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It was nice to see so many of you at the Big Duck Lighting last Wednesday night. Even with the nice turnout, I think that many might have stayed home, where it was warm and dry. For those who did not attend, the rain held off just long enough for members of the Riverhead Middle School Show Choir to sing their duck-themed holiday carols that included “I’m Dreaming of a White Big Duck” and several others tunes with a “ducky” twist.

Then as the rain began to fall, Santa was called in a little early and arrived in style aboard a Flanders Fire Department fire truck. The children were all quite excited to see the big man in red and while the rain kept Santa from his usual sit down with the kids, he did manage to do a meet and greet on his way back to the truck.

All in all, it was a great evening here in Flanders, with much excitement and fun for all. There were free duck cookies donated by the Suffolk County Culinary Arts School and, of course, Santa’s elves were handing out candy canes by the handful. I have to say, because I am not allowed to pass the Big Duck without my 3 year old reminding me to beep two times, that it is nice to see our beloved feathered mascot wearing his “Christmas necklace,” as Kenzie calls it.

The children at Phillips Avenue Elementary School have been busy the past month with Thanksgiving feasts and all the holiday preparations. I am told that the building smelled delicious and many thanks are owed the parents who contributed to the classroom feasts.

The students were also busy preparing for the third annual Math Bee, which was held at the end of November. Congratulations to the winners: Nicholas Visilikos (first grade), Elijah Brown (second grade), Daniyah Taylor (third grade), and Christopher D’Amour (fourth grade).

After the contest, the contestants were all treated to a pizza party. Great job, boys and girls. And keep up the great work!

Just a little note to the fabulous teachers at Phillips Avenue: Keep up the great work as well! Phillips has the best teachers in the district without question and we thank you for your dedication to our children.

Congratulations to the Flanders Village Historical Society, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary. The Board of Trustees wants to thank everyone involved with the group for their enthusiastic support. With the continued support of the community, group leaders are confident that great things will be accomplished.

If you would like to learn more about this group and become a member, please feel free to stop down at the December meeting that will be held on Thursday, December 10, at the Flanders Men’s Club. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and you are encouraged to bring along old photos taken in Flanders to share. For more information, please send an e-mail to mc7956@yahoo.com.

I would like to leave you with this interesting Flanders fact that was included in the Flanders Village Historical Society newsletter. It was originally printed in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle on January 14, 1901, and it went like this:

“East Quogue Drive, Flanders, LI, January 14—Work began today on a new road from Riverhead to East Quogue, passing through this place. The road will be known as the Flanders and East Quogue Pleasure Drive. It is expected that it will be the finest drive in this vicinity.”

It is a lovely drive down Pleasure Drive, as we now call it, especially early in the morning and after a snow storm.

Enjoy your week, Flanders, and please keep me in the loop. E-mail me with your holiday news. Is anyone getting engaged for Christmas? If so, I would love to know about it!