A fundraiser for a Mattituck graduate is underway. (Credit: Gofundme)
After a delicious Rosh Hashanah meal, the family sat down in front of the TV just in time to see history in the making: Derek Jeter hitting the winning walk-off single that won the game! What an exciting way to start off the New Year! If this is any indication of what’s to come it is sure to be good! (more…)
The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library is home to many great events, including a yard sale this Saturday.
Michelle Dibble and John Della Croce wanted someone they knew to marry them. To my surprise, Michelle and her mother, Lori, thought of me!
Of course, I said no at first, but I’d heard of folks being ordained online, so I searched it and, with the click of a button, it was done!
After mentioning this to my hairdresser, Denise, she told me her boyfriend, Greg Schlacter, always wanted to become ordained. That night she went home and did it for him! The really nice part of all this is that Greg is talking about marrying a couple whose family we both know.
Back to the Dibble/Della Croce wedding. The young couple couldn’t have chosen a better day than Saturday, June 28. They wed on Shelter Island at Camp Quinipet’s outdoor chapel and received guests at the Pridwin. The setting offered family and friends — grandmother Stacia Rempe; Aunt Carole and Uncle Bob Conway; the Della Croces; the Dibbles of Pennsylvania; as well as maids of honor Elise Kroll and Katie Tardif and guests Christina Urwand, Josh Shultz, Julie Mitarotondo, Stefanie Pesce, Patrick Fedun and others — an opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset! It was as if God was putting his signature on the day. Congratulations and God bless!
• While working at Love Lane Kitchen, MHS graduate Jacob Smith became involved with fellow server Jazmin Carillo’s charity Programa Suenos – a nonprofit that provides assistance and promotes education for low-income children in Guatemala. Jacob’s work as its board chairman may have been one of items on his résumé that captured the attention of Malcolm Gladwell, New Yorker staff writer and best-selling author, who was looking for an administrative assistant. Jacob was hired! Jacob has already been to Guatemala on business and visited his sister Rebekah, who is studying in Ireland.
• Jacob lives in Brooklyn with high school friend Evan Viola, who is pursuing a master’s in media communication at the New School in Manhattan. He will intern at a music production company this fall and has written a jingle for Hampton Creek in San Francisco, where his brother Jordan works. Jordan and his fiancée were in town recently for a bridal shower and to check on plans for their September wedding at Brecknock Hall. Sister Marissa was also visiting from New Jersey, were she is pursuing a master’s at Rutgers and works as an assistant soccer coach. All the best!
• Cutchogue New Suffolk Library is chock full of activities for folks of all ages! Check the calendar of events or visit cutchoguelibrary.org for information.
Don’t miss the July 12 yard sale to support MHS students who are traveling to Spain next year. Money raised from items sold will go directly toward funding the trip. There will also be summer car wash fundraisers at the school on July 19 and Aug. 16.
• Join Group for the East End at Downs Farm Preserve for a fun night of family nature bingo, Saturday, July 12, 6 to 8 p.m. Small prizes will be awarded. To sign up, contact [email protected]. A family donation is suggested.
• The North Fork Designer Show House at the Cutchogue Presbyterian Church manse will be open the first three weekends of August. Proceeds benefit CAST, Timothy Hill Ranch, Maureen’s Haven and Katinka House. Visit northforkdesignershowhouse.com for details.
• North Fork Reform Synagogue invites your family to Shabbat services at Kenney’s Beach in Southold on Fridays, July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22. Come around 6 p.m. and bring a picnic supper. Mediate, pray, sing or dance.
Service begins at 7 p.m. Bad weather takes things inside to NFRS at Cutchogue Presbyterian Church. Call 722-5712 or visit northforkreformsynagogue.org for more.
• The Borghese family and our community experienced deep loss in recent months with the suffering and passing of Ann Marie and Marco’s deadly crash. Our heartfelt condolences to their children, Allegra, Giovanni and Fernando.
• My next column is July 24. Until then, enjoy your days and be a blessing!
Contact Cutchogue columnist Barbara Sheryll at [email protected] or 734-5242.
Love is in the air! If you’re looking for that special something for that special someone, stop by Cutchogue Presbyterian Church’s Valentine’s antique show Saturday, Feb. 11, at the church. It runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 10 local antique vendors and a bake sale. Admission is free. Bring extra eyeglasses of any kind, which will be donated to children in Uganda. “Children can now easily involve [themselves] in various school activities, improve their learning capacity and promote play for all,” says Mr Kinobi, head teacher, Salama School for the Blind.
‘Cheer for a Cure’ is a national, community-based fundraising effort to improve the lives of those who have been affected by cancer. The Mattituck High School varsity cheerleaders participated recently in a related competition in Hampton Bays and congratulations are in order. Angie Vaccaro was the winner in the tumbling pass category and the team overall was judged best for its mount in the stunt routine category.
Shelly Tardif and Judith Smith are among those celebrating birthdays this month. Happy birthday!
‘Jam the Gym’ on Friday, Feb. 10, for the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Game. The JV girls play at 4:30 p.m. and the varsity at 6:15. Take a chance on a selection of raffle baskets put together by the team’s members. Tickets may be purchased during the JV game and the first half of the varsity game. Giveaways and a whole lot of fun! Help make a difference in the fight against cancer.
‘Sarah’s Key’ will be presented by North Fork Reform Synagogue’s Cinematic Series this Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Cutchogue Presbyterian Church. The movie follows the investigation of an American journalist (Kristin Scott-Thomas) into the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup in German-occupied Paris in July 1942. It relates a young girl’s experiences during these events and illustrates the courage exhibited by those who hid and protected Jews from Vichy authorities, Germans and French collaborators. $5 suggested donation. Refreshments will be served. For more information visit northforkreformsynagogue.org or call 722-5712.
Listen to ‘Love Poems’ at the library, Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. English-born poet Hilary Seymour-Cole King, a resident of Shelter Island, will read from her latest book “Love … and other poems.” All welcome. Refreshments served. “Valentine Food Fun” for grades 2-6 will take place Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 4:15 p.m. Registration required at 734-6360.
Teens: You’re invited to a party Saturday, Feb. 11, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Southold Town Recreation Center, 7-11p.m. There will be a DJ, dancing, pool, foosball, pingpong and refreshments.
‘Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” — Mother Teresa
Have a good week!
January 2012 is but a memory. Happy February! Here’s to all of those items on your “to do” list becoming a part of who you want to be!
Sarah Fogarty, Emily Gatz and Samantha Kaelin have earned the Silver Award — the second highest given in Girl Scouts — for their Dog Park Party 2011 project. The project began last January, when 11 dogs and owners first gathered at the town dog park on Peconic Lane. From that point, Sarah, Emily and Samantha ran monthly themed gatherings that grew within a year to include 30 dogs and owners. Their project involved meetings with the North Fork Animal Welfare League, pet shop owners, Town Recreation Department personnel and, of course, dog owners. The girls chose a project near and dear to their hearts — together, they own 10 dogs! — and worked hard on this service for the community. They really earned their Silver Award — and a true sense of accomplishment. Great job, girls, and thank you!
The Mattituck girls’ basketball teams will fight back against cancer at “Jam the Gym” for the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Game on Friday, Feb. 10. The JV plays at 4:30 p.m. and the varsity at 6:15. There will also be a bake sale, raffle baskets, giveaways and lots of fun. Come on down and help make a difference.
Congratulations to Patrick Fedun on receiving the CALI EXCELLENCE FOR THE FUTURE AWARDS from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center!
North Fork Reform Synagogue’s Cinematic Series is back on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. in its home at Cutchogue Presbyterian Church (handicapped accessible). The featured film for Feb. 11 is “Sarah’s Key.” The suggested donation is $5. Refreshments will be served. For information see northforkreformsynagogue.org or call 722-5712.
If you need a dress for the NJROTC Military Ball, Jillian Ruroede is your go-to person. She’s been collecting gently used formal and semiformal dresses for a free boutique in the NJROTC room at Greenport School, and students are invited to shop there Wednesday, Feb. 8, 4 to 6 p.m. If you have a dress to donate, drop it at the Greenport guidance office. For information, call Ms. Ruroede at 477-1950, ext 220.
Cutchogue New Suffolk Library events include: Lego Mania Jr.: Mystery World for grades K-2, Thursday, Feb. 2, 4-5 p.m.; Pillowcase Fun, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2-3 p.m.; Introduction to Tea Appreciation, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m.; Kiss the Frog: A Valentine Storytime, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30-7:15 p.m.; and Valentine’s Card Stamping School, Thursday, Feb. 9, 4:15-5 p.m. To register for these great programs, call 734-6360.
Have a good week!
Joan Sawicki and her colleagues at Plum Island had an exciting day recently when Secretary Janet Napolitano of the Department of Homeland Security visited, with an entourage of Secret Service staff in tow, to get a better understanding of the facilities there and speak to the employees.
Kindergarten screening and registration is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cutchogue East Elementary school.
Enjoy ‘An Evening of Jazz’ with the Mattituck High School jazz ensemble, Friday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the MHS auditorium. $10 admission supports the ensemble in competitions.
Congratulations to all the talented art students whose creativity will be on display Jan. 29-Feb. 26 at Parrish Art Museum in Southampton. This exhibit is also a tribute to the art teachers who inspire their students. An opening reception will be held at the museum this Saturday, Jan., 28, 5 to 7 p.m.
John’s Place invites you to its fourth annual Rockin’ for the Homeless benefit concert, Saturday, Jan. 28, 6 to 10 p.m. at Polish Hall on Marcy Avenue in Riverhead. Four great bands, four hours of fun! Tickets, including food, are $25 per person, $35 at the door. 100 percent of the proceeds go to help the homeless in our area. Call 298-4145, ext. 2, or log on to RockinForTheHomeless.org.
‘Ryan’s Story,’ a presentation by John Halligan about his son’s tragic experience with bullying and cyberbullying, will be held for the community at large on Monday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. in the Mattituck High School auditorium.
‘Hats off to all of Southold Town for a wonderful turnout in the fight against cancer and lots of money raised to do it with!” That’s how Relay for Life chairperson Melina Angelson thanked her great organizing team and the staff at Bedell Cellars (who went beyond the call of duty) for the success of “Uncork the Cure” event. Guests included young and old, committee members, weekenders, business people, survivors and caretakers who came together from as far away as Pennsylvania. Connor Guiditis spoke about being a survivor and the benefits of the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life and Camp Adventure. Many thanks to the Village Cheese Shop, Karen’s Deli and the extended Van Duzer family, Kim, Kelly, Jaime, for all the wonderful food!
If you need a dress for the prom or for the NJROTC Military Ball, social worker Jillian Ruroede is your go-to person. She is collecting slightly used formal and semiformal dresses for a boutique at Greenport School. Dresses may be dropped off at the Greenport guidance office. Those attending the military ball are invited to shop for free in the Greenport NJROTC room on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, call Ms. Ruroede at 477-1950, ext 220.
Have a good week!
The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council will host “Old House Doctor” Joel Snodgrass on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. with a presentation on diagnosing and curing the aches and pains of aging structures. A graduate of Columbia University’s Division for Historic Preservation, Mr. Snodgrass is a hands-on preservation professional with many years’ experience investigating historic landmarks on Long Island. No failing foundation, sagging roof, peeling paint or crumbling chimney outsmarts him! Please join him at Cutchogue New Suffolk Library for an entertaining look at how contemporary science and old-fashioned common sense can solve the most challenging preservation problems. The lecture is free and refreshments will be served.
A Relay for Life benefit, “Uncork the Cure,” will take place Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. at Bedell Cellars with wine, light fare and entertainment by Points East. Only 125 tickets are available for $40 each, at Suffolk County National Bank in Cutchogue or by calling 734-5050. 21 and over, please. Snow date, Jan. 27.
Our Lady of Mercy Regional School presents “Hooray for Me,” an eight-week program for toddlers 2 to 3 years old (with a caregiver), on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m., Jan. 24 to Feb. 16. The program costs $60. To register call 734-5166, e-mail [email protected] or send a check to Our Lady of Mercy Regional School, P.O. Box 970, Cutchogue, NY 11935.
The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. Connor Davis, son of physical education teachers Tracey and Glenn, made the dean’s list during his first semester at SUNY/Cortland as a physical education major. Congratulations!
Programs at the library this week: Book discussion, Thursday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m., “Lightning” by Dean Koontz; Munchkin Movie, “Pingu on Thin Ice,” Jan. 19, 4 p.m. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult; Friday Family Flick, Jan. 20, 4 p.m. “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”; Spanish Tapas, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2 p.m., $5 materials fee, registration required; Food Fun for Kids, grades 2-6, Monday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m.; and “I Spy” Collage, grades K-2, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 4:30 p.m. Call 734-6360.
With ‘4Colton’ written on their legs, Katie Barry and her “Distance for Dreams” teammates from the University of Dayton ran a 13.1-mile course that wound through the City of Anaheim, Calif., and the Disneyland resort to raise funds for a youngster with severe cerebral palsy and bring his family to “give kids the world” week at the village near Disney. “It was 110 percent worth it,” Katie said.
Have a good week!
The first Cutchogue community column of 2012 begins with grave sadness and an outpouring of love and concern. Hundreds of family, friends, and acquaintances stood on a line that stretched out the door of Coster-Heppner Funeral Home and down the block to say goodbye to businessman and former council member John Romanelli. May the Romanelli family someday find peace with this loss.
Bill and Lauren Bladykas may love living in Charleston, S.C. — great weather, affordable housing, low taxes, beaches and great restaurants — but there’s no place like home for Christmas. The whole family gathered at the home of Lauren’s parents, Joe and Barbara Fusaro, making it a real family Christmas! Daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Dave Spurling came down from Plymouth, Mass.; son Dan flew up from Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; and daughter Katie was home from UNCG. Bill’s first stop at home is always Love Lane, where he can stand in front of the post office and talk all day. Bill, a devoted Suffolk Times reader, keeps in touch, saying, “It was like I never left.”
Sue Ketcham beamed while sharing that daughter Kaitlin was a member of the college choir that sang at the Christmas Eve service at a church in Westchester. Afterward, Kaitlin came home for Christmas.
Are you or someone you know in need of a girl’s winter coat size 7/8? If so, please contact me ASAP so that we can find them a good home.
John’s Place invites you to the fourth annual “Rockin’ for the Homeless” benefit concert on Saturday, Jan. 28, 6-10 p.m., at the Polish Hall in Riverhead. Four great bands, four hours of fun! Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door, and include food. 100 percent of the proceeds go to help the homeless in our community. For information, call 298-4145, ext. 2, or visit rockinforthehomeless.org.
Congratulations to Bryan Tyler, MHS Class of 2010, for earning a 3.8 GPA as a sophomore at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Mom Gina and dad Scott are very proud!
Kudos to Colleen Merz, Troop 39 Eagle advancement coordinator. She organized an event at which 11 of the troop’s Eagle Scouts shared the message that with due diligence and time management skills the rest of the scouts could also join the 2 percent of boys who earn the Eagle rank. Some of the Eagle Scout projects from which the community has benefited over the years are a peace garden at Cutchogue East Elementary School, benches in the gazebo at Our Lady of Ostrabama, walking trails, the garden surrounding the clock next to Karen’s Country Deli and a bench at Cutchogue New Suffolk Library.
Speaking of the library, here are this week’s programs. Registration is requested for an eight-week series of yoga classes, on Thursdays, Jan. 12-March 1, 6-7:30 p.m. There will also be teen yoga on Thursdays, Jan. 12-26, 4:30-5:30 p.m. An AARP Driver Safety Program will be given Thursday and Friday, Jan. 19-20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It’s $17 for library members, $19 for others. Call 734-6360 to sign up. Finally, a book discussion about “Lightning” by Dean Koontz will be held Thursday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. No registration needed.
Have a good week!
As the welcoming light of street lamps lines our streets with a glow, the Village Green draws us into the Holy Night scene and the love and warmth it bestows. This past Tuesday, members of North Fork Reform Synagogue and the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council gathered to recite the blessings and tell the story of Chanukah, as they lit the first of the eight candles on the Village Green menorah to make it complete.
The schools have been alive with music these past few weeks. ’Tis the season to showcase the efforts of our elementary, junior high and high school bands and choruses. A special note of commendation to the fourth-graders who performed for the first time. Kudos to all!
A reminder from Suzanne Conlin: The Cell Phone for Soldiers red collection box will remain in the Cutchogue post office throughout the holiday season, awaiting your old cellphones. Please consider donating. Your old phone will be recycled and free one-hour calling cards will be sent to our servicemen and -women. Over 1,000 phones have been donated by North Fork residents over the last few years! And if you have a family member in the service, remember to check out cellphonesforsoldiers.com and request a calling card for them.
There were smiles aplenty as Zachary Hinsch received the NJROTC Naval Academy nomination from Congressman Tim Bishop. Mom Lisa, dad Jim and brother Ben looked proud as could be. An Eagle Scout, National Honor Society member, Boys’ State participant, varsity athlete, Red Cross certified lifeguard and armed trick team commander, Zachary is sure to succeed in whatever he does. Congratulations!
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Library will close at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and remain closed Christmas Day and Monday, Dec. 26.
This is my last column of 2011. My next will appear Jan. 12, 2012. It has been an honor and a pleasure sharing your family occasions and celebrations and organizational events. Thank you for sharing and making this another successful year!
Wishing you all Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a healthy, happy New Year!
You know the good feeling you experience when you receive a “get well” or “thinking of you” card? Spread that feeling by adding a sick or injured soldier to your holiday card list this year. Send your card(s) to A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001. Kindness: pass it on!
Pack 39 wants to thank the community for their donations during their fall food drive and first “Stuff a Bus” campaign. Cub Scouts entertained customers by playing Christmas carols outside King Kullen and thanks to your support the bus left stuffed! Special kudos to Justin Garbarino, who demonstrated great stamina by playing the trumpet for three hours. Congratulations to all on a job well done!
Moms and dads: The Friends of Music invite you take a break Friday, Dec. 16, and come out for Wingo Family Game Night at Cutchogue East. Doors open at 6:35 p.m. and games begin at 7 p.m. Winners pick their own prizes. All proceeds support music in our schools.
Baby, it’s cold outside — especially when you don’t have a roof over your head. The John’s Place Homeless Outreach organization in Mattituck provides shelter for homeless individuals November through April and provides other services like clothing and AA meetings. John’s Place screens clients and makes referrals to appropriate social service programs. You can support their efforts by attending “Rockin’ for the Homeless” on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Polish Hall in Riverhead. All of the money raised goes directly to meet the needs of the East End homeless. For more information, call 298-4145, ext 2.
I met a 93-year-young woman at the hair salon recently who was there for her weekly appointment. She cleans her own windows and, until recently, also maintained her own lawn. She did not look a day over 75! There must be something in the air, because Troy Baydala, who turned 94 recently, participated in a putting contest with his sons and sons-in-laws as part of his birthday celebration! Belated happy birthday!
The Friends of Cutchogue New Suffolk Library invite you to their annual Christmas party open house on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. The Dune Grass Band will perform music for the season and homemade cookies and apple cider will be served. Come enjoy the spirit of the season!
Other library activities this week include a book discussion of “The Tender Bar” by J.R. Moehringer on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m.; and a Friday Family Flick on Friday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m. featuring “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” (PG-13).
Have a good week!
Happy December! Make the most of the holiday season by decluttering and donating unused items as you prepare your home for your Christmas tree and visiting family and friends.
National Cookie Day, on Sunday, Dec. 4, is a great opportunity to have some fun by baking batches of your favorite cookies (make enough to freeze for later in the month!) and inviting some friends over to trade cookies and recipes.
For many, the sixth annual MCTA 6th annual Turkey Trot was the start of a beautiful holiday weekend. To warm up and get in the mood, Jill Schroeder of JABS surprised folks this year with a Flash Mob. Hats off to the members of the Mattituck-Cutchogue Teachers Association, who do a great job running this event!
Last Saturday’s blue skies and warm temperatures provided the perfect backdrop for Brandon Lonk and the family, friends and local dignitaries who joined him at the Bailie Beach Scouters Lodge for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. For his Eagle Scout project Brandon planted a courtyard garden complete with a bench to give Mattituck High School students and faculty a quiet, peaceful place on school grounds. Congratulations on this accomplishment
Did your get up and go get up and leave? A record 226 million consumers shopped in stores and online between Thursday and Sunday. If you’re not one of them, and gift cards are more your speed, the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce is offering an alternative. “MattiBucks” are $25 and $50 Visa gift cards that encourage folk to “save local and spend local.” The “MattiBucks” cards can be purchased at Suffolk County National Bank in Mattituck, Barth’s Pharmacy on Love Lane, and the Cardinale Group-Daniel Gale Sotheby’s in Mattituck Plaza. “MattiBucks” are welcome wherever Visa is accepted and there are no activation fees.
Don’t miss the tree lighting and carol sing on the Village Green at 4:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 3, sponsored by the Cutchogue Historical Council. Free refreshments will be served in the Schoolhouse. All are welcome.
A beloved Christmas event, the annual Mattituck Presbyterian Church Christmas Bazaar, will take place Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include yard sale items, jewelry, fine items, linens, baked goods, baskets, plants, toys, handiwork and a special table of inexpensive gifts for youngsters to purchase. Breakfast and lunch will be available.
The librarians and staff at Cutchogue New Suffolk Library would like to thank Dr. Norm McCullough for his many years of volunteer service facilitating the AARP Driver Safety Course. He will be greatly missed!
Coming up at the library Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. is the performance art group Hidden City Orchestra. The show is free; no reservation required. Registration is requested, however, for Tots, Toys & Tales on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 9:30-10:30 a.m. for ages up to 36 months; the NYS Driver Safety Program, Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 6 and 8, 6-9 p.m., $30; and Reindeer Read-out story and craft on Thursday, Dec. 8, 4:15-5 p.m. for ages 6 and 7. Call 734-6360.
Have a good week!