Community Columns

Cutchogue news: Local grad heads for Montana

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pele

Alex Goerler can attest to that. With a degree in conservation biology, he persevered and applied for the few positions available in his field. It’s a good thing Alex prefers cold weather because his job with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department is way up north near the Canadian border. It’s bittersweet for Joanne and Ron Goerler, who will miss their son but are happy and proud at the same time. Congratulations and happy trails!

Girl Scout Troop 156 celebrated with friends and family to mark the end of a three-year effort to earn its Silver Award, which benefited Ronald McDonald House. The troop’s two-part project involved creating a mural based on inspirational words — shine, hope, inspire, strong, wish, love, brave, dream — that was installed at Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park and printed on note cards. The other was to collect knitted rectangles from local knitters to make comfort blankets for families staying at Ronald McDonald House. Congratulations to troop members Jillian Orr, Maggie Bruer, Claire Gatz, Charlotte Keil, Sarah Santacroce, Julia Gammon, Jessica Scheer and Payton Maddaloni. Your dedication to having an impact on others’ lives is truly inspiring!

It was only six weeks ago that I happily spoke to Jeff and Susie Smith at Mattituck High School’s graduation. It was with sadness that I spoke to Susie and Jeff’s family this past week as prayers of healing and wellbeing were offered and condolences exchanged. It’s been a difficult couple of years for the Smith-Menard family, and though Jeff’s passing came on so suddenly, the immediate comfort of knowing that Pepa is with his beloved Livi gave the family a sense of peace that was evident to those around them. I’d like to share a Hebrew phrase with the family that we say when we read the end of one of the Five Books of Moses: Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek, or “Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened.” May you be strong and strengthened by the fact that your beloved husband, father and grandfather’s “everyday gestures of kindness, love and generosity” touched so many lives.

Help Community Action Southold Town fill 150 backpacks with all the usual school supplies, as well as graph paper, calculators, protractors and tissues. Donations can be left at any local library or bank, including Suffolk County National Bank in Cutchogue. For more information, call CAST at 631-477-1717.

Mattituck High School offers a community service designation for all high school graduates. To earn it, students must document a certain number of hours annually and achieve a certain total by graduation. Serving on Cutchogue New Suffolk Library’s Teen Advisory Board can earn those in grades 7-12 two hours of community service. To register for the first meeting on Aug. 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m, call 631-734-6360.

Other library programs this week include exercise, book discussions, animal programs, cultural arts, story time, parachute play, discussions on foreign policy, the Olympics and learning how to fish. Call 631-734-6360 for more information or to register.

The annual chicken barbecue at Cutchogue Fire Department has been a summer tradition for 59 years! On Aug. 27, the sweet aroma of one of the best barbecued chickens you’ll ever have will envelop our town. Tickets can be purchased from any fire department or ladies’ auxiliary member. Phone orders can be placed by calling 631-734-6907 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

‘Top the Table’ promises to be the family event of the summer! Cutchogue New Suffolk Library invites you to join the festivities Saturday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. on the library grounds. Enjoy music, dancing, carnival games and other kids’ activities. All proceeds directly benefit the library and tickets are on sale there now: $20 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under. Full tables (8-12 people) are also available.

Enjoy!

Contact Cutchogue-New Suffolk columnist Barbara Sheryll at [email protected] or 631-734-5242.