Ann Otten and Georgette Case, members of Suffolk Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, located here in Riverhead, recently travelled to the West Point Military Academy where the New York State DAR Officers Club paid tribute to Margaret Cochran Corbin affectionately known as Captain Molly.

The 97thAnnual Memorial Service for Captain Molly was conducted at the Old Cadet Chapel. Members were received by Col. Katie E. Matthew, graduate of and professor of sociology at West Point. Members gathered around the monument dedicated to Captain Molly where the colors were presented, a wreath laid, three volleys were rendered, and taps played. The time was spent looking through the West Point Cemetery next to the Old Cadet Chapel. The graves of General Schwartzkof (alongside the Chapel), General Custer and Lt. Col Edward White II, first man to walk in space, are there for you to pay tribute to. Luncheon speakers at the Hotel Thayer were a director at the West Point Military Academy who spoke about the early history of West Point and Col. Matthews who explained the history of cadet uniforms. Graduating cadet Lamb was a guest speaker at Ann’s and Georgette’s table. She is a member of the West Point Molly Corbin Forum and was a delight to speak with. A truly remarkable educational and experience it was for them. 

Barbara Wooten’s daughter Amy Guecha was recognized during “Nurses Week for Excellence” and received an award from Durham Veterans Hospital where she is a nurse in North Carolina. She was in awe of the nice bonus, duffle bag and water bottle gifts she received for her service. Needless to say, her sisters Kelly and Laura are very proud of her accomplishment for her service to others. Congratulations Amy your mother is truly proud of you too!

The Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps Open House today, Sunday, May 21 from 11 am to 4 pm at their headquarters 1111 Osborn Avenue. Open to all ages and find out what they do, how they do it and why they do it. There will be ambulance tours, hands only CPR, safe child IDs through the Sheriff’s Office, face painting, raffles, giveaways, food, drinks and much more. Come on down and see how involved the volunteers are and how they serve this community.

The East End Arts Mosaic Street Painting Festival will be held on Sunday, May 28 from 12 pm to 5 pm in downtown Riverhead. A great way to start the summer season enjoying the 27th annual Mosaic Festival. A whole day event showcases stunning chalk street art created by local artists and families, live music, food and artisan vendors, an outdoor art sale and interactive activities for all ages. Enjoy a beautiful fun filled day with your family and friends. (Rain date is Monday, May 29 from 2 pm to 5 pm). 

Donate blood and save lives on Tuesday, June 6 at the Riverhead Fire Department, 540 Roanoke Avenue from 1 pm to 7 pm.  It is a Community Blood Drive once again headed by Lauren Reichel and any questions please feel free to call 631- 466-0716 to make an appointment. Appointments are recommended though walk ins are welcome. Eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of fluids, bring your ID or donor card with you to donate blood.

Another event is “Reflextions – Art in the Park” on Saturday, June 17 from 7 pm to 10 pm to experience the walkable, interactive art located in the Milton L. Burns Park on Peconic Avenue in Downtown Riverhead. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor installations of art and bring your favorite chair or blanket and enjoy listening to the music featuring the Riverhead High School Jazz Band and Alumni at 6 pm and Jay Shepard at 7 pm and see the magic come to life when the art pieces illuminate during this special event. A fun filled evening for the whole family.

The 20th Anniversary “Battle of the Bands” at Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays will be held on Friday, June 9. High School bands will rock out at Ponquogue Beach and compete for great prizes. The gates will open at 7 pm and the Battle of the Bands will begin promptly at 8 pm. Throughout the night, audience members will also have the chance to win prizes by answering music trivia questions. Admission is $10 with concession available on site. In the event of bad weather conditions, the 20th Anniversary Battle of the Bands will be rescheduled for Friday, June 16. For more information, please call 631-702-2425 or visit www.southamptontownny.gov/youthbureau.

The Greater Jamesport Civic Association will hold their monthly meeting on Saturday, June 17 at 9:30 am at the Jamesport Meeting House. Their guest speaker will be Raymond Coyne, Superintendent of Parks for the Town of Riverhead. Everyone is invited to attend. 

Are you cleaning out for the summer? Roanoke Avenue Elementary School is looking for gently used books for ages 5 through 11 years old that is kindergarten through fourth grade. This will foster summer reading for the students and encourage the enjoyment of taking an interest in all books. So, if you no longer have a use for your books and they need another home please consider donating them to Roanoke Ave Elementary School by June 12 by dropping them off. Tammy Michaelson is working on this mission to have a happy summer of reading. You can contact her at 631-682-5345 if you need them to be picked up.

The Riverhead High School Class of 1973 is holding their 50th class reunion on August 19 and they are looking for some current addresses for Mark Doroski, Arlene Sydlowski and Richard Lucas (he used to live in Hawaii but his invitation came back) so please let Chrissy Mickaliger Lessard know if you have an address for these classmates. Thanks so much.

Happy birthday wishes to John Kurpetski, Cameron Dick, Lily Luparella, on May 21; Rose Castillo and Nicole Lojko on May 22; Justin Maas and Chrissy Mickaliger Lessard on May 23; Candice Hughes on May 24; Dennis Kenter, Patrick Flammia on May 27; Bo Goodale on May 28; Barbara Warner, Ron Fisher and Theresa Gallo on May 31 and Jodi Giglio on June 2. Have a great day!

Happy 53rd wedding anniversary wishes to Frank and Caroline Stepnoski on May 23; a happy anniversary to Dennis and Connie Kenter on May 25; a happy 58th wedding anniversary to John and Patricia Kurpetski on May 30; a happy 48thwedding anniversary to Nick and Cheryl Luparella and happy anniversary to Mark and Wendy Gajowski on June 1. Be sure to celebrate your special day!

Get well wishes to Robert Taylor, Ray Atkins, Butch Densieski, Joe Berezny, Ellen Kramer, Ramona Moore and Becky Collins. 

Be sure to hang your flag on Memorial Day, May 29 and remember those who have served our great nation. 

Take time to give thanks and remember by watching the Memorial Day Parade which starts at Pulaski Street School at 9 am and marches through Riverhead Town commemorating our war memorials and cemeteries.

Got news to share? Send it to Kathy by email to jberezny@optonline.net, write to her at 124 Kings Drive, Riverhead NY 11901 or call her at 631-727-6148. “Around Town” will appear on RiverheadLOCAL on the first and third Sunday of the month.

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Kathy Berezny is active in the Riverhead community, where she has lived for 46 years. She is chaplain of the Riverhead Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, which she joined in February 1979. She is a longtime member and past president of the Riverhead Board of Education. Email Kathy: jberezny@optonline.net