Community Columns

SWR News: Another round of happy birthdays

Belated happy birthday to Shoreham resident Heather Hain, who celebrated Aug. 4. Heather is a recent Shoreham-Wading River High School graduate who has decided to attend Suffolk County Community College in the fall. Good luck with this first step in a new chapter of your life, Heather.

Belated birthday wishes also go to Ella Herrshaft of Wading River, who celebrated Aug. 13 with purple and teal balloons on her mailbox to mark a backyard party. Little Ella’s actual birthday is Aug. 15. I also want to wish a belated happy birthday to Bernita McGoldrick, who celebrated Aug. 19, and Ray Costanzo and Sandy Zicaro, both of whom blew out candles Aug. 20.

Very special anniversary wishes go out to Tina and Leroy Barnes Sr., who celebrated 70 years together Aug. 18. The couple has lived in Wading River for 50 years and can boast of five children, many grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Barnes, owner of Le Bar Custom Homes, has built many homes and shopping centers in the area. Best wishes to you both!

Walking past a display of Nettie’s Desserts recently at Wading River Meats, I noticed a lady standing attentively close by. So I asked, “Are you Nettie?” Indeed she was, so we spoke a while about how she started her business (in her own kitchen, from scratch) and how now, years later, she and her husband, Joe, have a thriving business. Joe told me all about his experience, baking since he was 15 and having a big operation in Center Moriches. Even the couple’s son pitches in, delivering his mother’s cakes to area businesses. Good luck to you and your family, Nettie and Joe.

Shoreham resident and North Country Road Warrior Sheila Isaacs recently participated in the Smith Point Triathlon. This week, she leaves for the national championships in Omaha, Neb. As soon as that is over, Sheila and a friend will drive to Winnipeg, Canada, to do the Pinawa Triathlon. This will be the eighth Canadian province she has raced in. She says: “Two more to go (to finish all 10 provinces) and then I have to find a new goal!” Good luck to you, Sheila. With your decision to begin training at 50 years old and keep it up 26 years, you’re already a winner! For information about North Country Road Warriors, contact Frank Capone at [email protected] or call 631-929-4309.

Kevin Mann, former Global Awareness teacher at Shoreham Wading River High School and Hope Children’s Fund advocate, said quite a few Wading River residents have stopped to say hello at the farmer’s market in Rocky Point, where HCF has a booth selling African items. One of its beneficiaries is Doreen Gatwiri, who has been able to attend medical school at Jomo Kenyatta University, where she is finishing her first year. Thanks to all who have purchased goods that help support students like Doreen, who need our assistance and are very deserving.

An early deadline for my column warrants that any news you’d like to send should be emailed to [email protected] by Thursday, Sept. 1.

Summer vacation goes by in the blink of an eye, so enjoy the rest of yours. Be well, be grateful and we’ll meet back in this space soon.

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