Happy Thanksgiving!

My apologies to Blake and Jasmine Corwin. I could have sworn I put this announcement in last week, but somehow I missed it. Jasmine celebrated her 26th birthday Nov. 17 and Blake submitted the announcement in perfect time. Happy birthday to you, Jasmine Corwin, from your wonderful husband, Blake.

A small, white puppy has been found on Main Road in Aquebogue. Call 921-5142 for more information.

Just another reminder that Living Water Full Gospel Church invites you to join them for dessert at the church Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m.. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dessert to share and celebrate the holiday together. On the 27th, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. LWFGC will host “A Night in Bethlehem,” a an interactive experience of Bethlehem and the Christmas story. Groups are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. While you’re there, visit Santa Claus’ North Pole living room and have a free picture taken. Come see, touch, feel and smell what life was like during this miraculous time. Guests can also make crafts and share in meaningful biblical traditions and stories. Admission is free for the entire family. Don’t miss it! I took Johanna to this special presentation last year and it was magical. For more information, call 722-4969 or visit lwfgc.org.

Old Steeple Community Church in Aquebogue will hold its annual Christmas bazaar and luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will boxed cookies, a food table, a kitchen knife selection and many handmade crafts and gift items. Lunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a raffle for a handmade antique quilt. For more information, call Amy at 722-3070.

Also on Dec. 3, there will be a Christmas Gospel Concert with “Jus B Cuz” at the Jamesport Meeting House. Then, on Friday, Dec. 16, “Carols and Cookies” will be hosted at 6:30 p.m., also at the Meeting House. Details to follow in next week’s column.

I want to wish my daughter MaryAngela a very happy 18th birthday! MaryAngela was born on Thanksgiving, Nov. 25. We tease her and say that she was born just in time for dessert! It was a memorable Thanksgiving indeed.

I believe all Thanksgiving celebrations can be a memorable time of sharing in traditions, conversation, affirmation and love. I live my life cultivating an attitude of gratitude — the secret ingredient to the strength I have in the midst of many trials. Life is always beautiful, even when it is hard. This Thanksgiving, my prayer for you is that you discover the beauty within yourself, your family, your home, your work and your world. God bless you!

Eileenbenthal@gmail.com

Jamesport Fire Department will host its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. at the George Young Community Center, at South Jamesport Avenue and Main Road. There will be caroling and refreshments and Santa is expected to arrive!

Old Steeple Community Church in Aquebogue will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be boxed cookies, a food table, a kitchen knife selection and many handmade crafts and gift items. Lunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be a raffle for a handmade antique quilt, donated by Maria Heagy.  Maria’s grandmother, and former parishioner, Serepta Maria Young, born in Aquebogue in 1876, started the quilt but was unable to finish it due to a serious injury. The quilt was restored and completed by Barbara Fein. This bit of local history is being raffled off to support Old Steeple Church. For more information contact Amy at 722-3070.

Also on the 3rd, the Jamesport Meeting House will hold a Christmas Gospel Concert with music by “Jus B Cuz.” Then, on the 16th, the Meeting House will host “Carols and Cookies” at 6:30 p.m.

Hallockville Museum Farm will host its annual Christmas at Hallockville on Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon to 4 p.m. This event celebrates the rich traditions of a Victorian Christmas in the Hallockville Homestead and a Polish Christmas in the Cichanowicz Farmhouse. The afternoon includes an antique toy exhibit, children’s activities, holiday music, hayrides and hot chocolate. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and $18 for a family pass. There will also be an opportunity to Christmas shop for some unique items at Hallockville’s gift shop. Call 298-5292 for more information.

First Parish Church is collecting donations of canned/jarred/boxed goods for local food pantries. Donations can be dropped off at the church on Sundays between 10:30 a.m. and noon. There will be collection baskets and/or boxes set up inside the foyer located at the east-side entrance of the church. For more information, contact Pastor Dianne Rodriguez at 516-673-1231 or blackswan57@aol.com.

FPC is also hosting an Advent musical presentation at 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 10. Featured talents include pianist Terence Purtell, flautist Michelle Lisi, soprano Maribeth Mundell and guitarist/singer/songwriter Valerie Griggs. Visit spirit-renewal.com for more information about these performers. Partial proceeds from the $10 suggested offering will be donated to Elsa’s Ark Animal Shelter of East Hampton.

It’s that wonderful time of year again! The Wonder of Christmas show at the Living Water Church Theatre in Riverhead will be held Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 15-17, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. Come hum along to your favorite carols and tap your feet to traditional Christmas tunes. For tickets and more information, call 722-4969, ext. 204, or visit lwfgc.org.

Best wishes for a very happy birthday to Aquebogue resident Bill Titterton from your family. Bill will be 90 on Dec. 3. Happy birthday, Bill.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving celebration with friends and family. We had a wonderful time visiting my husband’s family in Illinois. We are now settling in for Advent and preparing for our college kids to come back home. Have a beautiful week.

Thanks to the Jamesport Fire Department for a wonderful tree lighting celebration. Main Road is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, thanks to all of you.

Remember, First Parish Church is hosting an advent musical presentation on Dec. 10 at 1:15 p.m. Featured talents are pianist Terence Purtell, flutist Michelle Lisi, soprano Maribeth Mundell and guitarist/singer/songwriter Valerie Griggs. Visit spirit-renewal.com for more on these performers. There is a $10 suggested offering. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Elsa’s Ark Animal Shelter of East Hampton.

I have some exciting news to share! An essay I wrote entitled “Path of Miracles” was recently published in a book, “A Special Mother Is Born.” The book, authored and edited by Leticia Velasquez, is a compilation of stories from 33 parents, mostly moms, of special needs children. I just received my copy last week and it is truly an inspiring read. This coming Sunday, Dec. 11, at Our Lady of the Island Shrine in Eastport, Leticia and I will be doing a special presentation and prayer service and will share from the book. Steve, Johanna and I will be doing music for the 11:30 a.m. Mass at the Shrine. The special program immediately follows. Those whose lives have been touched by a child with special needs are welcome to join us. Send me an email if you have any questions.

Living Water Full Gospel Church’s Christmas show, “The Wonder of Christmas,” will be held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Dec. 15-17, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. From traditional Christmas tunes to the seasonal sounds of gospel hits, a talented group of performers will have you humming along with your favorite Christmas carols and tapping your feet to a rockin’ holiday beat. For tickets and information, call 722-4969, ext. 204, or visit lwfgc.org.

On Friday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m., “Carols and Cookies” will be hosted at the Meeting House. Last year was a wonderful time of community celebration and good cheer. Email Richard Wines at richard@windswayfarm.com for more information about this lovely holiday event.

Please remember to keep Michael Hubbard and Christopher Timpone in your prayers as they continue to battle against a brain injury and cancer. Kids like these remind us all that life is a blessing to be appreciated at every turn.

My college kids start making their way home for the holidays this week and next. I was getting used to smaller meals and cleaner bathrooms. However, it is such a blessing to have all six of us under one roof for the holidays this year. Try to take some time to slow the pace during this advent and Hanukkah season. It is meant to be a season of light in the midst of the darkness. Let your light shine with good will to all.

Have a beautiful week.

Eileenbenthal@gmail.com

Congratulations to the Aquebogue students of the week for November: Kindergarten — Victoria Daychouk, Griffin Sumwalt, Willy Barrios, Reese Wirth, Victoria Salazar, Joshua Soler, Matteo Mosciatti, Gisselle Morales-Llamas, Alexandra Hoverkamp, Autumn Montgomery, Cambria Palomino, Ja’Dah Williams. 1st grade — Travis Hansen, Rigoberto Nicolas, Colin Maaiki, Mishell Garcia, Cesar Dubon, Justin Caraballo Torres, Courtney Reynolds, Michael Gagliano, Aidan Eslin, Jayden Gilliam, Shannah Calle, Christian Aguilar, Charles Liles, Tara Galka, Janeiah Evans, Erick Agustin, Adolfo Jeronimo, Daneijha Corey-Farmer. 2nd grade — Nelsis Guevara-Cuesta, Maria Vergara, Jaxson Rubio, Jayden Binkis, Zyaire Hartfield, Katy Paredes, Ryan Allen, Samuel Lemus, Ellie Schultz, Ariana Hubbard, Riley Dunbar, Hannah Witt, Sophia Haupt, Giovanna Maffetone, Patrick Rowland, Olwin Mayen, Randy Cabrera-Milian, Savannah McDonald. 3rd grade — Olivia Niewiadomski, Joshua Carey, Jocelyn Podlas, Skyler Yuengling, Megan Card-Gimipelman, William Green, Deanna Wirth, Erica Bilski. 4th grade — Christian Mato, Abigail Morreale, Shannon Doyle, Kaylen Lockhart, Benjamin Payton, Katherine Goodale, Haylie Tierney, Joseph Brown, Liam Drobny, Julianna Veliz, Jose Alvarado, Kellie Estes, Grace Kaelin, and Katelin Adamson.

Celebrate the season at the Jamesport Meeting House with “Carols and Cookies” Friday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. The East End Arts chorus, conducted by Ann Webb, will perform seasonal selections and lead attendees in a singalong of popular carols. Barbara Bixby will play piano. Afterward, share some cookies and mulled cider in the Lecture Room. Suggested $5 donation for adults. All children are welcome.

The opening performance of Living Water Full Gospel Church’s Christmas show, “The Wonder of Christmas,” is tonight. I heard that tickets are selling out quickly for some of the performances. The show is a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Christmas, with performances of traditional Christmas tunes and seasonal gospel hits. Call today to reserve your tickets. Performances are Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 15-17, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, the 18th, at 3 p.m. For tickets and information, call 631-722-4969, ext. 204, or email info@lwfgc.org.

Congratulations to 2005 RHS graduate Danielle Hein, who just received her “white coat” in a special ceremony at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. This ceremony is an initiation into its residency program. The white coat was presented by Dr. Andresen of Mattituck-Laurel Veterinary Hospital. Danielle used to work for Dr. Andresen, milking his goats and helping out with his animals. It was during that time she decided she wanted to become a veterinarian. Danielle will graduate in 2013. Congratulations, Danielle, from all your family and friends!

We are busy decorating our house for Christmas. The college kids will all be home by the weekend in time to celebrate my birthday! We are all going to New York City to see the tree and share a meal. Then Johanna, her sisters and I will stay at Ronald McDonald House to prepare for some testing at NYU. I wish you much peace in the week ahead.

We attended Living Water Church’s wonderful Christmas show this past weekend and it was truly stunning. The performances were professionally done, with so much talent and grace. The choral productions were lively and melodic, a combination of old, favorite Christmas carols and contemporary songs reflecting on the “reason for the Christmas season.” The drama was witty and light, the dance numbers were beautifully choreographed and the precision of the dancers was just amazing. Of course, our favorite performer, Amanda Frank, led many of the dances.

Amanda and her family have been friends with our family for about 12 years, three-and-a-half of which Amanda has been a personal aide to my daughter Johanna. Amanda is a warm and wonderful young lady who is very talented. She had a significant role in the Christmas production this year but her starring role happened at the Sunday matinee performance, which ended with a beautiful rendition of “White Christmas.” True to the movie’s script, Josh Palmeri, Amanda’s boyfriend, got down on one knee and proposed to her in front of the entire sold-out show! Of course Amanda said “yes!”

Congratulations to LWC on another year of fine performances. We also extend our sincere, heartfelt and very ecstatic congratulations to Amanda and Josh on their engagement. May God continue to bless all of you!

I want to remind you that there will be no paper Dec. 29. The Times/Review office will be closed for the holidays Dec. 26-30 to give the staff time to celebrate the season with friends and family. My next column will be for the Jan. 12 issue. Please send me your announcements by Jan. 9 to be printed in that issue. There are lots of good things coming ahead for all of us in 2012 and I want to hear about it!

It isn’t often that Hanukkah and Christmas fall in the same week. I think it is quite special. Both traditions are celebrations of the triumph of light over the darkness. I wish you light in the darkness. Happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas and happy New Year to all!

A very happy New Year to all of you! I hope your holidays were wonderful!

Congratulations to the Aquebogue students of the month for December! They are: Kindergarten: Dylan Sandoval, Samantha Mills, Jackson Frend, Kevin Dubon Salan, Andy Mardice, Loudon Krumbiegel, Isabella Cucchi, Megan Kenny, Wesley Keating. First grade: Maria Mendez, Deu’Boyce Robinson, Jeremy Carey, Ismeri Morales-Rojas, Timothy Wooten, Roni Palma, Casey Zahra, Bonnie Harris, Jace Pesce, Joseph McCormack, Yamileth Estrada, Thomas Gallo, Jayden Braxton, Austin Koke. Second grade: Alicia Ramos, Jose Castro-Torres, Sofia DeMasi, Alexa Reeve, Emani Womack, Catherine Cruz, Catherine Renshaw, Jessika Francisco, Imonie Ramos, Johnathan Timpone, Serenity Lopez, James Ryan, Alexandra Goodale, Aqsa Majid, Brodie Mato, Princesa Jeronimo. Third grade: Julian Cortez, William Lopez, Angelica Salasar, Gavin Cucchi, Alexa Slasinski, Nicholas Belvedere, Brandon Riccio, Kate Foley. Fourth grade: Anna Marie Crotty, David Squires, Megan Kielbasa, Maria Andres, Joseph Brown, Steven McDonald, Sophia Lemus, Kevyn Bonilla, Ryan Seebeck, Anayeli Ortiz.

John and Barbara Anderson of Jamesport are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary on lucky Friday the 13th! John and Barbara, all of your friends and family, and all of us, wish you a very happy 55th wedding anniversary! You both are a true inspiration to us all!

Even though the weather has been lovely, winter always promises cold days ahead. At this time of year especially, we should support the organizations that care for the homeless. Just around the corner is a benefit for East End Homeless Outreach. Called “Rockin’ for the Homeless,” the event will take place Saturday, Jan. 28, from 6-10 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at Polish Hall in Riverhead. Sponsored by John’s Place Mattituck, it will feature Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks, Who Are Those Guys, Rattlesnake Dawn and Boot Scoot Boogie. The emcee for the evening is special guest and WLNG’s own Lisa Dabrowski. Tickets are $25 per person until Jan. 27 and $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Barth’s Pharmacy in Riverhead and Mattituck, Polish Hall and the Mattituck Presbyterian Church office. For tickets and more information call 298-4145, ext. 2, or visit rockinforthehomeless.org. This is a simple and fun way to be a good neighbor!

We celebrate the Christmas season with friends and family all the way through till “Little Christmas,” the Feast of the Epiphany, so we closed our Christmas season just last weekend by sharing a meal with some special friends. Thanks for all the emails and seasons greetings from you, our wonderful neighbors and members of our community! A special thanks to Bill Van Helman and his Christmas offering of snow plowing our driveway. Bill offered to assist us so that we can be sure we are able to get Johanna out easily and so that all of her therapists and teachers can get into the house easily. Call me when it snows and I will give you Bill’s number. All I have to say is “Let it snow!”

First Parish Church, UCC is continuing to collect food for our local food pantries. They need canned, jarred and boxed goods. Those who would like to help out are asked to drop off their donations at the church on Sundays between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Baskets and/or boxes will be set up inside the foyer located at the east side entrance of the church to collect your goods. Please give what you can during these months and help fill the pantries in our community. Tell a friend and pass the word around. For more information, call Pastor Dianne Rodriguez at 516-673-1231 or email her at blackswan57@aol.com.

As I mentioned last week, the “Rockin’ for the Homeless” fundraiser will take place Saturday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Polish Hall in Riverhead. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by John’s Place Mattituck the event will feature Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks, Who Are Those Guys, Rattlesnake Dawn and Boot Scoot Boogie. WLNG’s Lisa Dabrowski will emcee. Tickets are $25 per person through Jan. 27, $35 at the door, and can be purchased at Barth’s Pharmacy in both Riverhead and Mattituck, Polish Hall and the Mattituck Presbyterian Church office. For tickets and more information, call 298-4145, ext. 2, or visit rockinforthehomeless.org. This is a great way to be a good neighbor.

Last week there was a beautiful article in the News-Review about the difficulties faced by parents of medically fragile children. The article featured Angela’s House, an organization that provides two smaller houses on Long Island specially designed with 24-hour nursing care to accommodate the children’s complex medical and physical needs. Angela’s House also facilitates provisions for families like ours who have medically fragile kids living at home. Without their support we would not be able to provide for Johanna’s special needs in our home.

If you haven’t read the article from last week, please do so today. Also, please consider making a donation at angelashouse.org, by mail to Angela’s House, P.O. Box 5052, Hauppauge, NY 11788, call Bob Policastro at 631-979-2620 or email BPolicastro@angelashouse.org. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can offer.

My college kids are back to school — two in Ohio and one in Gaming, Austria. MaryAngela is having the adventure of a lifetime studying abroad for the semester. We wish them well and can’t wait to see them in May!

Congratulations to Jamesport resident Ava Robinson on her awarding-winning dolls. She says, “The guys have their Super Bowl Sunday, but I had my own ‘Super Doll Sunday’ at the annual Patchogue Doll Fanciers Club show and sale at the Sheraton in Hauppauge. I didn’t need a car to get home; I flew on a cloud!” Ava won five first-place ribbons, four second-place and one third-place. The dolls were entered in many categories, a few of them competing against each other in the same category. Her all-original composition doll, Shirley Temple, was a hit with show-goers. Also winning a blue ribbon was an all-original Toni Permanent Wave doll, complete with end papers and curlers. A Women’s Army Air Corps doll also took a blue ribbon, complete with uniform hat and insignia and a leather shoulder bag.

Ava has an extensive doll collection with wardrobe from the 1940s and 1950s. She was especially excited to compete this year because she missed the show last year due to illness. Considering Ava’s award-winning success, her mom has always said, “Better things come to those who wait.” Well, Ava, your persistence and patience certainly paid off. Congratulations on your achievements.

Head on over to the Rockin’ for the Homeless benefit concert on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Polish Hall in Riverhead. Sponsored by John’s Place Mattituck, it will feature four great bands. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person through Jan. 27; $35 at the door. For tickets and more information, call 298-4145, ext. 2, or visit rockinforthehomeless.org.

Best wishes for a very happy 10th birthday to Zachary White on Jan. 29 from your mom and your entire family. Double digits are really cool, Zachary. Happy birthday!

A special concert is scheduled for the “Music at the Meeting House” series at the Jamesport Meeting House. On Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. Brady Rymer will perform pop, rock and country hits with a family-friendly flair. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children, and free for ages 2 and under. This concert will sell out very quickly. Tickets can be purchased at Duffy’s Deli. Call Pat at 909-3744 for more info.

I am writing this column with a beautiful view of the Long Island Sound. It is the view from Johanna’s room in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Stony Brook Hospital. Johanna needed emergency brain surgery last Friday. Thankfully she is recovering nicely and will be home with Taffy by the time you read this! I want to send a special thank-you to Bill Van Helmond for plowing the driveway last Saturday. Bill, your generosity took pressure off us and enabled my husband to easily get up to the hospital. Thank you!

A special concert is scheduled for the “Music at the Meeting House” series at the Jamesport Meeting House. On Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. Grammy-nominated musician Brady Rymer (bradyrymer.com) will perform pop, rock and country hits with a family-friendly flair. As the New York Times wrote, “his music has a rock ‘n’ roll heart.” Rymer’s performances deliver a happy, rollicking back porch vibe that gets everyone up and dancing and smiling from ear to ear. This is awesome music you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children and free for 2 and under. This concert will sell out very quickly! Tickets can be purchased at Duffy’s Deli. Call Pat at 909-3744 for more info.

Living Water Church is hosting a Valentine’s dinner dance on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. Open to couples and singles alike it includes ballroom dance instruction, demonstrations and a full-course dinner. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple. Call 722-4969 for more information or to purchase tickets. The funds raised from this event help support Living Water’s Youth Program.

I have a suggestion for couples with young families. My suggestion is take the kids to the Brady Rymer concert at the Meeting House on the morning of Feb. 11 and then go on a fun date at the Valentine’s dinner dance at Living Water Church! All in all it is time well spent and the donations go to support local nonprofit organizations.

Best wishes for a very happy birthday on Feb. 3 to Brian Sinclair, with love from your family and friends!
I mentioned to you last month that our wonderful friend, Amanda Frank, got engaged to Josh Palmeri during Living Water Church’s Christmas show. Amanda has been my daughter’s aide for the last three years and she is such a big part of our family. In the midst of wedding preparations, Amanda and Josh have been planning a mission trip to Uganda. The trip is sponsored by Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch in Riverhead. The Ranch has partnered with Patchogue Church of Christ to send young people from the East End to serve the needs of children in Uganda. Amanda and Josh will be helping to construct farm buildings to house chickens to feed the children, a medical clinic to provide health care and plumbing for some of the homes in the Uganda area. If you have the means to donate, please send a check to Patchogue Church of Christ, P.O. Box 548, Patchogue, NY 11772 and put Uganda-Amanda and Josh in the memo line. The world gets smaller when we extend a hand from home!

Congratulations to Aquebogue School’s students of the week for January. Kindergarten: Daniel Roman-Pablo, Megan Kenny, Makayla Pinckney, Anna Lagnena, Olivia Mills, Jacob Griffiths, Michael Lodi, Andy Morales-Llamas, Alexander Niewiadomski, Ava Meras, Conrad Hoenig. First grade: Jacob Wald, Jacob Krawczyk, Evelin Elizalde, Joseph Minnick, Adolfo Jeronimo, Adonay Leon, Wilmer Salazar-Salazar, Ryan Scharpf, Kailyn Frank, Jayden Kayte, Chelsea Antonio, Joshua Cardenas-Castaneda, Jayden Labial, Kevin Zheng, Mishell Garcia, Freddy Espana, Abigail Heck, Riley Oak, Kyle Ruschin. Second grade: Monica Silva, Alfredo Chitay, Brianna Curtis, Carolina Marin, Jack Bazarewski, Curtis Spruill, Mahogony Parker, Kaitlyn Gomez, Wilfredo Bonilla-Padilla, Owen Sandoval, Daniel Squires, Ginaya Ferebee, TayShaun Hawkins, Shaiesha Pittman-Cobb, Jacob Stamile, Donna Valdez-Alejandro, De’Vaughn Latney, Katy Donohue, Tiajah Brown, Dayana Cabrera-Pacho. Third grade: Kate Foley, Nicholas Belvedere, Nathaniel Bollermann, Ashley Colagrande, Amber Wald, Kiernan O’Connell, Anthony DeLisa, Evan Maaiki, Julia Jackson. Fourth grade: Casey Dunbar, Lauren Kenny, Jonathan Pablo-Perez, Gage Milowski, Zachary White, Amanda Lewin, Matthew Pittman, Taylor Normandin, Tucker Woychuk, Juliana Gallo, Denis Calle-Ortega, Quintel Mason, Robbie Miller, Jade Escobar.

Calling all writers! The Spiritual Renewal Center at First Parish Church has a writer’s page on their website at spirit-renewal.com. Each month they publish writing samples on their website and send them to all their email recipients! If you would like to submit prose or poetry for their writer’s page, send your submission to Lisa at gardens333@optonline.net.

First Parish Church is continuing to collect canned, jarred and boxed food to fill our community’s food pantries. If you’d like to help out, you can drop off your food items at the church on Sundays between 10:30 a.m. and noon. There will be baskets set up inside the foyer located on the east side entrance of the church for the collection. For more information, call Pastor Dianne Rodriguez at 631-608-3827 or email her at Blackswan57@aol.com.

Wednesday nights at the Grange have begun again during the month of February. The series is about organic horticulture made simple for beginners and established gardeners. All lectures, hosted by Jeff Frank of The Nature Lyceum (thenaturelyceum.org), are held at the Grange on Sound Avenue and Church Lane in Northville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Shows/lectures start promptly at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call Jeff at 631-288-8528 or email him at jtf4647@aol.com.

There may be a few tickets still available for the Brady Rymer concert on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Jamesport Meeting House. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children and free for ages 2 and under. Inquire at Duffy’s Deli or call Pat at 909-3744 for more information.

Call Living Water Church at 722-4969 to reserve tickets for their Valentine’s dinner dance on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 per couple. All donations go to support the youth program.

Thank you for the encouragement and prayers for Johanna. It does help! As we give her time to heal, we thank God for each new day. Have a beautiful week!

Aela Bailey is a third-grade student at Aquebogue Elementary School.

The Jamesport Meeting House is extremely pleased to announce that the 2014 season will begin with a performance by the Cassatt String Quartet on March 1 at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature the Dmitri Shostakovich Quartet No. 8, the Maurice Ravel String Quartet and Antonin Dvorak’s Cypresses. Tickets — $25 for adults, $10 for students — may be obtained at jamesportmeetinghouse.org and will be on sale at Duffy’s Deli in Jamesport. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

Named for the celebrated American impressionist painter Mary Cassatt, this world-class professional ensemble has been playing together since 1985. The Manhattan quartet has performed throughout North America, Europe and the Far East, with appearances at New York’s Alice Tully Hall and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Tanglewood Music Theater, the Kennedy Center and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris and Maeda Hall in Tokyo.

The Quartet has been presented on major radio stations such as National Public Radio’s Performance Today, Boston’s WGBH, New York’s WQXR and WNYC, and on Canada’s CBC Radio and Radio France.

First Parish Church is moving its Sunday services to 9 a.m. beginning this Sunday, Feb. 9. All are welcome to attend. Visit spirit-renewal.com for more details.

Jamesport resident Aela Bailey, a third-grade student at Aquebogue Elementary School, has just received great news. Aela has been dancing ballet at the local studio on Love Lane for about five years. This year she became interested in a more competitive environment. She wanted to audition for the American Ballet Theatre and the Bolshoi summer intensive programs in Manhattan. She recently received word that she was accepted into both programs! Aela has decided to attend the Bolshoi summer intensive program. We look forward to hearing more from the Bailey family on Aela’s experience. Congratulations and best of luck. Summer can’t come soon enough!

Save the date for next week’s bake sale. Peconic Bay Medical Center volunteers will have a Valentine’s Day bake sale in the PBMC lobby on Friday, Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and get some home-baked goodies to celebrate the day and to support our local hospital!

I hope you like snow or have at least figured out a way to enjoy it for the season. We certainly have had our fill. I must admit, I would rather have a white winter than a gray one. I do like the quiet that comes with the blanketing snow as it gives me a little more time to catch up on writing. Stay safe on the roads and keep warm. Spring is only about 40 days away!

Contant Eileen Benthal at eileenbenthal@gmail.com or 833-1897.

The Jamesport Meeting House. (Barbaraellen Koch file photo)

There is so much happening at the Jamesport Meeting House!

If you’re looking for a fun activity to get you out of the house and help beat the winter doldrums, then consider joining the Meeting House Chorus. Open to both women and men, the chorus is in particular need of more male singers. The first rehearsal will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to sing a variety of music, including songs from shows like “Spamalot,” “Wicked,” “The Producers” and “The Lion King,” among others. Rehearsals continue most Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. An “Opening Night” concert will be held May 10 at the Meeting House. To reserve a place in the chorus, email director George Moravek at masqued88@optimum.net or call him ASAP at 631-284-3310. A $25 registration fee is due at the first rehearsal. The fee covers the cost of music, which you may keep, and other incidentals needed for the concert. I sent George an email because I love to sing and I love the Meeting House. Come and join in on the fun!

Eileen Benthal

Also at the Meeting House, the 2014 season begins with a performance by the Cassatt String Quartet on March 1 at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature the Dmitri Shostakovich Quartet No. 8, the Maurice Ravel String Quartet and Antonin Dvorak’s “Cypresses.” Tickets, $25 for adults and $10 for students, may be purchased at jamesportmeetinghouse.org or at Duffy’s Deli in Jamesport. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door. For more information about the Cassatt String Quartet — or to hear samples of their music — visit http://cassattquartet.com.

Come try your hand at wood carving at Hallockville Museum Farm Sunday, Feb. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. with the Hallockville Carving Club. Beginner and experienced wood carvers are invited for an afternoon of skill-building and camaraderie. Join and observe experienced carvers using a variety of techniques to make decorative and functional items, all without a single power tool. Try an old-fashioned, foot-powered springpole lathe and visit with fifth-generation decoy carver Jack Combs in his shop. You are encouraged to bring your own projects and tools, using their tools or simply come to watch. Open to all ages (17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times). Free for Hallockville members; non-member suggested donation is $3.

Old Steeple Community Church on the Main Road in Aquebogue will host a Soup Supper on Sunday, March 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes a variety of soups, breads, beverages and desserts. Tickets, $12 for adults and $9 for children under 10, may be purchased by calling Lenny at 722-3580.

I missed the last two snowstorms but I am in snowy Ohio! I hope that by the time I get home it’ll be spring, which I doubt. At least I know that my indoor bulb garden is almost ready to bloom!

Have a great week!

Contant Eileen Benthal at eileenbenthal@gmail.com or 631-833-1897.

George Moravek directing the first rehearsal of the Jamesport Meeting House Chorus last Tuesday night. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

AQUEBOGUE, JAMESPORT, & NORTHVILLE

I’m sure the Cassatt String Quartet at the Jamesport Meeting House was very well attended. I hope you had a chance to go and enjoy the first musical event of the 2014 season. 

There are still some spaces available if you are interested in joining the Meeting House Chorus. The first rehearsal was last week and they still need some men to join. I missed the first rehearsal but am hoping to go this week. The chorus offers a wonderful opportunity to sing a variety of music, including songs from shows like “Spamalot,” “Wicked,” “The Producers” and “The Lion King,” among others. Rehearsals will be held most Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. An “Opening Night” concert will be held May 10 at the Meeting House. If you’re interested in joining the chorus, email director George Moravek at masqued88@optimum.net or call him ASAP at 631-284-3310. A $25 registration fee, to be brought to the first rehearsal, covers the cost of music and any other incidentals needed for the concert. I sent George an email because I love to sing and I love the Meeting House. Come and join in the fun!

The food pantry at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. They need volunteers to help out one day per month to give food to needy families in our community. If you are interested, call Linda at 334-1069.

The Jamesport-South Jamesport Civic Association met March 1. Thanks to all those who were able to attend the meeting. For detailed minutes of what was discussed and accomplished, email Angela Devito at angela13236@optonline.net.

The countdown to spring is just 14 days! It has been a very long winter. Johanna and I planted some bulbs indoors and two weeks ago a few of the paperwhites were beginning to bloom. Other bulbs were also sprouting but not quite ready to bloom — at least not three weeks ago. We have been in NYU for a few weeks now and Johanna has had a lot of surgeries. I am anxious to get her home to see our indoor garden. I’ll tell her that the spring blooms are just for her; a sign of hope of good things to come!

Even if we have one or two more snowfalls, remember the snow won’t last and spring is just around the corner! Warmer, sunnier days are ahead! I miss the North Fork skies — even in this winter they beat the Manhattan skyline from a hospital window, even with glimpses of the bay. Keep looking up and have a beautiful week.

Contact Eileen Benthal at eileenbethal@gmail.com or 833-1897

Jack Cuddy (left) will be the grand marshal of the first-ever Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day parade Saturday. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Belated wishes for a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day. This is the week where everybody celebrates their favorite heritage with great food and fun. Whether you’re Irish or Italian, or neither, it’s a fun week to sample some traditional foods from other parts of the world.

After writing this, I will have tossed the corned beef into some water and slow-cooked it all day. It’s the one day of the year I actually enjoy eating shrink-wrapped meat. Maybe I should reconsider that tradition next year.

This year, Jamesport will add one more parade to its yearly calendar. This Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m. Jamesport will celebrate its first-ever St. Patrick’s Day parade, which will begin at Washington Avenue and follow along the Main Road to Jamesport Fire Department on Manor Lane. Come out and support the local businesses and enjoy some Irish music, food and fun. I’m unable to participate but I hope you and your family can attend this fun community event.

Johanna is finally home from the hospital. February was a very long month. I finally had the opportunity to attend rehearsals with the Jamesport Meeting House Chorus. George Moravek is a great director and we are all honing our choral skills and learning some new ones. There’s been a great response. Richard Wines joked and said we may have to put the choir in the pews and seat the audience on the stage for the performance. We are working on some catchy show tunes you’re sure to recognize. Everyone is working hard to be ready for the first concert on May 10. Save the date!

Donald Frank, a watercolor artist from Aquebogue, will celebrate his 91st birthday on March 30. Donald, your family and friends wish you many more happy and healthy birthdays. We all hope you have a lovely celebration and enjoy your day for years to come.

It’s here! Today, Thursday, March 20, is the first day of spring! The weather is supposed to cooperate today. No matter what the temperature, believe that it is spring and new life is on the way. We have had some beautiful blooms from our indoor bulb garden, making it easier to imagine that spring is finally arriving on the North Fork.

As the flowering bulbs die out, it will be just about time to start sunflower and zinnia seeds for our summer gardening. I just hope Johanna stays out of the hospital this spring so she can enjoy some seed planting. I want to get a jump on gardening this year in hopes of having more sunflowers and zinnias.

Have a wonderful week and think spring!

Contact Eileen Benthal at eileenbethal@gmail.com or 833-1897

Hallockville Museum Farm in Riverhead. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch, file)

Riverhead Recreation Department is sponsoring “You Betcha Can Sing” workshops at the Senior Center on Shade Tree Lane in Aquebogue. The sessions started Monday, March 31, and will continue through May 12.

There are six classes: 6-7:30 p.m. for children ages 8-12 and 7:30-9 p.m. for ages 13 and up. Instructor Maribeth Mundell will teach students proper vocal skills, breathing exercises and techniques to develop their voices, build self-confidence and increase musical awareness. This is a really fun workshop for anyone interested in developing their vocal ability for performance and/or personal enjoyment. The fee for the class is $42 for residents and $52 for non-residents. Register online at riverheadrecreation.com or call 727-5744 for more information.

News from Hallockville Farm Museum: This weekend, Saturday, April 5, at 9 a.m. is Community Garden Opening Day. Join fellow gardeners to prepare plots for the 2014 growing season. Plots must be reserved in advance by filling out an application at http://hallockville.com/images/communitygarden2014.pdf. Call 298-5292 or email hallockv@optonline.net for more information. Volunteers are welcome. On Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to noon Hallockville will present a workshop, “Preserving the Harvest: Marmalades.” Beat the winter doldrums and evoke warmer days in the second class in the series presented by A Taste of the North Fork and Hallockville. Learn the differences between marmalades, jams and jellies while making your own. Participants will enjoy samples and take home two jars of their own. Advance registration is required. Cost: $35/$25 members, plus $8 materials fee. The class will be held at a commercial kitchen facility in Cutchogue. The address will be provided at registration.

Easter is just around the corner! Living Water Full Gospel Church presents its annual Easter production, “Behold the Lamb,” a power-filled production portraying the life of Jesus through song, dance and drama. Performances will be held at the Living Water Theatre, 24 Shade Tree Lane in Riverhead, Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m and Sunday, April 13, at 3 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit lwfgc.org or call 722-4969, ext. 204. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and children 17 and under. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Living Water Summer Camp, which is free to kids ages 4-12.

As I write this column it is snowing and hailing. But spring is really here! In the next few weeks, Johanna and I will be starting our zinnia and sunflower seeds indoors. We have to plant in hope of warmer tomorrows. Stay warm and think spring!

Contact Eileen Benthal at eileenbethal@gmail.com or 833-1897

The Jamesport Fire Department. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch, file)

Aquebogue, Jamesport & Northville

Congratulations to Ryan Higgins on receiving Jamesport Fire Department’s Top Responder of the Year award. Your mom and dad (Carol and Paul Higgins) and your brother, Jonathan, congratulate you and are very proud of your outstanding accomplishment. You will always be their “fireman of the year”! 

Come join in on the fun at Jamesport Meeting House Saturday, April 26, at 11 a.m., when Brady Rymer and accordionist Claudia Mussen return for their third year in a row to perform some old favorite tunes and debut new original songs from their upcoming June album, “Just Say Hi!” You and your family will surely leave with smiles on your faces. Tickets — $15 for adults and $10 for children — are available in advance at jamesportmeetinghouse.org and at Duffy’s Deli in Jamesport. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Please note that the website’s ticket button says “Sunday,” but the concert is Saturday, April 26.

Save the date! The Riverhead-Jamesport Homemakers will hold its annual Achievement Day and Craft Exhibit Friday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the George Young Community Center in Jamesport. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Not only will members’ crafts be on display, there will be raffles of handmade items and theme baskets, and homemade cookies will be for sale. For more information, call Loretta Buscemi at 298-4084.

The North Fork has great churches and houses of worship! Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Aquebogue will have Maundy Thursday services today at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; a Good Friday service, 7 p.m.; and an Easter service Sunday, 9 a.m. Living Water Full Gospel Church in Aquebogue will hold services Good Friday at 7 p.m. and Easter Sunday at 8:45 and 10:15 a.m.

For more information on community Seders in our area visit http://eejcc.com/passover-2014.htm or call Rabbi Gadi Capella, president of the East End Jewish Community Council, at 369-5997.

We are very busy this week doing the music for many of the Holy Week services at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Island in Manorville. If you would like to join us tonight for Holy Thursday, Mass begins at 8 p.m. If you’ve never visited the shrine to see the life-sized Stations of the Cross, Holy Week is a great time to do so. Tomorrow, Good Friday, more than 10,000 pilgrims will come from all over the island and New York City to spend the day. The shrine will conclude with a service at 5 p.m. Then, on Holy Saturday, an Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 8 p.m. If you attend, come up and say hello to me in the music area!

Happy Holy Week, Easter and Passover to one and all!

Contact Aquebogue columnist Eileen Benthal at eileenbenthal@gmail.com or 833-1897

Old Steeple Community Church will host its annual chicken barbecue July 12. (Credit: Paul Squire, file)

Hallockville Museum Farm is celebrating spring. Its annual Community Yard Sale will be held Saturday, May 31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come shop for bargains galore, treasures, unique items and antiques that have been donated by the community in support of Hallockville.

There will also be participating vendors selling everything from household goods to collectibles — something for everyone. Interested in selling your goods at the yard sale? Visit hallockville.com   or call 298-5292.

Also on the 31st in the Naugles Barn at Hallockville from noon to 3 p.m. will be a spring fundraiser and community picnic with music by Brady Rymer. The event is being held by and for the benefi t of North Fork Education Initiative. Cost: adults, $15; children, free. For more information on the fundraiser, visit hallockville.com   or call 298-5292.

If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned chicken barbecue there are two coming up in the Jamesport area:

Living Water Church will host its third annual chicken barbecue Saturday, May 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. under the church tent. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children under 12 and seniors 62 and over. Takeout will be available. Proceeds go toward the free children’s summer camp, which runs Monday, June 30, through Thursday, July 3. For more information, call the church at 722-4969, ext. 204, or visit lwfgc.org  .

Mark your calendars! Old Steeple Community Church will host its annual chicken barbecue Saturday, July 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes chicken, potato, corn on the cob, cole slaw, roll and watermelon. Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door. For tickets, call Jean at 722-4171 or email jlapin224@yahoo.com . Don’t wait to purchase or you may miss out!

Kent Animal Shelter, with funding provided by PetSmart Charities, is introducing the “Precious, Not Parents” campaign. Through the campaign, Kent Animal Shelter will provide $20 spay/neuter surgeries for puppies and kittens under six months of age during the month of June. Visit kentanimalshelter.com  or call 727-5731 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
I hope you had a nice Memorial Day and are getting ready to celebrate summer. We just started raising a new CCI puppy, so if you see us out and about, come and say hello. Have a great week!

Contact Aquebogue columnist Eileen Benthal at eileenbenthal@gmail.com or 833-1897

The CPR course at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, which was originally scheduled for June 5, will be held tonight, Thursday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. The course is being offered by The Heart Saver Institute, which is affiliated with the American Heart Association. The cost is $85.50 per person and offers a two-year First Aid/CPR/AED certification. There is still time to register. Call 722-4000, ext. 12. 

Living Water Church will host a yard sale Saturday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot. To rent table space or for more information, call Elaine Bompart, 631-431-5131; John Dillon, 516-458-3595; or Amanda Palmeri, 631-603-5199.

Congratulations to Lewis and Ursula Tomaszewski of Jamesport, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 4. “Louie and Bonnie” were married the day before D-Day — June 4, 1944 — in the U.S. Army Base chapel at Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, N.M. Louis, a staff sergeant, was an airplane mechanic and inspector in the Bombardier Training Station and Bonnie was  corporal in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps; they met while on the night shift. After the war, the Tomaszewskis lived in Calverton and worked on the family farm; they moved to Jamesport in 1950, where they continued to farm. Later they worked for the Riverhead school district. A special blessing was given to the couple during Mass at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead and the family celebrated with dinner at Outerbanks Restaurant at Indian Island Golf and Country Club.

At the end of the month, which will be here before we know it, Living Water Church will host its free Summer Day Camp for kids ages 4 to 12. The “Game Plan” sports camp is a place where kids learn and do what they love — running, jumping, kicking and singing. In Game Plan, kids will discover that God has a special and unique plan just for them. The camp runs from June 30 to July 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Then, on July 6 at 3 p.m., the church will host its annual “God Bless the USA” show for the entire community. The show is a patriotic display that includes dance, vocal and drama segments that celebrate the freedom we have in the United States. Admission is $10; U.S. military members, past and present, can attend free of charge. For more information on the day camp and/or the show, call 722-4969, ext. 204, email linda@lwfgc.org or visit lwfgc.org.

Old Steeple Community Church will host its annual chicken BBQ Saturday, July 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes chicken, potato, corn on the cob, cole slaw, roll and watermelon. Tickets are $15 in advance; $17 at the door. Call Jean at 722-4171 or e-mail jlapin224@yahoo.com.

OK, I know this is two months away and that it’s at the end of the summer but I still think it’s important to mention it now. I just signed up to run Jamesport Fire Department’s Sound to Bay run. I started running a month ago and I love it! For those who want to join me, I run Herricks Lane at 5 a.m., usually with dogs in tow. Sign up for the run by visiting jamesportfd.org or email run@jamesportfd.org.

Have a great week!

Contact Aquebogue columnist Eileen Benthal at 833-1897 or eileenbenthal@gmail.com.

Hallockville Museum Farm in Riverhead. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch, file)

Happy first week of summer! I can’t believe it’s really here!

Summer festivities have begun at Hallockville Museum Farm. An opening reception for the special exhibit “Defense of the Eagle” was held tonight. Learn about an overlooked battle that took place right here on the shores of the Long Island Sound during the War of 1812. Hallockville commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of the Eagle, which took place over three days in 1814. The exhibit will be open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

This Sunday, the 29th, the Hallockville Carving Club invites experienced woodcarvers and woodworkers for an afternoon of skill-building and camaraderie. Bring your own projects or come to watch. Admission is $3; free for museum members. For more information on Hallockville events, click here or call 298-5292.

Summer day camp at Living Water Church begins Monday, June 30, and continues through Thursday, July 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. This free camp is open to kids ages 4-12. This year’s theme is “Game Plan.” Kids will learn and do what they love to do: run, jump, kick and sing. They will also discover that God has a special and unique plan just for them.

On July 6 at 3 p.m. Living Waters Church will host its annual “God Bless the USA” show for the entire community. The show is a patriotic display that includes dance, vocal and drama segments and celebrates the freedom we have in the United States. Admission is $10. U.S. Military members (past and present) are free of charge. For more information on the kids camp and/or the show, call 722-4969, ext. 204, email linda@lwfgc.org, or visit lwfgc.org.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is now accepting registrations for its after-school care program. The church is also preparing for its annual yard sale, to be held Saturday, July 19. More details to follow! Call 722-4000 for more information on the after-school program and the yard sale.

Save the date! Old Steeple Community Church in Aquebogue will host its annual chicken barbecue Saturday, July 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes chicken, potatoes, corn on the cob, cole slaw, rolls and watermelon. Tickets are $15 in advance; $17 at the door. Call Jean at 722-4171 or email jlapin224@yahoo.com for tickets.

Can you believe July Fourth weekend is just around the corner? I feel like we were just shoveling snow not so long ago. What a long winter and chilly spring. Get out to the beach and the farm stands and participate in all the fun activities. Take a “staycation” and enjoy the North Fork like a tourist. Have a safe and happy July Fourth weekend.

Contact Aquebogue columnist Eileen Benthal at eileenbenthal@gmail.com or 833-1897.

The Jamesport FIre Department Carnival continues through the weekend. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

Congratulations to recent Westhampton Beach High School graduate Alexus Van Helmond, daughter of a very proud William Van Helmond of Jamesport. Alexus will attend Champlain College in Burlington, Vt., this fall. 

Summer has truly begun! Jamesport Fire Department’s annual carnival started July 8 and continues through Saturday, July 12. Pay-one-price unlimited rides until 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 10-11. Fireworks on Saturday, the 12th. While you’re there, remember to purchase some raffle tickets for $20 each. First prize is $2,500, second prize is $1,000 and third prize is $500. Winners will be chosen at the Sound to Bay Fireman’s 10K Aug. 24.

Long Island Antique Power Association’s 22nd annual Tractor Pull and Show will be held this weekend, July 12 and 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hallockville Museum Farm. Featured will be John Deere equipment and antique engines. Admission is $7 per person; children 12 and under are free. Food will be available for purchase. Visit liapa.com for more information.

Old Steeple Community Church will host its annual chicken barbecue Saturday, July 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. You can go to the tractor pull at Hallockville and then have dinner at the barbecue. Tickets — $15 in advance; $17 at the door — can be purchased by calling Jean at 722-4171 or emailing her at jlapin224@yahoo.com.

Jamesport Meeting House is thrilled to present “An Evening with Sondheim” Monday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m. featuring the music and lyrics of Broadway’s greatest modern composer, Stephen Sondheim. General admission tickets are $15 ($10 for students) and will be available in advance at jamesportmeetinghouse.org. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church will host a yard sale Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is accepting donations. Call 722-4000 for more information.

I have some very exciting news! We have a very special event planned for July 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Martha Clara Vineyards. Join me and my two- and four-legged friends at a fundraiser for Canine Companions for Independence, “Wine and Noses.” Tickets are $60 each and include a glass of wine, appetizers from Grace and Grit, your choice of entrée provided by North Fork Food Truck and The Roaming Fork Food Truck, and dessert provided by North Fork Food Truck. In addition, there will be raffles and presentations. You are sure to be inspired as you mingle with these exceptional dogs and their trainers, who help create miracles for exceptional people with disabilities. Let’s give CCI a great North Fork welcome. Tickets can be purchased online at cci.org/LIWineAndNoses or by calling me at 631-833-1897. I will deliver them to your door and you will get to meet Moats, our newest CCI puppy. Hope to see you all at the fire department carnival and at our CCI fundraiser.