Community Columns

Cutchogue News: Community yard sale to benefit Ben Pileski

Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library opened its doors with a staff of volunteers on Sept. 16, 1915, in what had been the Independent Congregations Church and Society (1862).

Mark your calendar for a celebration of its 100th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m., with entertainment, music and local food and wine. Tickets are $100 each; stop by the library to purchase yours.

Some snippets of library history: During the early days, the toilet froze in the winter and the heat set off the fire alarm in the summer. For many years it closed for dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. and then reopened until 9 p.m. The children’s room renovation was completed in 1990, well-known novelist Nelson DeMille mentioned the library in his 1997 book “Plum Island” and retired director Jane Minerva held her position for over 30 years. Nowadays, homebound patrons can get library materials free through the mail, there’s a fax machine for public use and an upstairs gallery hosts rotating art exhibits.

The Friends of the Library will hold their annual book sale July 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a bargain hunter’s bag sale at 1 p.m. Visit cutchoguelibrary.org to learn more about programs and events at this great community resource.

Plan to park the car and soak up some local color on Aug. 1. Visit the Historical Houses on the Village Green, stop by the diner or Karen’s Deli for a bite to eat and don’t miss the Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild show on the green, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring paintings, pottery, jewelry, crafts, photography, plus a chinese auction, live music and Project Runway.

Kait’s Angels will hold a community yard sale to benefit Ben Pileski on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Doorhy home, 1125 Ole Jule Lane, Mattituck. There will be a live DJ, a lemonade stand and bake sale along with other refreshments and a donation bucket. Peruse the unique items and fun deals, including “all you can carry.” Baked goods and volunteers are needed! Donations can be dropped at the Doorhy home Friday, Aug. 14, (no earlier, please) between 3 and 7 p.m. For other arrangements or information, email [email protected].

I recently attended a party with the family of a young man who was the boyfriend of Amy Grabina, one of the young women killed in the tragic limo accident. I couldn’t help but feel for them as they went through the motions with such deep sorrow. The young man’s grandmother said to me they hope that some good comes out of this in terms of education and changes that can prevent future loss of life. May we pray for all those involved in and affected by this catastrophe.

In 1640, Southold Town and First Presbyterian Church were one, as both were founded by the Rev. Youngs. The old triangle that hangs outside the Southold church was once used to call residents to worship and town meetings. The triangle symbolizes a calling to faith, service, adventure, career, love, etc. To honor the town’s 375th anniversary the church commissioned handmade triangle necklaces and earrings for “The Calling” fundraiser, which benefits local outreach programs. Prices range from $20 to $40. For more information contact Marguerite at 765-5344 or [email protected].

Marla Coster mentioned to me a couple of weeks ago that her daughter Bonnie Zelner had been hit by a car while bicycling on Cox Lane. Thank goodness she was wearing her helmet when she went head-first into the car’s windshield. When we last spoke, Marla said Bonnie was healing nicely and looked forward to returning to her job at Cycle Time. Whether you’re on a bike, in a car or on foot, please be careful, take it slow and stay focused.

All the best until my next column on Aug. 13.

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