Community Columns

Mattituck News: Commencement exercises for the Class of 2016

Mattituck graduation

I know, we’re all tired of spring dragging its feet to get here, but fear not: The birds and trees and plants are coming alive despite the cold.

While waiting for warmer weather, our community has been as busy as ever.

Our local fire department held its 44th annual installation dinner March 26 at the Suffolk Theater. The following were recognized for their service in 2015: Steven Ficner, Firefighter of the Year; Carolyn Sidor, EMS Provider of the Year; Sal DiChiara, Probationary Firefighter of the Year; Barney Harris, 65-year member; and James Lessard, Don Boyle, Len Llewellyn, Dick Fracker and Carolyn Sidor, top responders. Congratulations and thank you for your service.

Being recognized as Students of the Month at Mattituck High School are Luke Altman, Annabel Donovan, Justen Foronda, Mario Arreolo, Victor Regaldo Ventura, Eric Momente, Paul LoCascio, Matthew Schroeck, Matt Montefusco, Amy Li Berninger, Logan Urick, Alexis Burns, Trevor Poole and Katerina and Christina Hatzinkolaou. Congratulations on jobs well done!

A special bravo goes out to Ian Husak, who has been accepted to study for a year at the University of Vienna in Austria. Ian is enrolled in a five-year bachelor’s/master’s program in economics at Fordham University. A 2014 MHS graduate, he will travel to New Zealand and Australia this summer with a former classmate.

Marie Mandl, a Laurel resident for 50 years, celebrated her 90th birthday April 11. She marked this milestone with her husband, Helmut, and her two daughters in Yorktown Heights. Happy birthday!

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 26, when the Southold Rotary will host its annual chicken and ribs dinner at Soundview Restaurant. The cost is $25 plus gratuity. Tickets can be purchased from any Southold Rotarian or at the door. Takeout orders will be available.

Spring birthdays are happening all over. Happy birthday to Donna Hamilton, Nick Lentini, Olivia Finn, Larry Kelly, Sara Norkelun, Lee Harned, Bernadette Mahoney, Nancy Baxter, Bryan Tyler, Matt Czujko, Nan Reeve, Joanne Davis Slotkin, Kevin Pumillo, Joann Smicich, Courtney Ficner, Nick Troisi and Byron Brinkman.

A round of applause goes to the Mattituck-Cutchogue PTSA Fashion Show committee, which once again created memories for the senior class that they’ll never forget. Special thanks to all businesses and individuals who donated time, prizes, fashions and encouragement for this annual fundraiser. No one knows the hours dedicated to this event all year long to make it such a success. Thank you one and all!

A special happy birthday wish goes out to Hannah McCleery April 15 from her mom and dad.

I often comment on how talented our kids are and this is highlighted by their theater productions and performances. Mattituck High School will present “The Election,” a comedy by Don Zolidis, April 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are $7 for adults or $5 for children and seniors and will be sold at the door.

Commencement exercises for the MHS Class of 2016 will be held Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. As is tradition, anyone who graduated in the classes of 25 or 50 years ago is invited to attend. If you plan to attend call Lisa Bieber at 631-298-8471, ext. 3223.

Photo: Mattituck Class of 2015. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder, file)

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