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Hudson Graning practices bike safety.

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This week I’m going to start my column a little differently because I think it is important to recognize the hard work, determination and leadership of Sally Pope. I’m sad that Sally will not continue on in her position on the Southampton Town Board.

Not everyone is probably aware of the long hours and mostly thankless tasks that our elected officials must put in and complete. But as a journalist who has had to cover a fraction of those goings-on, I have to tell you that being on the Town Council is certainly not a 9-to-5 job. Most nights and weekends, most members of board are out at events, attending everything from Eagle Scout inductions to community meetings. You name it and they’re there.

Sally has done a tremendous job as councilwoman and she has been a real advocate for the people of the East End. She and her husband, Michael, are truly good people. I hope that we all take the time to let her know how much we have appreciated her tireless efforts.

There’s lots of school and community news this week, so now I’m going to jump right in.

Raynor Country Day School in Speonk recently hosted its annual “Tykes on Bikes Safety Town” event. The event, a hands-on (or shall we say, hands- and feet-on) lesson, teaches children about personal safety and community awareness.

The “mayor” of Safety Town, Principal Kerry Coonan, led the pre-K and kindergarten students in instruction before allowing them to put their knowledge into action. Almost 20 students took the course and learned how to read road signs, navigate obstacles, pass through a toll plaza and wait for the “train” to pass before driving over the railroad tracks. At the end of this event, children visited a very special “Safety Town 7-Eleven” where they received special treats courtesy of the DeFelic family and the Manorville 7-Eleven.

Over at the Remsenburg/Speonk Elementary School, Mr. Albert’s and Ms. Beardsley’s fifth grade class dressed up in their finest “work” clothes and visited the Alfonse M. D’Amato U.S. District Federal Court in Central Islip. The students not only participated in a roundtable discussion with Federal Judge Joseph F. Bianco, but they also got to take part in a mock trial, complete with a jury, defendants and plaintiffs.

Additionally, the class met the court stenographer and visited some empty prisoner holding cells. What a neat way to learn about our justice system.

Also, as part of School Board Recognition Week, Remsenburg/Speonk students created cards, wrote letters and drew pictures thanking their board members—Tom Kerr Jr., Lisa Fox, Joel Petersen, Kevin Federico and Cecilia Spellman-Frey—for their service to the school.

In recognition of local heroes, Pastor Anne McAnelly and the Remsenburg Community Church will hold a “Heroes Service” on Sunday, November 15, at 9 a.m., at the church. The special service is dedicated to volunteers from Eastport American Legion Post 1545, the Eastport Fire Department, the Eastport Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the East Moriches Community Ambulance and the Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance.

Guest speakers will share their experiences during Sunday’s service. All are invited to attend and share. For more information, call Deanna Frey at 325-0321 or Pam Pettit at 325-1301.

Coming up next month, Family Counseling Services of Westhampton Beach will throw its annual Holiday Benefit Party on Saturday, December 5, at 7 p.m., at the Restaurant at the Inn in Quogue. This year’s benefit will honor Lori and Frank Moschetti of Remsenburg for their continued volunteerism and commitment to serving those in need of counseling.

Festivities will include cocktails, dinner and dancing. Tickets are $150 per person and proceeds will benefit Family Counseling Services programs. For tickets or additional information, call 288-1954, ext. 222, e-mail events@familycounselingsvc.org or visit familycounselingsvc.org.