its recent acknowledgment of Teacher Appreciation Week. The teachers and staff at MHS truly appreciated the delicious lunch!

The following folks will be retiring after years of service to the children of our school district: Patty Schultz, Bridget Martin, Cathy Mulrain and Vasso Patrikas. We wish each of them the best for a happy retirement as they start this new chapter. Good luck to all!

The approaching Memorial Day holiday means an early deadline for my May 28 column. Please get information for that issue to me by Thursday, May 21.

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