Community Columns

Mattituck News: Another round of happy birthdays

happy birthday

Writing this column for 26 years has given me the opportunity to share in our community’s joys and sorrows. Recently, the sorrows just seem to be outweighing the joys.

This community stands together in helping those grieving and, as the daffodils begin to bloom and the cardinals come to welcome spring, our families, friends and community members will continue to reach out to those who need us the most. All it takes is a simple gesture, a kind word or, most important, a prayer.

Easter Sunday was full of surprises for Candice Manwaring of Mattituck. In the middle of her youngest relatives’ egg hunt, a special golden egg was given to her. As she opened it, her boyfriend, Michael Kettenbeil, dropped to one knee and proposed. Tears flowed as she said yes.

Birthday wishes go out this week to Eddie McDonald, Chris Kar, Megan Radigan, Betsy Dickerson, Debbie Sidlauskas, Rebekah Smith, Connor Davis, Kirsten Ianno, Patty Young, Johno Ascher, Gail Bressler, Brianna Gatz, Rose Green, Jill Ball, David Harbes, Jessica Zaweski, Dan Bruno, Darla Doorhy and Kelly Kraebel.

Kelly Kraebel is not only celebrating her birthday. She recently graduated from Hofstra, earning a master’s degree in the physician assistant program. She will be working at Winthrop University Hospital in the cardio-thoracic surgical department. Best of luck, Kelly!

Bullying is a real problem in our society and parents often don’t know how to navigate this issue. On Monday, April 11, at 6:45 p.m. at the Cutchogue East Elementary School library, a parent workshop on bullying will be held. The conversation will include the different types of bullying, how to talk to your child about bullying and other important topics. For more information, contact Andrea Nydegger at 631-298-8471, ext. 4230, or A. Fuggetta at 631-734-6049, ext. 240.

Cherry blossoms are in bloom, so April will be the best time for our eighth-graders to visit the nation’s capital. There will be a mandatory parent/student meeting about details of the trip Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. Room and chaperone assignments, itineraries and other important information will be discussed. If you can’t make this meeting, a follow-up will be held Friday, April 15, at 7:30 a.m.

I am always amazed by the artistic talent of our young people. During April, you have a chance to see just what I mean when the annual student art exhibit is on display at Mattituck-Laurel Library. Art teachers Dina Rose, Michael Jablonski and Tiffany Pelczar guided students in grades 9-12 in producing quality work, including drawings, paintings, ceramics and digital photography. Artwork by students who participated in NYSATA Art Portfolio will also be featured.

Speaking of the library, the book for the April book discussion will be Chris Bohjalian’s “The Sandcastle Girls.” Having read this one, I can attest to the fact that it’s a great choice.

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