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Before all else, we wish to mark the ancient celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, for all our Jewish friends and neighbors. It begins on Friday at sundown. At this time of year we can surely use all the lights and enlightenment we can have.
It is party time and we had been struggling with an embarrassment of riches concerning last Friday night’s choice—The Press holiday party or the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society party. Much as the prospect of hanging out with newspaper colleagues and also dancing was enjoyable, it couldn’t win over watching husband Ed Porco being awarded the prized George Sid Miller Jr. “Friends of the Trails” Award. President Eva Moore noted it was granted to Ed “for his exemplary leadership and unfailing commitment to the society’s goal of caring for our trails and all who walk them.” It was a proud moment and some 65 members dining sumptuously at the South Fork Country Club were enthusiastic in their responses, cheering as they offered Ed a standing ovation. Eva also noted that next year will mark 30 years that the group has endured because of the devotion of so many who, like Ed, are passionate in their support, but that more hike leaders are needed. “Without hike leaders, there can be no hikes,” Eva commented in an urgent call to action.
We recently spoke to Brian Pope of the Montauk Point Lighthouse staff, who remarked that though on the November 28 opening of the “Lights at the Lighthouse” event was in 60 mph winds that never abated, things went well and Sunday’s event saw some 700 to 800 people gathering at the structure, listening to Sarah Conway’s musical group. “We’re very happy about how things went,” he said.
That same Saturday, because of the wind, the Chamber of Commerce held its holiday festivities in its building. Though caroling was unworkable, the kids enjoyed hot chocolate, cider and constructing ornaments. Chamber director Laraine Creegan mentioned that the food and toy boxes on the green will stay until early January. They are emptied frequently by volunteers from the Montauk Fire Department.
Speaking of kids, readers may be interested to know that seventh-graders at the Montauk School went to Albany and environs last week. That included visiting the capitol, the state museum, then on to Cooperstown, Howe Caverns and more. What a great opportunity to expand horizons for these youngsters.
Meanwhile back at the school, the book fair will continue until December 13 and the Student Council Holiday Craft Fair will be held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Music for Montauk was a real blast, with its Duke Ellington program held at the Montauk School last Saturday. We are constantly grateful to Ruth Widder for her great, ongoing gift to the Montauk community.
While at the Bridgehampton Commons we heard from two recruiters for the federal census 2010 program who expressed frustration that census positions are going begging. “I just can’t understand that with people out of work, there aren’t more people applying for $18.50 hourly part-time work,” one of them said. He clarified that paid training, weekly pay and flexible hours are in the works for eligible people interested in either clerical or field positions. A brochure was pressed into our hands and they were eager to give us the name of the head of the local program to answer questions. If you are interested in the job possibility, call Allen Schwartz at 953-4002.
“Taken” is the library movie scheduled for Thursday, December 10, at 7 p.m., presented by the Friends of the Library in their winter movies series. Starring Liam Neeson, a superior performer we believe, Maggie Grace, and Katie Cassidy, the PG13 movie is the story of a former CIA agent hot on the trail of kidnappers of his teenage daughter. We’ll see you there.
If the holidays have you stressed out, or if you just want exposure to a healthy way of being, you’re in luck. This Saturday at 1 p.m., the Friends of the Library is offering a program called “An Overview of Meditation Techniques.” Lori Newell of Living Well Yoga and Fitness will discuss relaxation response, guided imagery, autogenic training, mindfulness, and walking and moving meditation. These are invaluable tools for both men and women to incorporate into their lives. We’re grateful and delighted to have a chance to renew acquaintance with some of them and learn about others.
After you’ve learned to improve your relaxation, you may want to attend the Champagne Christmas celebration at 7 p.m. on Saturday, to be held at St. Therese’s Upper Room. A quartet of talented musicians will entertain. They include pianist Jane Hastay, bassist Peter Martin Weiss, trumpeter John Bucher and vocalist Rebecca Dorsey. Advance sale tickets are $40; tickets purchased at the door are $50. For more information, call 668-3290.
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