Tue, Nov 20, 2018 6:00 PM
Wed, Nov 21, 2018 6:00 PM

Hampton Bays Fire Department
69 W Montauk HWY
Hampton Bays

It is always refreshing and encouraging, particularly during the holiday season, when someone is mindful and “pays it forward” for kindnesses extended to them, their families and others. One such family that has undertaken to do just that is James Kappers, 2nd Assistant Chief of the Hampton Bays Fire Department, and his wife Megan, who have initiated a toy drive to help brighten the day of children hospitalized at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital (SBCH), as well families who are utilizing the tremendous services offered by the Ronald McDonald House. Following the couple’s own use of numerous services provided by the Ronald McDonald House, after the premature birth of their son, Kolton, born at SBCH two years ago, James explained, “The real reason we thought about doing this, particularly around the holidays, is that when our son was born prematurely on November 4, 2015 he was hospitalized for about a month. He was released and a few months later was admitted again for 42 days. At the time my wife, in particular, utilized the Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook, and it was so comforting to have a place where you could stay, have a shower and where other family members, such as our daughter, now four, could come and spend time with us, as we tried to keep the holidays bright and positive.” Kolton recently celebrated his 2nd birthday and is doing just great according to his dad. “After the long hospital stays for Kolton, we were aware of just how many families were in the same situation as us and just trying to do their best,” James continued. As a member of the Fire Department, James revealed, “I have participated in other fundraising efforts over the years, but we felt a Stuff a Truck Toy Drive would be the most appropriate way to brighten the days of these hospitalized children, and their siblings too, as well as recognize the Ronald McDonald House in appreciation of what they do for families, along with Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.” Gifts will be collected at the firehouse through December 19th, and there is a dispatcher staffed 24/7. Located at 69 West Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays, James advised, “Stop by with a gift and just ring the doorbell and someone will come out to collect them, but please no stuffed animals as they may carry germs. The drive is going very well, and we have been touched by the outpouring of gifts – so much more than I expected.” The gifts will be distributed on December 19th , when members of the Hampton Bays Fire Department will arrive in their truck to visit The Ronald McDonald Family Room at SBCH and deliver gifts to not only the children who are battling illness, but their siblings too. Any additional gifts will be distributed to other Ronald McDonald Family Rooms across Long Island by the RMDFR Staff. James concluded, “It is always a good thing to be able to brighten the day of families affected by illness in a manner that the whole family’s spirits are lifted and maybe helps get them through these difficult times.” For more information on the Toy Drive, contact James Kappers at Jpk528@hotmail.com, or call 631-445-3495, or visit hamptonbaysfiredept.com. There are more than 350 Ronald McDonald Houses in the nation, and their mission is clear and simple, “That nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest. A Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to call home so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. At every House, families can enjoy home-cooked meals, private bedrooms and playrooms for children. Families are stronger when they are together, which helps in the healing process. By staying at a Ronald McDonald House, parents also can better communicate with their child’s medical team and keep up with complicated treatment plans when needed. They can also focus on the health of their child, rather than grocery shopping, cleaning or cooking meals.” So pay it forward, and donate a toy that will be sure to bring a smile to a young hospitalized child, their sibling and their parents too! Happy Holidays

James Kappers
Jpk528@hotmail.com
(631) 445-3495

Saturday November 17th at 7pm

https://www.thespur.com/

Meet Me in St. Louis

Meet Me in St. Louis
Nov. 23rd – Dec. 9th
Thursdays – Saturdays at 7PM.
Sundays at 2:30PM.
No Performance on Nov. 24

Opening the season and kicking off the holiday season, the Long Island premiere of Joe Landry’s radio version of Meet Me in St. Louis will be performed November 23 through December 9. Michael Disher directs. Alyssa Kelly choreographs. Amanda Jones musically directs. The classic score includes The Boy Next Door, The Trolley Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Ticket Info:
General Admission: $25, Students: $12
Dinner & Theater: $69. Includes 3 course dinner, tax, gratuity and a ticket to the show. Offered at two restaurants: 1) The Plaza Cafe (631-283-9323), located at 61 Hill St., Southampton, 2) Claude’s at the Southampton Inn (631-283-1166), located at 91 Hill St., Southampton. Purchase the package that corresponds with the restaurant you wish to dine at. After purchasing your package, please call the restaurant to make a reservation.
Brunch & Theater: $45 for adults, $32 for students under 21. Includes brunch and a mimosa, tax, gratuity and admission to show. Brunch location: Fellingham’s (631-283-9417), located at 17 Cameron St., Southampton, NY 11968 . Available on Sundays. After purchasing your package, please call the restaurant to make a reservation.