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The sun decided to shine brightly on the Eastport South Manor High School class of 2009 on Saturday, June 27. Mother Nature gave the graduates a sparkling and shining send-off into the world beyond high school. Everyone who planned a party for that day was blessed with clear skies and a beautiful day. Pool parties were a-go and parents breathed a sigh of relief knowing that their festivities could be held outside.

I was happy for the graduates and happy for the parents, while at the same time thankful that it wasn’t yet my turn. I prayed for the safety of the excited graduates as they celebrated their successes and envied them for the times they have ahead of them. I always get mixed up about the word “commencement.” Somehow, I think it should mean the end of something while other times I agree it signifies the beginning. I love the tradition of caps and gowns, “Pomp and Circumstance” and optimistic speeches.

I know my turn will be here in the blink of an eye but, in the meantime, I wish all members of the ESM’s class of 2009 much success and much happiness. I congratulate the parents for their roles in helping to get their children through high school.

And thank you to all the dedicated teachers, nurses, custodians, administrators, guidance counselors, lunch ladies, tutors, coaches and security people for all of their help as well. Summer is here! Enjoy!

Local filmmaker Christian Nilsson of East Moriches presented an evening of his short films at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on June 24. Christian showed six films that he has made in the past few years. He is a graduate of Westhampton Beach High School and will be a senior at Five Towns College.

Keep an eye on this guy ... he is a very talented filmmaker with a bright career ahead of him! Congratulations to Christian on his success so far.

The Farmers Market is now open and in full swing on Saturdays in Westhampton Beach. The market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and features lots of different things, many of which are local. You can get seafood, pasta, baked goods, fudge, flowers, honey, fruits and vegetables, bread, jam and more. And it is never the same two weeks in a row.

Happy “Sweet 16” to Kaitlyn Mulligan of Manorville. Kaitlyn celebrated with a party at her home on Friday, June 26, and although a “little” rain fell that evening, the party was still a big success and lots of fun. Kaitlyn is the daughter of Bob and Michelle Mulligan. She will be a junior at ESM next fall. Kaitlyn was born on the Fourth of July, so the celebration will continue this weekend!

And happy “Sweet 16” to Michele Bedoya of Manorville who celebrated her birthday a little early on June 19 with a party at the Rock Hill Country Club. Michele will turn 16 on Tuesday, July 7. She will be a junior at ESM next year.

The Eastport Bible Church Youth Group has its summer schedule in place and group activities include TAG (Time Along with God) at the beach on Wednesdays, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., a day at Splish Splash on July 17, a camping trip to Hershey Park the weekend of August 15-17, and the annual Totally Free Car Wash on August 29. Call Jeremy Herr, the youth pastor, at 801-2615 for more information.

Zumba fitness classes are going on now at The Fitness Studio in Eastport. The classes are offered at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and now at 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Call 325-2955 for details.

Sharon Adams of Eastport, a dedicated and much-loved first grade teacher at Eastport Elementary School, had her final day in the classroom last Friday, June 26. She is now retired. Sharon paved the way for many students, teaching them how to read and write, but also how to get along with others, how to be kind to one another, how to be patient with each other, and how to be a friend to others. She will be missed at the school but I’m sure will always be remembered with a smile.

Best of luck to Mrs. Adams on the next leg of her life journey—whatever it may be! Enjoy and thank you!