Reflect. Respect. Remember. Today, September 11, 2014, marks 13 years since the terrorist attacks in New York City, Arlington, Virginia and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Although September 11 has not been granted the status of a nationally recognized observation day, it will always be one in which we honor and remember not just the nearly 3,000 victims, the 6,000-plus who were injured, and their families and friends, but also reflect on the way it has changed the world in which we live.Take time out of your day today to reflect on those events, honor the victims and those who are still suffering and, perhaps, take a moment to be thankful for what we still have. And always remember.
Our community kids are knee-deep in their first full week back at school. Show of hands!: How many of you played hooky from work and ran off to the beach without the kids last week? (Me!)
Everyone needs a moment of peace and quiet. With the crowds dissipating, I’d say it was one of the best weeks to enjoy our beaches and water, minus those pesky yellow jackets and green flies (which I have yet to figure out their purpose on earth.)
As you can tell, I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. It’s a good thing that fall does not officially arrive until Monday, September 22.
My daughter Abby and I had the opportunity to swing into the Remsenburg Academy last Sunday afternoon to view the “Clothing Optional” art show that’s going on now through this Sunday, September 14. The event is being curated by ART Remsenburg.
Artist (and fellow Press columnist) Maria Daddino was present, along with Sally Pope (who I was happy to finally meet). Ms. Daddino’s creation, “Arianna Waits,” an intricate and colorful stained glass piece depicting a mermaid with red hair and blue scales, was the first piece to which I was drawn. I love mermaids, and you must see it in person to truly appreciate its vibrant colors.
Though it was a little intimidating for a 6-year-old to view the few nude paintings, we gracefully meandered around the exhibit. Abby was drawn to the wooden rocking horse clothed in cashmere (and created by Michael Pope) and to the rock formations made by sculptor George Magiet.
All of the artists did a beautiful job in representing what “Clothing Optional” means to them in their own unique ways.
Now, it is time to catch you up with some Eastport Elementary School news. You should start by marking your calendars for this year’s open house, which is planned for Tuesday, September 16. The parents of students in kindergarten and grades one through three can swing on by the school from 6 until 7 p.m. The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders, and their parents, are welcome to visit from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the same day
The following morning—Wednesday, September 17—the school’s Parent Teacher Organization has scheduled its Welcome Breakfast, which runs from 9:30 till 10:30 a.m. and in the cafeteria at the Eastport Elementary School. Parents: please join them to hear about upcoming events and to learn how you can get involved with school activities.
I’d like to take a moment to congratulate Bryan Filetto, a senior at the Eastport South Manor High School, on being selected by the National Association for Music Education as a member of the 2014 All-National Symphonic Band! Bryan will play the bass clarinet as a member of this group at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Conference Center in Nashville, Tennessee, from October 26-29. The final performance will be at the historic Grand Ole Opry House, also in Nashville!
Bryan is only the second student in ESM history to perform with an National Association for Music Education All-National group, and he is the first instrumentalist from the district to participate in such a prestigious event. Congratulations on your achievements, Bryan!
Finally, please do not forget that the Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary School’s annual Ice Cream Social will be held tonight, Thursday, September 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the school on Mill Road in Remsenburg. The event is sponsored each year by the Parent Teacher Organization.
Parents should take this opportunity to learn how they can get involved with school activities. They can also reconnect with teachers and families, while enjoying some tasty treats. Enjoy your ice cream, gang!
Staff Writer on Sep 8, 2014