Christmas Tree Lighting Pics from MBPOA

I recently wrote about the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association tree lighting and how much we enjoyed ourselves. I could not post the pics because my computer was dying a slow death at the time. It ceremoniously went down for the holidays, forcing me to max out my credit card to get a new one. (A writer without a computer is like a taxi driver without a car - without the equipment, you're not making any money.)

Anyway, I am finally getting to put up a pic of the Christmas tree. Hope your holidays were happy and the new year is prosperous for you and yours!

(Reminder: Tonight is the special Board of Ed meeting about the H.S. shooting incident.)

Another Note:

With the holidays, I've been "out of the loop" (never mind we had 2 computers break down, a cell phone and hubby's truck in 2 weeks). I managed to miss an important meeting last night listed on the MBV Exploratory blog:

Meeting on Monday evening, 5th January--all welcome!

Monday, January 5, 2009, 7pm-9pm

Mastic Beach Fire Department, Neighborhood Road , Mastic Beach, NY

Pattersquash Creek Civic Association, Inc. and Mastic Beach Village Exploratory Committee

Agenda:

1. Presentation of Our Two Trophies for Our Two Floats in the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade

2. Report on the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Letter Campaign

3. Report on Petition Drive Against the J6 (Second Story) Rezoning of Neighborhood and Mastic Roads in Mastic Beach

4. Guest Presenter: Terry Germano of the Community Library on Library Link and Our Two Listings on that Website

5. Report on Community Efforts in Response to Recent Gun Violence

6. The Mastic Beach Village Exploratory Committee Presents The Year in Review. Videos of the past meetings with West Hampton Dunes Village Mayor Gary Vegliante, Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri, Islandia Village Mayor Allan Dorman, and Municipal Attorney Joseph Prokop will be shown.

All residents are cordially invited to this very important meeting
that will affect the future of our community.

All members are encouraged to bring a guest or guests.

4th Annual Blue Claw Crab Festival

Did you catch the 4th annual Blue Claw Crab Festival thrown by the MBPOA at Marina 1? We had a great time again, despite the fact we missed the crabs. It's the second year in a row we missed out on getting the blue claw crabs the festival is named for. You really have to be the early bird to get a worm at this festival!

The entertainment was great. Remember the Drifters? We were privileged to have the DelSatins, featuring an original from the band. The music was excellent and really got everyone in the mood for fun.

Although we missed the crabs, the other food was tasty. Burgers, hot dogs, gyros, zeppoles, Italian ices, soda, beer and wine were all readily available. The vendors were interesting, with music playing and incense burning. I bought an adorable "Beach Party" lawn sign (what better to display if you live in Mastic Beach) and two wire pumpkins for fall. We all got t-shirt and sweatshirts for $2.50 apiece - who can beat that?

We enjoyed seeing Kate Browning, who always appears on the local scene. We gave her a hug and kiss and thanked her again for all she does. Bless you, Kate!

I had to reflect on the many things I like about Mastic Beach. Although we were disappointed they ran out of crabs again, it's part of what makes this place what it is. There is no waste and no excess. If you get there first, you deserve to get the goodies. It was so comfortable to hang out on our marina and relax. On Saturday, we went to a friend's party in Southhampton. Though it's a lovely place, the people have a different attitude. I love the unpretentious, laid-back attitude in our neighborhood. We're surrounded by beauty and yet act so natural and down-to-earth about it all. It's great to celebrate our neighborhood and waterfront delights every year with the Blue Claw Crab Festival - thanks MBPOA!