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.

Taking A College Road Trip To The Library

Our Community Library is the perfect place to gather. There's something for everyone and it's always free or low cost. My family and I went to see "College Road Trip" yesterday and had a great time!

The downstairs room at the library just like a movie theater, with comfortable seats and a large screen. Bags of popcorn and juice boxes were served. The movie was an excellent choice with back to school and encourages young people to think about college. "College Road Trip" stars Raven, Martin Lawrence and Donny Osmond, so we laughed during the entire movie.

Where else can you have such a fun afternoon for free?

Bike A Thon

It's funny how Back to School cool at the Community Library was good for the kids and I. While they made their colorful totes, I read a few magazines and took out a funny novel. The magazines inspired me to write for this blog more. Maybe if I take part in the upcoming William Floyd School District Bike-A-Thon, I'll want to exercise more. It's for charity, so it can't hurt to try.

The Bike-A-Thon is sponsored by SEPTO and fundraising benefits both the Special Education PTO and each building PTO. Ten percent goes to the school PTO and the rest benefits special needs children in our district. There are cool prizes for your sponsored donations - example:

$25 donation (smallest) - $10 Toys R Us gift certificate or $10 Target gift certificate (those holidays are coming)

$60 $25 Game Stop or $25 Best Buy gift certificate

$100 - 16" bike for boy or girl or AM/FM CD boom box

$180 I-Pod 2GB Shuffle

$200 - 14" Flat Tube Television

$1,200 - Laptop, 80 GB HD, 15" widescreen

There are all different prizes at various levels. To sign up mail wfsepto@yahoo.com or call 631-399-6258 or go to th HS Senior Cafeteria on Wed. 9/24 at 6 PM. Checks are made out to William Floyd SEPTO. The ride day is October 18 between 9 am and 12 pm. Ride time is less than 30 minutes. Riders are asked to attempt: 2 times around course for grades K-2, 4 times for grades 3-6 and 6 times for 7th grade and above. There are also cool raffles so get involved and get more fit!