Community Columns

SWR News: See local advocate’s documentary ‘The First Grader’

The First Grader

Wading River Historical Society will host a presentation, Thursday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. about a diary written in 1854 by Wading River teenager Kate Dayton. When she was just 15, Kate wrote about what life was like at the time. Stephanie and Sid Bail will discuss the insights her diary provides about the hamlet as it was nearly two centuries ago. A slideshow based on the diary will also be presented. For more information, call 631-929-4082.

Theresa Gismondi, daughter-in-law of Claudio and Marion Pragliola, tells us the couple, who have lived in Wading River since the early 1970s, will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary April 22. The Pragliolas have purchased the Riverhead-News Review for as long as they have been able. Theresa says she loves and cherishes her in-laws completely and that she’s lucky to have them. Happy anniversary. We can’t wait to read your story.

Kevin Mann, retired SWR global awareness teacher and longtime advocate of Hope Children’s Fund, will speak Wednesday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at a fundraiser for the organization at Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, The film “The First Grader” will be screened and a reception and discussion will follow. Tickets are $15 for the public and $10 for members. According to Cinema Arts Centre, “The First Grader” tells the true story of an 84-year-old Kenyan villager and ex-Mau Mau freedom fighter who fights for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford. The film offers a glimpse into education issues in Kenya. Kevin says HCF’s goal is to provide educational opportunities for the children under its care. The orphanage’s motto is: “Education is the key!” Larry Hohler, one of HCF’s founders, will host the fundraiser.

Laura LaSita of Wading River tells us the Ladies’ LIFT organization at St. John the Baptist Church in Wading River will host an ice cream and prayer meeting Tuesday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend, even if you’re not a member. Bring a dish; everyone will be given the opportunity to partake in an end-of-year donation.

Isn’t the weather turning beautiful? It’s time to get out, do some planting, wish someone a happy anniversary, attend an ice cream social, experience how people halfway around the world live, appreciate all you have and be grateful.

Be well and I’ll see you here in two weeks. 

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