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Retired Master Sergeant Linus Klapproth speaks with the Kindergarten class at the Remsenburg/Speonk Elementary School.

Listen very closely. Close your eyes if you must (for some reason, that always helps me to hear better), and then point an ear in my direction.

Do you hear that? If it sounds kind of like a gusty gale of happiness, then you have probably caught my big sigh of relief as I am finally taking vacation this week. Hallelujah!

But even though I’m taking the week off at work, I’ll still be out and about and collecting neighborhood news. So don’t be shy—stop me on the street or send me an e-mail—because just because I’m taking a “staycation” this week, that doesn’t mean that the world stops for even an hour.

I’ve got to tell you though, I can’t wait for a few days of “me time!”

There will be a free “Strategies for Maximizing Your Retirement Assets” seminar at Baby Moon Restaurant on Montauk Highway in Westhampton Beach today, Thursday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m. Top local financial advisors will be on hand to discuss a variety of topics including: Social Security, 401k and 403b accounts, and more.

Complimentary dinner will be served but seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 283-8000, ext. 399, e-mail jdavis@mcrainsurance.com or visit mcrainsurance.com for information and to reserve seats.

On Saturday, November 21, the Westhampton Beach High School Parent Teacher Organization will host its fifth annual Holiday Fair, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the school gymnasium. The event will also feature Chinese and silent auctions. Admission is free and all proceeds will go toward PTO programs.

The kids in Ms. Cavouto’s and Ms. Dasaro’s second grade class at Remsenburg/Speonk Elementary School recently visited the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank to study the “Communities of Long Ago.” The children had a blast learning about the past.

Also at the school, Mr. Albert’s Early Act Club members have embarked on a new community service venture by teaching computer skills to residents of the Westhampton Care Center. Not only is the interaction between students and seniors an invaluable lesson in civic responsibility for the kids, it is also an important tool for the residents who wish to learn how to better communicate with family members and loved ones.

It makes me very happy to report that the students are looking forward to going back to the center on a regular basis and sharing their technology knowledge and making new friends.

Last week at the school, in honor of Veterans Day, students and staff brought in photos of family members who are serving in the military. Once all the photos were collected, Information Technology Coordinator Linus Klapproth, who is a retired Army master sergeant, made a PowerPoint presentation for all to see. Mr. Klapproth also wore his uniform, ribbons and medals that day and visited the kindergarten class to speak with the children about his experiences.

It is hard to believe that the holiday season is almost upon us. I cannot wait to get cooking some of my Thanksgiving favorites next week.

Before we know it, December will be upon us. So mark your calendars now for the annual Family Counseling Services of Westhampton Beach Holiday Benefit Party, which will be held on Saturday, December 5, at 7 p.m., at the Restaurant at the Inn in Quogue.

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