Community Columns

Mattituck News: Book discussions at Mattituck-Laurel Library

My favorite pastime in the summer is to catch up on the reading I do not have time for all year long. Bev Wowak helps by hosting the summer book club at Mattituck-Laurel Library. “Summer can be … Murder!” began July 8. “Waddle I. Read” is on a mystery/thriller/spy kick this summer, and you never know what he’s cooking up. Come on down, sign up, pick up your packet and take off on a summer adventure. The welcome letter in your packet will give you all the details.

The July book discussion, “The Maltese Falcon,” by Dashiell Hammett will be held Thursday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m. Books are ready to pick up. Please sign up for the discussion and remember to check your book out.

The August book discussion, “Absolute Power” by David Baldacci, will be followed by a potluck and a movie on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.

Another favorite thing about summer is weddings. On June 20, despite the imminence of the skies opening up, Kyle Romeo and Amanda Falcone exchanged vows at Cedar Farm in Aquebogue, just before the rain began. Kyle’s grandmother, Dot Strong, reported that this was a Cinderella wedding that not even rain could disrupt. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Speaking of happy couples, happy anniversary wishes go out this month to Jonathon and Cherilynne Kent and Amy and Scott Mikelbank.

Special birthday wishes go out to Kaitlyn McCarthy, who added a new member to her family for this occasion: Duke the black Lab.

Also celebrating birthdays this month are Christopher Papadopoulos, Christopher Rehm, Liza Coppola, Asa Mikelbank, Meaghan Burke, Anne Gilvarry, Danielle Young, Chelsea Scoggin, Adrienne Rehm, Laura Kelly, Kyle Steele, Chelsea Chalone, Maureen Deegan, Ann Bialeski and Katie Bladykas.

At a recent event at Macari Vineyards, while Dave Smith and the East End Jazz Ensemble were performing, I was able to catch up with a few of our high school alums. Gabriella Macari was stunning as she greeted guests and represented her family with grace and poise. Cara Slotkin arrived with her parents, Dr. Jay Slotkin and Joanne Davis Slotkin. Cara recently secured a teaching job in Washington, D.C. Mike Ferris was as charming and funny as ever. He is living in Connecticut, where he works for a company and creates videos on firearms. James Sheppard lives in Brooklyn with fellow alums Adam Hug and Michael Kline. James is still actively involved in the world of music, which he is so gifted in. Also seen in the crowd were Megan Radigan (who, along with Gabriella Macari, once sang for their high school jazz ensemble, conducted by Dave Smith), cousins Kay Boznyak and Theresa Zuhoski, and the list goes on.

Headed to NYC to see the American Ballet Theatre’s rendition of “Cinderella?” Watch closely, as you may see the North Fork’s very own celebrity Corey Stearns in the role of Prince Charming.