Tag: Southold-Peconic Column

A beautiful light illuminates the night sky over Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm in the Bayview area, thanks to Ed Dart. His original “comet” was destroyed during Tropical Storm Irene and he recently put it back up in memory of John Romanelli, who passed away in January. It is a very special memorial that many people are enjoying.

My role as a columnist sometimes involves detective work. With a reader’s help, I found out that the Webelos One division of Southold Cub Scouts Pack 6 was responsible for cleaning and weeding the garden by the train station. Under Tim Vincenanza’s direction, these hardworking fourth-graders from Southold Elementary School also painted the grafitti-covered metal box at the station. These young men are an asset to our community and their efforts are appreciated very much.

The Southold High School varsity cheerleaders participated in a “Cheer for a Cure” fundraiser last weekend to benefit Cohen’s Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. Catch the girls in action at the next varsity basketball game Thursday, Feb. 9, at 6:15 p.m.

Congratulations to Patrick McFarland and Alex Poliwoda for winning at the local level in the Knights of Columbus free throw championship. Good luck to them as they move ahead to the regional competition.

Birthday wishes to Darrin Standish on Feb. 9; Felicity Turner on the 11th; Jonathan Mann, who turns 5, Brian McCleery and Ivan Santiago on the 12th; and Brenda Flaherty on the 15th.

Happy anniversary to Dan and Lois Manfredi as they toast 51 years together on Feb. 12, and to my husband, Bill, as we celebrate our 13th anniversary on Valentine’s Day.

Thanks to all who attended the foreign film presented by the SHS shared decision making committee, the PTA and the Student Council. Another film is planned for March. I’ll provide all the information when details are finalized.

Southold Free Library’s Book Cottage is a fun place to browse for gently used books for all ages at bargain prices. The Cottage is open for sales and donations Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Southold elementary students will present their winter concert at 7 p.m. this Thursday, Jan. 26, in the district auditorium.

The Relay for Life kickoff fundraiser at Bedell Cellars last weekend was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who attended.

Looking ahead to warmer days, registration for Southold Little League softball and baseball will be held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1-2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the recreation center in Peconic. The cost is $75 per player or $125 for two or more siblings. First-time players should bring copies of their birth certificates. Call Larry Tuthill at 275-4508 for further information.

Free tax counseling from AARP for low- and middle-income taxpayers (with special attention to those 60 and over) will be available at Southold Free Library beginning Feb. 6. Returns will be e-filed at no charge. Call 765-2077 for an appointment.

Belated happy birthday to Julia Jaklevic, who blew out nine candles on Jan. 24. Also celebrating birthdays are Steve Smith and Justin Handold, who turns 11, on the 27th; and Jeff Standish and Rich Feeley, who reaches a milestone, on the 29th.

Congratulations to 8-year old Benjamin Ward and his teammates on the Suffolk PAL Mite Major AAA ice hockey team for winning the championship for the prestigious 43rd annual J.W. Kennedy hockey tournament at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, R.I. They played seven teams in 72 hours and were undefeated.

On a recent ski trip, Tommy Smith, son of Joe and Nancy Smith, surprised his girlfriend, Trisha Tarpey of Mattituck, with an engagement ring! She accepted and the couple’s families are thrilled with the news.

Mark your calendars for the Southold School Garden Project’s potluck dinner on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the elementary school cafeteria. Come hear the students’ dreams for their garden and see how we all can help.

Southold High School seventh- through 12th-graders will attend an assembly Jan. 31 featuring John Halligan, who lost his 13-year-old son Ryan to suicide in 2003. Ryan had been ridiculed and humiliated by his peers at school and online. A related presentation for parents/guardians will be held Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Mattituck High School auditorium. Mr. Halligan spearheaded the 2004 Vermont Bullying Prevention law as well as a 2006 law pertaining to suicide prevention education in public schools.

It’s not too late for students in grades K-8 to register for Future Cheerleaders Camp, to be held this Saturday, Jan. 28, 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the high school gym. The $30 cost includes a snack and a drink. Participants will cheer with the varsity cheerleaders at the Settlers’ home game on Jan. 31. Contact Melissa Wilcenski at [email protected]

Southold High School’s music department will present a Small Ensembles concert and auction on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The auction begins at 7 p.m. and the concert follows at 7:30 p.m. Auction proceeds will support the ensemble in competition in Hershey, Pa., in June.

Southold Elementary School’s winter concert will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. in the district auditorium. The Music Boosters will be selling flowers, hats, gloves and T-shirts to benefit the music department.

It may only be January, but the Relay for Life committee is planning ahead with a fundraiser, “Uncork the Cure,” at Bedell Cellars this Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Suffolk County National Bank in Cutchogue. Guests (21 and over) will enjoy wine, light fare and music by Points East. The snow date is Jan. 27.

Roman Wilinski’s grandchildren Connor, Carley, Logan, Tristan, Kyle and Aaron would like to wish their Poppy a very happy birthday on Jan. 20. They also wish a happy anniversary to Grandma (Cathy) and Poppy, who will celebrate their 40th on Jan. 22.

Ed and Sandy Graham recently hosted friends for a brunch honoring the birthdays of Carol Bohn and Dot Mulhall. The group had a fun time singing and window washing. (You’ll have to ask Sandy about that one!)

Happy birthday to Julie Allen, Terry Siejka and Beth Wineberger, all on Jan. 20; Dan Tuthill on the 21st; and Kristine Smith on the 24th.

Reminder: The Cub Scouts of Pack 6 will host their 10th annual spaghetti dinner and chinese auction this Saturday, Jan. 21, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Southold American Legion. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Southold High School students of the month for December are Eli Chacon, math; Jasmine Clasing, NJROTC; Katie Connolly, art; Robert Patchell, technology; Jacqueline Ruggles, business; Michael Schade, foreign language; Jasmine Sostre, ESL; Tim Stankewicz, science; Ronald Umana, family and consumer science; and Dylan Waskiewicz, physical education.

Middle school students of the month are Mert Altintoprak, technology; Emma Alvarez, English; Estuardo Chenal, science; Owen Klipstein, physical education; Althea Mignone, social studies; Jamie Molnar, foreign language; Sean Okula, family and consumer science; and Emily Perry, art.

SHS students Rafael Campos and Chrissy Papot were recognized for Random Acts of Kindness. Congratulations!

Future Cheerleaders Camp will be held Saturday, Jan. 28, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the SHS gym. All students in grades K-8 are invited to participate. The cost is $30, which includes a snack and drink. Register by Jan. 20 by contacting Melissa Wilcenski at [email protected] Participants will cheer with the Southold varsity cheerleaders at the Settlers’ home game on Jan. 31 at 6:15 p.m.

Sincere sympathy to the McCarthy family on the passing of Mona, their matriarch and a Southold resident. May she rest in peace.

Happy 2012! I wish all the best to my readers in the new year and I look forward to my ninth year of sharing the happenings of the Southold-Peconic area.

Unfortunately, 2012 started out with the sad news of the passing of John Romanelli. An outpouring of support from members of this community surrounds his family. Please keep them in your prayers.

Southold High School student Ian Toy’s amazing anime characters are on display at Southold Free Library, along with a comment book and brief biography. You may recognize Ian’s name from a Suffolk Times article last April about his efforts to save the Helen Keller house near Cedar Beach.

An elegant pendant of shell pearl and silver, donated by Schlecht Silver, is the prize in the Friends’ February raffle. Support the library and take a chance.

WINGO will be held this Friday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Southold elementary cafeteria. There will be refreshments and prizes. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

SHS athletes of the month for December are Will Fujita, varsity basketball; Kevin McGough, junior varsity basketball; Dominick Panetta, 8th grade basketball; Gus Klavas, 7th grade basketball; Devyn Standish, bowling; Emily Hyatt, 8th grade volleyball; Quinn Osmer, 7th grade volleyball; Sarah Manfredi, varsity basketball; Shannon Smith, junior varsity basketball; and Danielle Pagano, cheerleading.

Happy birthday to Kathy Koehler and Lynn Shaffer on Jan. 13; Karl Himmelman on the 15th; Dan Gosnell on the 16th; Casey Rooney and Dot Yanke on the 17th; Bryan Petty on the 18th; and Adam Witzke, who blows out five candles on the 19th.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Jan. 21, when the Cub Scouts of Southold Pack 6 will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the Southold American Legion from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. There will also be a 50/50 raffle with prizes for adults and kids. For further information call Chrissy Berry at 765-8084.

Good luck to the NJROTC cadets as they travel to New Jersey next Monday for the Martin Luther King Day drill competition.

At this point, there are those who are in a complete panic over the holiday rush and those who are all prepared to have a nice weekend with family and friends. Let’s all stop and remember the true meaning of the season and have a peaceful holiday.

A locally popular event is Southold Fire Department’s annual New Year’s Day breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. After a night of ringing in 2012, enjoy a hearty breakfast with your friends and neighbors. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. They can be purchased in advance at the main firehouse or at the door on the day of the breakfast.

It may be cold outside, but the Southold Settlers’ winter athletes are heating things up with exciting contests in volleyball, bowling, basketball and wrestling. Check sectionxi.org for schedules.

A very happy birthday to Ashley Bishop, who turns 12 on the 23rd. Katelyn Dunne celebrates her 23rd, also on the 23rd, with warm wishes from her Mimi in Spring, Texas. Corlynn Rempe’s mom, dad and brothers Jon and Jeremy wish her a happy 6th birthday on Dec. 27; Barbara Berry celebrates on Christmas Day; Bill Salmon on the 26th; Kristen Helinski, who turns 21, on the 27th; Chris Kilfoil on the 30th; and Julie Elak on the 31st. Brittney Bellomo’s mom, dad, brother Nick and Pepperjack wish her a happy “sweet 16” on Jan. 1, 2012. Nadine Bazata also celebrates on the 1st; Cindy Bumble and Denise Thilberg Zuhoski on the 2nd; Pam DeFriest on the 3rd; and my son Jack Sinning turns 25 on the 10th.

Congratulations to Kaitie Mazzaferro of Peconic, who graduated magna cum laude from Farmingdale State University last weekend and is pursuing a career in international business.

Marie Helinski won the Rail Chief electric train set and Rachel Hornstein won the American Girl doll, Marie-Grace, in the holiday raffle at Southold Free Library. The Friends thank everyone who entered the raffles and especially those who donated prizes this year. A lovely afghan made by Carolyn Dewar will keep February’s winner toasty. Look for it in the middle of the month. If you wish to donate a prize, call 765-2077 and leave your name and phone number.

Watch for the library’s winter newsletter in the mail during the last week in December.

My next column will not be published until Jan. 12. I’d like to wish all my readers a very happy holiday season and a wonderful 2012. Thank you all for a great year of sharing your news.

Calling all parents who need a break: The Youth Group of First Presbyterian Church in Southold is sponsoring a Parents’ Night Out on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 10 p.m. Parents can enjoy a relaxing evening or get in some last-minute holiday shopping while their children enjoy dinner, crafts, games, stories and movies. Cost is a free-will donation. Proceeds support the youth group’s summer mission trip to the Pilgrimage, a service-learning hostel in Washington, D.C. Call the church office at 765-2597 or Kathy Tylee at 734-8029 to register or get more information.

Members of the youth group raised $453 at a Bowling for Dollars event last month in which contributors matched the highest team score in dollars. This money will be used to distribute food and clothing to the needy in New York City.

Ellie Hall is doing her part to make sure the cats and dogs at the Southold Town Animal Shelter are warm, comfortable and well-fed this winter. She is collecting blankets, towels, canned pet food, peanut butter and dog biscuits as well as gift certificates for any of these items. Donations can be dropped off the chiropractic office of Ellie’s husband, Dr. Rick Hall, on the North Road. Call 765-9520 for hours.

All are welcome to visit Peggy and Jim Murphy’s Snow Village display — featuring over 100 houses and accessory pieces with a train running through it all. Their home is located at 225 Horton Lane in Southold, just off of Route 25. It is suggested that you call 765-3598 in advance to be sure the Murphys are at home.

Happy birthday to Lucille Jones on Dec. 15; Bev Sage on the 17th; Gary Haupt on the 18th; my niece Miranda Elak, who will blow out eight candles, on the 19th; and my dad, Alec Elak, and my uncle Joe Bush, both of whom celebrate on the 20th.

Storytellers Live will give a concert at Rothman’s Gallery on Main Road in Southold Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 to 6 p.m. Catch rising stars during an afternoon of original music from songwriters Robert Bruey, Laura Hoch, Fred Raimondo and Geoff Schroeder. Admission is $10, which will help support the preservation of music and the arts in Southold Town.

The Southold junior-senior high band, chorus and orchestra will present their winter concert this Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the district auditorium. Admission is free.

The Cell Phones for Soldiers red collection box will remain in the Southold post office throughout the holiday season. Consider donating your old cell phone for recycling so our servicemen and -women can receive free one-hour phone cards. This program has collected over 1,000 phones from the North Fork over the last few years. If you know of someone who would benefit from this program, go to cellphonesforsoldiers.com to request a calling card for them.

Help make the holidays a little brighter for the West family by bringing the family to a fundraiser for 2 1/2-year-old Morgan West this Sunday, Dec. 11, 1-5 p.m., at Raphael Vineyard. There will be live music by Tim and the Space Cadets, a chinese auction, face painting, a 50/50 raffle and more. Tickets are $30, which include food and drink; children under 12 are admitted free. Get your tickets at Fitness Advantage or Southold Fish Market.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Southold middle school’s winter concert on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the district auditorium. Enjoy seasonal tunes performed by the band, chorus and orchestra.

All senior citizens are invited to preview the high school winter concert on Friday, Dec. 9, 11:30-12:30 p.m., in the district auditorium. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Happy birthday to Katie Wolosik, who turns 102 on Dec. 8. Her friends send their love and wish her all the best on this very special day. Other birthdays include Bill Witzke on the 9th; Jen Phillips on the 13th; and Cheryl Scheidet on the 15th.

Troy Baydala celebrates his 94th birthday Dec. 8 and his family will continue their yearly tradition of attending Mass at St. Patrick church together on Saturday afternoon. Following the Mass, the family will enjoy their traditional sauerbraten dinner with their very special patriarch.

Also celebrating a milestone birthday on the 8th is Edna Montgomery, who turns 95 that day.

This Sunday, Dec. 11, from 2 to 5 p.m., there will be an artist’s reception at Southold Free Library for William Porter, whose work is currently on display there. Light refreshments will be served.

Students from MainStage Dance Academy of Greenport will perform for residents at San Simeon by the Sound on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 p.m. Dancers from Southold are Karen Catapano, Elizabeth Jernick, Lisa Luhrs and Adrienne Torres.

November students of the month from Southold middle school are: Sam Basel, science; Theresa Connolly, technology; Miguel Gomez, French; Owen Klipstein, social studies; Robert Kruszeski, English; Deisy Lopez, ESL; Emily Perry, family and consumer science and physical education; Lily Saeli, art; and Andrew Seifert, math.

High school students of the month are Jessica Carlson, family and consumer science; Frank Cone, technology; Zach DePaulis, English; Alex Evans, NJROTC; Mackenzie Feeley, physical education; Will Fujita, business; Missael Javier, ESL; Shayne Johnson, Spanish; Thomas Messana, science; Cynthia Van Bourgondien, art; and Jennifer Yanes, business.

Random Act of Kindness award-winners were Alexandra Nordstrom and Mark Smith.

A defensive driving course sponsored by the Southold Robotics team will be held Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. in the district auditorium. Save on your auto insurance or reduce points on your driving record. Call 765-5083 to register.

The Robotics team is selling e-watt saver LED light bulbs. The 40-watt bulbs are $15 and the 60-watt bulbs are $26. To purchase, e-mail club adviser Tony Kryl at [email protected]

Congratulations to the Peconic Lions baseball team, who ended their fall season as division champions with a 12-2 record. The team includes Christian Figurniak, Liam Finnegan, Joey Graeb, Ben Knowles, Joseph Mele, Noah Mina, Michael Onufrak, Alex Poliwoda, Charlie Poliwoda, Joseph Pizzingrillo, Dale Stonemetz and coaches Frank Mele, Joseph Pizzingrillo, Pete Onufrak and Ken Poliwoda.

CAST will host its annual “Holiday Happening” this Saturday, Dec. 3, at the recreation center in Peconic from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature crafts, a café, photos with Santa, a toy train display and a bake sale.

Senior citizens are invited to a special preview of Southold High School’s winter concert on Friday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the district auditorium. Refreshments will be served afterward. Admission is free.

The SHS Interact Club has been busy lately. The students collected over $500 for UNICEF, which will be used to eradicate polio globally. They’ll now be ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s annual drive, as well as collecting new toys for CAST and selling raffle tickets. Local businesses have generously donated great prizes. To purchase raffle tickets, see any club member or call 765-5080 and ask for Ms. Gilmore or Ms. Krupski.

Belated happy birthday to Kathy Long, who celebrated Nov. 24. Jean Poliwoda enjoys her birthday on Dec. 1, as does Paul Surozenski. Katie Heath, daughter of Ashlie and Douglas Heath, turns 6 on Dec. 3; Chloe Manwaring’s special day is also the 3rd; and Liz Gordon celebrates on the 6th.

Kevin and Tina Quarty had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Their first child, Brayden Thomas, arrived Nov. 16. He is home resting comfortably and getting to know his large extended family.

Another little fellow who arrived in time for the holidays was Julian Ivan Santiago, son of Ivan and Jessica Santiago. He was born Nov. 26 weighing five pounds, 12 ounces. He’s sure to be seen around Southold when he comes to visit his proud grandparents, Bill and Martha Eagle.

The SHS junior class will host its annual Santa breakfast this Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the elementary cafeteria. This seasonally popular event will feature photos with Santa, a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bacon, and a holiday music singalong. Admission is $6 per person or $20 for a family of four. Bring the kids for a fun time.

Prizes for Southold Free Library’s much-anticipated annual double raffle are now on display at the circulation desk: Mary-Grace, an American Girl doll, and a Bachmann electric train set would make great gifts for two lucky winners. The drawing takes place Thursday, Dec. 15.

Rose Berryman and Allison Mann each won a stained glass kaleidoscope created by local artist Bob Hamill in the library’s November raffle.

A blood drive will be held Nov. 30 from 2:15-8:15 p.m. at the Southold Fire Department’s main house. All blood types are needed.

A few short months ago, we were enjoying lazy days on the beach and now the holiday season is fast approaching. When possible, shop locally and you just may find the perfect gift right here on the North Fork.

Southold American Legion Griswold-Terry-Glover Post 803’s building renovation fund has received a donation from the Southold chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The community’s support is essential and much appreciated by the local legionnaires.

Belated happy birthday to Charlotte Allen, who turned 11 on Nov. 16. Christopher Conrardy turns 20 on the 18th; Tyler Woodhull blows out 10 candles on the 20th; Evelyn DeLuna and Victor Westgate celebrate on the 21st; David O’Day on the 22nd; and Jean Dempsey on the 23rd.

A very happy anniversary to Tom and Karen Helinski, who celebrated 25 years of marriage on Nov. 15. A party was held in their honor this past August, and they were the lucky winners of the top cash prize at Southold Fire Department’s annual cocktail party and raffle last Sunday. Congratulations!

Tom and Karen’s daughter Kristen participated in a 5K Turkey Trot at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and was the first female to cross the finish line, with a time of 24 minutes, 34 seconds. Way to go!

Artist, painter and printmaker William Porter moved to Southold last March with a commission to “paint something” that defined the North Fork. After living out West for many years, he has come home to capture the awesome beauty of this great island. His paintings will be on display at Southold Free Library during December.

Jane Andrews will lead an informal English conversation group at Southold Free Library for those who wish to practice their English-speaking skills. The group will meet Wednesday evenings (except Nov. 23) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the library’s community room. The program is free and open to all nationalities and skill levels. Beginners are welcome!

Mark your calendars for a very special event coming up Sunday, Dec. 11. Everyone is invited to attend “Helping Hands for Morgan,” a family fundraiser at Raphael Vineyards to assist 2 1/2-year-old Morgan West of Cutchogue, daughter of Southold High School alumnus Adam West and his wife, Nicki. In September, Morgan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain stem tumor. She is currently undergoing radiation therapy at a clinical trial at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Tennessee. Fundraiser tickets are $30, which includes food, beverages, music by Tim and the Space Cadets, face-painting, a 50/50 raffle and more. Tickets can be purchased at Southold Fish Market or by calling Sarah Sirico at 765-8142.

This weekend, “Once Upon a Dream” will be presented by the Southold Elementary School Drama Club. There will be two shows, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door.

Any items you’d like me to include in next week’s column are needed ASAP! I’ll be submitting the finished product Thursday evening.