Community Columns

Greenport News: Greenport Band opens another season

Green grass, plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures; what’s not to love about summer? (Locals are not allowed to answer this question; I know what your response will be!)

This is also the time when we get to enjoy an abundance of music here in our little hamlet. The Greenport Band, under the direction of Colin Van Tuyl, kicks off another season this Friday evening in Mitchell Park. All musicians, local or otherwise, are invited to join the band.

Monday evenings also bring the resurgence of Dances in the Park in Mitchell Park. This year’s schedule features Uppercut, July 4; Swan Live, July 11; Southbound, July 18; Swingtime Big Band, July 25; Abrazos, Aug. 1; Somethin’ Fresh, Aug. 8; Winston Irie, Aug. 15;  reggae and Pamela Betti, Aug. 22; and Gene Casey & the Lone Sharks, Aug. 29. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Village Tree Committee is in the midst of a fundraiser. It is selling machine washable canvas bags for $10 each. Purchase yours at Village Hall or the Greenport IGA or email Jane Ratsey Williams at [email protected].

Congratulations to Jillian Ruroede, daughter of Chris and Bart, who became the bride of Pete Johnstone on June 24.  I wish the two of you a lifetime of happiness together.

The Southold West Branch of the Eastern Long Island Hospital Auxiliary will hold its annual golf outing Thursday, July, 7, at Island’s End. “Ladies Day on the Links” includes a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. tee time, buffet luncheon with cash bar, fun prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Win $15,000 with a hole-in-one, sponsored by Robert’s Jewelers of Southold. The entry fee is $125. Tee sign sponsorships are $25 each. Space is limited to 72 golfers; register by July 2. For more information, call Barbara Koch at  631-477-0975/631-553-4857 or Bill Fish, 631-477-0777.

Congratulations to former Greenporters Mike Heaney and Danny Ship, who were part of team Athletic Outlet and won the Atlantic Coast Championship. They will play in the Tournament of Champions in Lakeland, Fla., in February.

Just a reminder about CAST’s summer Feed-A-Kid Program. Elementary school-aged children who participate in free or reduced-price school lunches are eligible for this eight-week program. Call 631-477-1717.

Birthdays will be celebrated by Christian Davis on June 30; Emily Loper and Angel Medina, July 1; Kevin Urban, Liane Berger, Patrick Stepnoski, Brittany Bond and Jenna Loper, July 2; John Charters III and Russ Gagen on the 3rd; Karen Williamson, Joe Walters and Anthony Breese on the 4th; Chris Macomber and Bill Claudio on the 5th; Suzanne Hulse and Melanie Doroski on the 6th; Natalie Regan, Charlie Bumble III and Madison Manwaring on the 7th; my co-celebrants P.J. Corazzini, Jeff Geier, Roy Taplin, Bob Gessner and Nancy Luke on the 8th; Karen Heaney and Sue Malinauskas on the 9th; my brother-in-law, Kip O’Connell, Fred Schoenstein and David Nyce on the 10th; Darlene Pacholk, Sam Carey, Dana Saetta and Sherry Jackson Burkinshaw on the 11th; Matt Charters, Sean Powers, Brandi Monique Okesola and Marcellus Shedrick, Jr. on the 12th; and my cousin Denise King in Mattituck and Xavier DeJesus on the 13th.

Belated wishes to Dakota Gold Saetta, who celebrated her June 29 birthday with a party in Southold on the 26th. Dakota is the granddaughter of Mary Saetta.

Dancing to the tune of “The Anniversary Waltz” are Pat and Jerry Urban on July 5; my sister-in-law and her husband, Teresa and Kip O’Connell, on the 7th; and Jean and Tom Hughes on the 13th.

Enjoy the holiday weekend, everyone, and stay safe.

R031209_Dinizio_R.jpgContact Greenport columnist Joan Dinizio at [email protected] or 477-9411.