Wading River News: High school students can change lives

Kevin Mann, retired teacher of Shoreham-Wading River High School, gave me the heads-up that for many years the high school students have traveled to Kenya and worked with and supported the children of Hope Children’s Home. One of those children, Betty Gakii, who came to the home in 2008 at age 15, recently finished her teacher training studies at Chuka University. She then got a teaching job at a local secondary school, got engaged and just became Mrs. Samuel Kathurima. The newlyweds live in Meru, a town not far from the home. Lesson learned: “The actions of high school youth do change lives … forever!”

Are you tired of the weather and feel your spirit could use a “lift?” The ladies of St. John the Baptist Church in Wading River have a solution for you. “Tending the Lilies of the Field” will be LIFT’s next event, Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will feature guest speaker and certified spiritual director Cathie Sclafani, who will lead the women of St. John’s in worship and share fellowship with other women. The day will also feature raffles and an elegant lunch catered by Michael D’Onofrio of Michael Anthony’s Catering. To attend, deliver cash or a check made payable to “Cash” and your information to St. John the Baptist, 1488 North Wading River Road, Wading River, NY 11792, or mail, c/o LIFT, to the same address. They will need your commitment by today, March 12. The cost of the event is $35. You can also notify LIFT by March 18 that you are planning to attend and can pay in cash at the door on the day of the event. For more information on LIFT, visit stjohnthebaptistchurch.org.

It’s been nice speaking with you and sharing news with you. If you have anything you’d like to share with the community, please email me at the above address.

See you in two weeks. Enjoy the subtle changes toward spring.

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