In brief

Pine Island Chamber to award two scholarships

PINE ISLAND — The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce will allocated a portion of the proceeds from its annual Black Dirt Feast for two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded each year to students pursuing careers associated with agricultural study, the culinary arts or hospitality.

Applicants must be a resident of the Town of Warwick and a senior in good academic standing who will graduate in June, 2012, Chamber President Marlene Caraballo said in the press release announcing the scholarships.

“These scholarships are all about character and community,” Caraballo said, “since the students must also demonstrate a commitment to and involvement in community volunteer service or community work experience.”

To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and submit an essay of not more than 1,000 words that addresses the statement: “In looking toward the future, describe how you would define a successful individual.”

In addition each applicant must provide a resume containing information about community service, employment, organization memberships, sports and extracurricular activities. Those selected will be required to speak about career plans at the upcoming Black Dirt Feast in Aug. 7, and at another Pine Island Chamber of Commerce event upon completion of their first semester at the post-secondary educational institution of their choice.

Application materials are available from area high school guidance departments, on the Florida School District web site, the Warwick Valley School District web site, on the Town of Warwick and Village of Greenwood Lake web sites and the Pine Island Chamber web site.

The deadline for submission is April 16, 2012.

Grappa Ristorante Backpack Snack Attack fund raiser nets $5,700

WARWICK — The Backpack Snack Attack Program recently held a pre-Valentine’s Day dinner/fund raiser, which raised over $5,700.

The event, supported by many local businesses, organizations and individuals, was hosted and sponsored by Grappa Ristorante at 22 Railroad Ave. in the Village of Warwick.

There are about 180 public school children currently enrolled in this program where volunteers stuff backpacks with food for needy children to enable them to eat at home on weekends when the free breakfast and lunch meals they receive at school are not available.

Supporters and raffle donors included Larry’s Deli, Café Ala Mode, Long Spring Merchant Square, Benito’s Pizzeria, Franico’s Pizzeria, Dautaj, Eclectic Eye, Fetch, Grappa Market, Mary Brulatour, Peck’s Wines & Spirits and Michelle Mongno.

For additional information about the program visit: www.warwickreformedchurch.org.

- Roger Gavan Friends of Albert Wisner Public Library seek cookbook donations

WARWICK — The Friends of the Albert Wisner Public Library are now accepting donations of good quality, gently used cookbooks for an upcoming cookbook sale.

Cookbooks can be donated to the Friends and Bookends bookshop on the lower level of the library during regular library hours.

Donating cookbooks is a great way to recycle, clear the clutter, and support your library. Watch for details on the upcoming Friends cookbook sale.

Tavern Night, set for March 10, has moved

WARWICK — The Warwick Historical Society will host its annual Tavern Night at the A.W. Buckbee Center – across the street from Baird’s Tavern on Saturday, March 10, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Proceeds from the evening are used to help the historical society maintain its buildings. The donation is $30.

Sponsors of the event are Mistucky Creek Beer and Wine Supply, Eddie’s Roadhouse and Yesterday’s Restaurant.