SWR News: Junior class hosting chinese auction

Kevin Mann, former Global Awareness Club adviser at Shoreham-Wading River High School and current Hope Children’s Fund representative, has returned from his trip to Kenya.

He said that due to the consolidation of the Briarcliff and Wading River libraries, HCF was able to donate leftover books to 10 primary schools in Kenya as a “lending library” for children. These are the first reading books the children have ever seen. Also, 27 laptops were reconditioned by Eastern Suffolk BOCES and donated to schools. Kevin said the trip was very emotional, as an orphan was killed in a bus accident the morning the group was leaving.

On a happier note, Kevin said it was great to speak with HCF student Doreen Gatwri, a first-year medical student at Kenyatta University. The group also had an opportunity to meet and talk with five other students who are now in university — quite an accomplishment for children who were once homeless on the streets. Kevin cites funding as the biggest challenge to students receiving higher education, as the government no longer supports them after eighth grade. For questions or to make a donation, contact Kevin Mann: 631-470-6351, [email protected].

Belated happy birthday to my sister, Jean, who celebrated March 5. Unfortunately Jean discovered she’s actually one year older than what she had thought, which is always a bummer when you get older. Belated wishes also go out to Eva Green, who just turned 1 on March 7. She will celebrate with family on March 12.

Happy birthday to Ellen Dolnick today, March 10, and to her wonderful mom, Frances McNeill, on the 13th. Happy birthday to my friend and former North Shore Sun writer Sarah Battaglia, who celebrates March 19, and Dylan Kaufman, also on the 19th. I hope happiness chases you down, Sarah and Dylan.

Thank you for the congratulations from my First Student co-workers on my acquiring a big bus assignment. It’s nice to once again travel the roads of Rocky Point, where I grew up. Special thanks to Kevin McSherry for his support and the thumbs-up on social media. Thanks also to Cliff Roode for taking the time to show me the ropes of his former run. You’re a kind gentleman, Cliff.

Shoreham-Wading River High School’s junior class will host its annual Chinese auction Saturday, March 19, in the school gymnasium. Participants will have the chance to win many prize baskets. Doors open at 5 p.m. The $5 admission ticket entitles you to 10 raffle chances. Proceeds from the event will help defray the cost of many class functions. To the Class of 2017 — may the force be with you!

Frank Capone, Wading River resident and North Country Road Warrior Club president, spoke about the club’s annual party and the trophies given out to its outstanding members. He said, “It was without a doubt the best party we had yet. Kelly Mandia and her committee did an outstanding job in putting it all together and we thank them all for their support.” The trophy winners are: Road Warriors of the Year, Tom and Carol Sherlock; Master Road Warriors of the Year, Mike DiLisio and Shannon Constantine; Ultimate Road Warriors of the Year, Dustin DesRoches and Shannon Constantine; and NCRW Member of the Year, Sarah Fox. Congratulations to the winners and to all those members that raced or trained. Everybody who tries is a winner.

I must bid you adieu. I hope that you are well and grateful for the blessings in your life. I will meet you here again in two weeks.

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