Shoreham-Wading River Column: Join the ‘Walk for Liam’ Oct. 16

Superintendent Dr. Steven Cohen and the Shoreham-Wading River school board have invited the community to attend a community forum on “Free society, public education: The link between good public education and free, prosperous communities” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the high school library. This is one of several such forums planned for throughout the school year.

All of the SWR schools held their open houses recently. I hope you had the chance to go and meet the smart and really nice folks who are educating our children. It was good to learn from the different teachers in our system what they expect from our kids this year and it was nice to meet them on a personal level. A special shout-out to SWR High School’s Mr. Barry, Ms. Fuchs, Mr. Fayette, Mr. Fiese, Ms. Squillace, Miss Ocker and Ms. Chistensen.

(I want to personally thank Ms. Christensen for her guidance and support and to congratulate her on successfully defending her thesis. Way to go! Now, when someone yells, “Is there a doctor in the house,” you must raise your hand. )

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so expect someone to ask you about participation in something linked to this disease that affects more women than you know.

Natural Helpers  is sponsoring “A Walk For Liam,” a three-mile walk, on Sunday, Oct. 16, at the SWR High School track. All proceeds will go to the Liam McGuire family to help this young man fight a rare form of cancer, but you must purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children (children 13 and under need a parent to enter) and free for children under 5. Give cash or checks made out to SWRCSD at SWR High School on Oct. 6, 7, 11, 12 or 13 between 7:30 a.m. and 2:05 p.m. inside in front of A-wing. Donations will also be accepted. For any other information, email Mary Mitchell at [email protected]. Thank you to those taking part in the effort and those working behind the scenes, and all the best to the McGuires.

Happy birthday on Oct. 1 to Elaine Gallagher, one of the most inspirational people I know, and on Oct. 6 to Maryann Lutz, one of the wisest people I know. May your birthdays be filled with all the love you give out all year to those around you.

Don’t be afraid to step out beyond your limits this week. You may discover a whole new world out there and someone just might someday name a day on the calendar after you.

Be well until we meet here again next week.