Community Columns

Cutchogue News: BBQ at Baptist Church of Cutchogue

MHS graduates Benjamin Pileski and Justin Taylor were struck by a taxi on July 5. Days later, the Facebook page Ben’s Corner was created as a source of strength to help Ben win his fight. The page, with #Prayer, has since has received messages and prayers of love, inspiration and encouragement from more than 1,800 people — family, friends and members of the local community and the Navy. The good news is Justin is home and doing well and that Ben opened his eyes over the weekend, held his brother Zach’s hand and nodded yes to being “OK.” His mom, Gwen, applied some lip balm, bringing a bit of a smile to Ben’s face. We know he is strong and is receiving top-notch care. May Justin continue to progress well! And may Ben’s big “crinkly-eyed smile” continue to light up a room and brighten our days for many years to come! As you know, insurance never covers all the expenses related to an event like this and the family is grateful for the generosity and support of the Mattituck Lions, the Navy and Kait’s Angels. In addition, a Go Fund Me page has been set up and any size donation will be very much appreciated. Visit gofundme.com/z2jepa2s.

Most of us have been in a position to offer help to someone we know is experiencing pain or sorrow. Take it from Susan Tyler, Justin’s mom, who is so grateful for all the offers to watch and transport her children, bring food, sit with her at the hospital and lend a shoulder to cry on. These things mean the world to them!

Congratulations to John Doherty of New Suffolk, who knows it takes tender, loving care to grow award-winning roses. He has clearly mastered that task, as his hybrid tea roses were named the “Queen” (the highest award) in the recent Southampton Rose Society competition and were crowned “Princess” in the Long Island Rose Society competition!

Original historic works by popular North Fork artists of the past are on exhibit at Old Town Arts and Crafts Guild and are for sale for prices ranging from $25 to $695. Proceeds benefit the guild’s building fund. The guild is also seeking artists and crafters for its “Hang-Ups” exhibit on Saturday, July 18, and for the 67th annual art and craft show on the Village Green on Saturday, Aug. 1. For applications and info call 734-6382 or visit oldtownartsguild.org.

The Friends of Cutchogue New Suffolk Library are collecting gently used books, CDs, DVDs, games and puzzles for a big sale July 31 and Aug. 1. Donations will be accepted at the library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through July 30. Call 734-6360 for more information.

Congratulations to the Southold-Mattituck-Greenport NJROTC cadets who recently graduated from Leadership Academy Sail Training at the Newport Naval Station: Julia Mele and Sam Husak, Blue Platoon; Ty Bugdin and Tina Imbriano, Gold Platoon; Owen Klipstein and Sara Kaypak, Green Platoon; and Joeseph Saporita, Black Platoon. Thanks to cadet aides Andreana Mineo, Sklyer Grathwhol, TJ Behr and Greg Sheryll and a special thank-you to Jean Mahoney.

This Saturday, July 18, presents two great opportunities to enjoy North Fork-style! First Baptist Church of Cutchogue will host a chicken or ribs barbecue from noon to 6 p.m. The donation is $20 for adults or $15 for kids 12 and under; call 298-7232. And from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund will host “Happy Hour at the Waterfront.” Tickets are available online at newsuffolkwaterfront.org/sitecontent.cfm?contentID=3.

Stop by Cutchogue Presbyterian Church’s yard sale Saturday, July 25, for that special something.

North Fork Reform Synagogue invites you to a service at Kenney’s Beach in Peconic Friday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. Come early, bring your supper, commune with nature and pray as we usher in Shabbat together! On Sunday, July 26, NFRS will host a free reading — “Seven: Seven Extraordinary Women, Seven Riveting Stories, Seven Award-Winning Playwrights” — at 4 p.m. at the Peconic Lane Community Center. Learn more at northforkreformsynagogue.org.

All the best until my next column on July 30.

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