Community News, January 9

The Westhampton Woman’s Club celebrated the holidays with a cookie exchange and donating individual supermarket gift cards to Immaculate Conception food pantry clients. From left, Betty Ann Catanzaro, Lili Wadleton, Mary Ann Yutes, Chris Tiberg and Karen Manson. COURTESY TOM HADLOCK

The Southampton Elks Lodge #1574 conducted a food drive at the Southampton Stop & Shop on December 14, during which they collected more than 1,500 pounds of food for the Heart of the Hamptons. In addition, the Lodge is donating $,8000 to local food pantries this winter. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON ELKS LODGE

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. recently joined with the Deputy Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association and the Suffolk County Correction Officers Association to present a check to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention respresenting money raised during the Sheriff’s Office’s annual No Shave November fundraiser. During the month of November, Correction Officers and Deputy Sheriffs were allowed to skip shaving in return for making a donation to the AFSP. This year, the fundraiser was dedicated in memory of Deputy Sheriff Joseph Gallo who died earlier this year and had led the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in participating in No-Shave November in years past. The fundraiser netted $10,000. From left, DSPBA President Thomas Bivona, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr., AFSP Executive Director Long Island Chapter Ann Morrison-Pacella, AFSP Long Island Program Manager Katie Deitz, and SCCOA President Louis Viscusi. COURTESY SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held at VFW POST 5350 last month, during which George Ostensen and his brother James Ostensen were both elevated to the rank of Eagle Scout. George's Eagle Scout project was an 850 lb. engraved granite monument with a section of steel from the World Trade Center 911 attack on America. The monument is prominently installed at the VFW Post. Post Commander William Hughes with George Ostensen. COURTESY WILLIAM HUGHES

The Southampton Fire Department and David Raynor Landscaping recently lent a hand to the Water Mill Village Improvement Association when the flag on the Water Mill Village Green became stuck at the top of the 100’ flagpole. COURTESY WMVIA

The Southampton Fire Department and David Raynor Landscaping recently lent a hand to the Water Mill Village Improvement Association when the flag on the Water Mill Village Green became stuck at the top of the 100’ flagpole. COURTESY WMVIA

Members of the Father Slomski Council of the Knights of Columbus honored two of their brother Knights, the two men hold their plaques, Phil DeBrita, left, celebrating 45 years of service, and Deacon Joe Byrne, celebrating 50 years. COURTESY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS