Community Columns

Southold News: ‘History of Us’ display and cash raffle

It’s official: I cannot turn left out of my driveway. Summer traffic has arrived. Let’s do something different this year, folks. How about being grateful for the foot traffic to our places of employment and our friends’ stores. Welcome, everyone!

It’s a short birthday list this week. Bill Conway celebrates on June 7; Kerry Conrardy on June 11; and Sondra Russell on June 12.

The Southold School Educational Foundation still has tickets for its first annual cash raffle, with a $3,000 first prize and four $500 prizes. Tickets can be purchased for $50 each at Southold Pharmacy, Founders Tavern, Polywoda Beverage, Robert’s Jewelers, Mullen Motors, Sophie’s and Southold Fish Market. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Proceeds go directly to internal grants for teachers to use to enrich the curriculum in Southold schools. The drawing is June 10; an invitation to the opening of the school’s “History of Us” display at Southold school comes with each ticket.

Horton Point Lighthouse and Nautical Museum opened May 28 and will be open to visitors from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Columbus Day. Mark your calendar for Keeper’s Talks on Saturday, June 11, “Oysters on Long Island,” and Saturday, June 25, “Shipwrecks: The Commodore.” Both are at 3 p.m.

In library news, come in and enjoy the pocket park just east of the library on Main Road. Fronting the entrance is the Picket Fence Garden, planted several years ago by the Friends of the Library. Walk through the parking lot to the grass and you’ve arrived! Marvel at Tony Valderrama’s mural, filled in with vibrant colors by a group of enthusiastic painters of all ages! On the opposite side of the pocket park is a lovely garden designed by Christine Harmon and planted with beauty by many helping hands. The vision, in the making for several months, became a beautiful reality at the recent Community Art and Nature Festival. This is just the beginning … watch for more! 

Here’s a reminder that you can borrow more than books from your library. Fishing rods and tackle boxes can be checked out with your library card. A museum pass to the Children’s Museum of the East End is available, too. Discounted tickets for the Long Island Game Farm and Long Island Aquarium can also be purchased.

Stop at the circulation desk to take a chance (or several) on the “Color Me Calm” raffle offered by the Friends of the Library. The winner will receive several coloring books of designs and patterns, markers and colored pencils, an Avian Friends 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle and two fine bone china mugs made in England. Chances are $1 each with all proceeds directly benefiting the library. The drawing will be Wednesday, June 15. 

Colored pencils and blank coloring patterns are also available on the second level of the library. Enjoy coloring while visiting the library! Nearby are newspapers, magazines and a Keurig coffee machine to enhance your stay. 

April students of the month at the high school are Kai Obinata, art; Michael Dolan, business education; Willow Wilcenski, math; Cora Small and Julia Daddona, music; Sam Basel, NJROTC; Jose Santos, reading; and Michael Daddona, Spanish.

Students of the month for April at the middle school are Felicia Kayel, art; Jacquelyn Constantine, music; Rhian Tromantana, science; Hanna DeSimone and Nick Vicinanza, math; Cole Brigham, physical education; Yao Yao Reilly, reading; and Ella Neese, Spanish. Congratulations to all!

My next deadline is June 12. Feel free to share your news. I hope you take the time to experience all the wonders and gifts our area has to offer. Remember to reach out to those who might not be feeling too social due to a loss. I know so many people who have suffered recent losses. You are all in my prayers. Hug those you love.

Contact Southold columnist Tina Koslosky at [email protected] or 631-765-2774.