I must inform you all that this is the last Shoreham-Wading River column for a bit. The columnists are given two weeks off, so we will return to these pages for the Jan. 12 issue. If you have something that you would like to share with the SWR community in and around the Jan. 12 date, please have the information to me by Sunday, Jan. 8.
I must also tell you that it has been a pleasure to write about you in this space. I thank every one of you who has contacted me in 2011 to share your news. I’ve gotten messages thanking me for the things I’ve written. “Thanks for the plug” and “You did a nice job on that” go a long way. It would be a lonely road without your input.
As you go into the holiday homestretch, be aware of a few things that are dangerous this time of year. Christmas trees catching fire are a biggie. The Brookhaven Town Office of Emergency Management sent me a few tips to make you wiser: Disconnect lighting before bedtime or when you’re away from the house. Get rid of the tree when it starts dropping needles. Do not run wiring for trees or other indoor displays under rugs and carpets. Never leave a candle unattended; nearly 40 percent of all fires occur after candles are left unsupervised or inadequately controlled. Don’t place them near a family pet. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords don’t get damaged. Keep decorations away from the windows and doors. When you’re cooking, don’t leave the stove unattended; unattended cooking is the leading cause of all fires in the U.S. Also, test your fire alarms.
Thank you to the Wading River Fire Department whose members toured Wading River Sunday with Santa Claus riding in the fire engine. The emergency vehicles led the train, announcing to everyone that the big fella was in their neighborhood. I must say that everyone in the house drops what they’re doing and runs to see like little kids. It’s so exciting when Santa Claus comes to town. All of Shoreham celebrated Santa’s arrival Saturday, when the Rocky Point Fire Department took him on a visit to that area. It’s an exciting tradition in these parts and it sets a child’s (and a parent’s) heart a-flutter. Thanks to all who were involved in this effort of cheer.
Have a wonderful holiday season and until we meet here in this space, be well, be smart, be careful, generous and happy. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year.