Community Columns

SWR News: Happy Mother’s Day!

Kiddie Academy in Wading River recently held its annual Trike-A-Thon in conjunction with Trike/Bike Safety Awareness Week.

This is the 14th year Kiddie Academy has participated in this event, which assists the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Trike-A-Thon is a fundraising program that teaches children riding/toy safety. According to the school’s director, Christina St. Nicholas, the children are also made aware that the donations they raise help other children who need special medical care. This year, the children raised over $1,800. To donate to St. Jude’s, visit stjude.org.

Deirdre Dubato, a Rotary Club member for many years, stood outside Foodtown recently collecting donations for two local food pantries, one of which is North Shore United Methodist Church in Wading River. “During the spring no one thinks about it, but there is still a huge drain on the resources of our local food pantries, ” she said. So, along with other Rotarians, Deirdre gathered boxes, bottles, cartons and cans of non-perishables to load into her truck, which was well on its way to full. The Rotary Club thanks both Foodtown and its shoppers for their hospitality and generosity. We know North Shore United Methodist Church will make great use of “the fruits of your labor.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all the women of the community. In my book, this day in May is one of the top dates on my calendar because all mothers are treated with the best of tender, loving care. Moms can do no wrong and if you do happen to do something wrong, all is more likely to be forgiven.

Happy birthday to my grandfather Jacob Vanderplate, who celebrates May 13, and to my friend Father Jose Jacob, whose ordination day is also May 15; to my brother Rich on May 21; and to my other priest friend Father John McGratty, whose birthday and ordination is May 25.

The SWR district budget vote and trustee election will take place Tuesday, May 17, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. For comprehensive budget information, visit swrschools.org. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the district for 30 days, at least 18 years old, registered with the school district or have voted in the last general election.

Have a pleasant two weeks, everyone. Be well, enjoy the sunshine and crisp air and we’ll meet back in this space.

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