Community Columns

Wading River News: A congratulations to SWR\'s football team

The sign outside CK Auto in Wading River shows my favorite phrase for this time of year: “Remember the reason for the season.” So many holidays are choked with commercialism and lose their meaning. My daughter had to work Thanksgiving night. I applaud the businesses that refused to open because of the assault on Thanksgiving in favor of Black Friday. Remember the reason for the season. 

Kathryn Vincent, a Salvation Army representative, sat outside King Kullen in Wading River ringing a bell and singing Christmas songs. With her red pot hanging beside her and her foot in a medical boot following two operations, she sat making merry. I told her that it takes a special person to do what she was doing and that she held the true meaning of Christmas in her heart. It was a pleasure meeting you, Kathryn. Thank you to Lt. Kelly for allowing Kathryn to speak to me and be mentioned in this space. The Salvation Army’s motto is “Doing the Most Good.” One hundred percent of donations is used to help the needy.

For the first time ever in the history of Shoreham-Wading River’s football program, the varsity team won the 2014 Rutgers Trophy. Declared the best on Long Island, they are now the Class IV champions and the top team of the year. Coached by Matt Millheiser, the Wildcats went undefeated (12-0) this season. As reported in the Riverhead News-Review, “The Wildcats played with heavy hearts for most of the season after one of their teammates, Tom Cutinella, died after collapsing in a game on Oct. 1.” Tom Cutinella, whose No. 54 jersey has been retired, had set three goals for his team, the last of which was to win the Rutgers Trophy and be the best on Long Island. They did just that by defeating Roosevelt High School, 47-13. Congratulations to all the SWR football players and to coach Millheiser, and God bless Tom Cutinella, his family and his friends.

Speaking of God’s blessings, a pillar of the community left us recently about whom I cannot say enough. Bob Boenig was someone my husband and I knew well. Bob did many important things for the community but at the time our paths crossed he had owned Wading River Garage and was acquainted with our Plymouth Turismo. We always squeezed every mile we could out of our vehicles so Bob saw our little puddle-jumper a lot. He would say, “Don’t you think it’s time you guys got a new car?” We’d approach him, almost apologetically saying, “But Bob, it’s still alive.” And now you’re in heaven, Bob. You were a good friend and a good man. Wading River will never forget you — rest in peace. God bless Bob’s family and all who knew and loved him. I’m sorry for your loss.

The Dec. 25 issue of this column has an early deadline of Dec. 19. If you have any SWR news to share please get it to me by Dec. 18.

Have a great two weeks! Don’t let the bustle out-hustle you without realizing the reason for the season.

Liz Taggart_BwContact Wading River columnist Elizabeth Taggart at [email protected] or 929-5933.