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!

Happy Veterans' Day!

I remember moving into Mastic Beach seven years ago. I saw a variety of signs around the neighborhood supporting veterans and simply stating "Jesus". These signs let us know this was the right place for us. The longer I live here, the more I realize how many veterans reside in our community.

My husband is a disabled Vietnam veteran so this is an important day to our family. Let me take this time to thank every military member and veteran for their selfless support - you are the protectors of our freedom. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE MILITARY! HUGS AND WELCOME HOME TO ALL VETERANS!

HAPPY VETERANS' DAY ALL! Go hug your Veteran :)

Tangier Smith Victory!

Last night we attended the District Wide PTO Volleyball Tournament. It was so much fun! My daughter was in the Spirit Squad for Tangier Smith. They all looked so adorable with their royal blue shirts and pom-poms! Mrs. Markewitz is in charge of our Spirit Squad, which is why they are so enthusiastic and fun!

Hot dogs, pretzels and Gatorade made the event even more enjoyable. Everyone was snacking as they watched the teachers, administrators and PTO play volleyball with lively music in the background.

The Tournament was held in the William Floyd High School gymnasium. With Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Markewitz and all the other great players, we already suspected Tangier Smith would be winners. The excitement built as the Spirit Squad got louder. My son and his friends ran to the top of the bleachers to cheer Tangier Smith on (as older boys they felt too "cool" for the Spirit Squad but made just as much noise :).

We were proud when Tangier Smith won and proud of all the other schools, too. Everyone raised money for our District and we all had a great family time!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to everyone - have safe, happy fun tomorrow with no worries about getting up the next day - TGIF!

The Mastic Beach Property Owners Association is having their annual Halloween party (thank you Kate Browning). The Knights of Columbus in Mastic is also have a free Halloween party between 5 and 8 PM. You can take advantage of another free party at the police headquarters in Yaphank.

If you decide to go trick or treating, only visit people you know and don't trick anyone - it's really about the treats and having fun. Eat a little candy everyday to avoid stomach aches and toothaches. Watch out for traffic and carry lights at night. Keep safety in mind and everyone will have plenty of Halloween fun.

Smith Point - My Son Kicks Bass!

I spent all day writing yesterday and had to get out for awhile to "air out". My husband suggested four wheeling down to Smith Point to do some fishing. After stopping at Smith Point Bait & Tackle (the owners are our neighbors and always know the hot fishing spots) for some bunker, we were on our way.

It was a beautiful day at Smith Point and we were glad to feel the sea breezes whipping through our hair. In minutes, my husband and son set up the rods for surf casting. Within an hour, my nine-year-old son got a BIG hit on his line. My son is an experienced fluke fisherman but never went bass fishing so he was amazed by the strength of the pull on his line. He hesitantly asked his dad to reel it in for him and my husband persisted it was HIS fish and he deserved the rush of reeling it in himself.

At this point, a truck full of young guys stopped to cheer my son on. With dad urging, sister squealing, mom complimenting and the guys cheering, my son reeled in his first striped bass. Holy cow - the fish was 31 inches long (they have to be at least 28 inches to keep them) and almost 20 pounds! We're so proud of our son - now that he kicks bass, you know he'll be back for more!

Another Chance To See The Manor of St. George

Over the summer, the Community Library has a program to tour the Manor of St. George at the end of Neighborhood Road. The program was canceled this summer because of the mosquito population. The tour is rescheduled for this Saturday, October 4 at 11 AM. Check out the Community Library website for more info and to register your children for this wonderful historical experience.