I want to start this week’s column by offering my condolences to the family of the 23-year-old Brooklyn man who lost his life at Rogers Beach this past weekend.Rip currents have been intense so far this summer. If you venture into the water, please take note of the conditions.
Just the night before, my friends and I were at the beach, enjoying the beauty of the Blue Moon. We spend most of our free time there, and it is heartbreaking to know that the Atlantic, for all of its beauty, can also be an unforgiving force.
Please be careful out there. Swim only in designated areas. And don’t go out alone.
We enjoyed another stellar weekend in terms of weather and that helped make the 64th annual barbecue hosted by the Eastport Fire Department all the more enjoyable.
Joined by family and with tickets in hand, we stood in line with many, many others waiting to gain entry on Saturday, August 1, to the fire department grounds off Union Avenue. The adults were ready to enjoy lobster and chicken dinners with all of the fixing; my girls, meanwhile, were concerned only about getting to enjoy the face painting and bouncy houses.
Upon entering we were greeted by many volunteers, including both old-timers and the newest recruits, not to mention the junior members and those who are with the Ladies Auxiliary, all pitching in to make sure the community enjoyed a great night out.
Personally, I met attendees who lived as close as on the same block as the firehouse, and others who traveled from as far away as San Diego! And everyone enjoyed an awesome performance by the band Mean Gene and the Flamethrowers. Rock on!
On more than one occasion, I overheard someone tell another attendee: “I see you once a year, right here!” I think I can speak for all in attendance when stating that I cannot wait to see what organizers have in store for next year’s 65th anniversary.
A big thank you to all members of our Eastport Fire Department for a wonderful summer day well spent!
On Friday, August 7, all are welcome to come and enjoy a recital by classical guitar soloist Lyle Sheffler. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Remsenburg Community Church on South Country Road. A reception will follow inside the White Chapel.
The Plainview native, who now lives in San Francisco, is set to perform eight pieces with a brief intermission. While there is no charge to attend, a suggested donation of $20 is appreciated.
Want to learn a bit of history about Remsenburg? The Westhampton Beach Historical Society will host a complimentary walking tour of Remsenburg’s historic “Main Street,” also known as South Country Road, this Sunday, August 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Local resident and historian Stephanie Davis will guide the tour. It will start and end at The Remsenburg Academy, located at 130 South Country Road. The tour features all outdoor stops. Stop by the Academy afterward for light refreshments.
Need more details? If so, please call (631) 288-1139.
I have a couple shout-outs to offer this week!
On Sunday, July 26, two athletes from a Remsenburg-based triathlon team, Team Infinitri, competed in the 2015 IMLP race on the extremely challenging terrain of the Adirondacks Mountains. Team Infinitri is coached by Laura Hartman of Remsenburg, and her two athletes, Anne Picken and Dean Bruno, are from the East End as well. Also on hand was Joanne Kravitz of Remsenburg, who is responsible for introducing Dean Bruno to Coach Laura.
Both Dean and Anne trained since January for the Ironman, an epic event that includes a 1.2-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon.
Dean is a cancer survivor, and Anne overcame a debilitating knee injury. Both prevailed by finishing the race! Coach Laura said she could not be more proud of them.
For more information about Team Infinitri, visit www.infinitriathlete.com or like “Infinitri” on Facebook. Congratulations, Anne and Dean! You are inspirational!
And lastly, even though school is out, the kids over at Eastport Elementary are continuing to tend to their garden outside the Montauk Highway school.
Last Thursday, July 30, students harvested some of their crop, including potatoes, carrots and squash, which they then donated to the food pantry at Lamb’s Chapel in Center Moriches. Approximately 50 student volunteers have helped maintain the garden this summer. Nice job, kids!
Staff Writer on Aug 3, 2015