What Are You Doing For New Year's Eve?

As my son just said, 2008 is already an "old geezer" and we're only a day away from 2009. What are you doing for New Year's Eve? Will you be staying home or going out? If you're still not sure, check out this article on Associated content about cool family stuff to do on Long Island.

Whatever you decide to do, be safe and don't drink and drive.

Happy New Year 2009 Mastic Beach!

Update On William Floyd High School Shooting

I was glad to just hear those involved in the shooting at William Floyd High School last Friday were apprehended. Here is the update from the William Floyd School District:


The Suffolk County Police Department has made an arrest in last Friday night’s incident at the high school. Police have identified both the suspect and the man believed to be the intended target as non-students in their twenties. The district is pleased that the Police Department has apprehended the suspect so quickly.

The basketball game scheduled for this Friday night has been moved to Saturday during the day. Attendance will be limited to ticket-holders only with valid picture ID. Tickets will be issued in advance only to parents and siblings of players, cheerleaders and rockettes. A limited number of tickets will be issued in advance to students. For students, a ticket to the game and a William Floyd student identification card are required. No one will be permitted to enter without both a ticket and valid photo identification.

No one will be permitted to enter the game after the first quarter. No one will be allowed to re-enter. Additional security and Suffolk County Police Department personnel will be present.

For updated information on this matter visit our website www.wfsd.k12.ny.us and click on the latest “Important Information” link.

A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at 7:30 PM in the high school auditorium to provide additional information and updates.

Gunshot At William Floyd High School

Last night I was running a few local errands and wondering why there were so many police and emergency vehicles. When I went to Grace Lutheran Church, I discovered there had been a shooting at the high school. Several teary-eyed teens walked through. Needless to say, everyone was concerned and upset but trying to keep it quiet for the sake of the smaller children.

We received an automated call from William Floyd School District this morning to "explain" the incident. The school district website posted:

"A William Floyd High School student was injured by a gunshot wound to the leg outside the school following a basketball game at William Floyd High School. The student was brought to a local hospital. The injuries are not life threatening.

"The incident occurred at approximately 8:10 PM on Friday, December 12, outside of the school. Bystanders helped the student into the building to receive medical attention at which point emergency responders were called to the scene. The school district is working cooperatively with the Suffolk County Police Department. The district will be taking all measures to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured student and the family. Please check our website for more information as it becomes available."

I am saddened to think of this injured student and the family during the holiday season. We must all pray for healing for the individual and our community.

Christmas Tree Lighting - Mastic Beach Property Owners Association

Last night we attended the Christmas tree lighting at the corner of Elder Road and Neighborhood Road, sponsored by the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association. It was truly a magical, wonderful evening for our family!

This year was the best ever. The Pattersquash Creek Property Owners Association gave out adorable candy canes wrapped in a felt reindeer. Meanwhile, MBPOA had all the holiday spirit covered. Hot chocolate, home baked cookies and endless cupcakes were served. A snowman, manger and Christmas tree were all present in the green. The gazebo was brightly decorated in light for the arrival of Santa. The William Floyd students sang Christmas carols. It was beautiful!

Santa Claus arrived in a decked out fire truck. All the children shouted with glee! Everyone went to sit on Santa's lap. All the kids received really nice coloring books, crayons (they even had a sharpener) and candy canes. Besides all the familiar, hard-working locals who made this possible, Keith Romaine made an appearance.

We had such a wonderful time. In anticipation of the tree lighting ceremony, we decorated our own house and yard. When we returned home, the twinkling lights reminded us of the great time we had at the tree lighting. Way to go MBPOA!