Shoreham-Wading River Column: Wild about that wildcat
I hope all our Shoreham-Wading River trick-or-treaters had a good time dressing up and getting Halloween candy. By far, the best costume this year went to Mother Nature for her very convincing look and impression of winter. With heavy rain, wind and snow all around, we were rightfully frightened down to our bones that autumn was gone and winter would be ours from here on in.
A dedication ceremony for Shoreham-Wading River High School’s new addition — the wood-carved wildcat sculpture — was held Oct. 22. The carving, which stands in the front courtyard, was created by former SWR graduate Robert Caskie. As part of a project to make a mark on their school, SWR 2011 graduates Katie Newell, Will Miller and Mackenzie Pendergast cleaned and landscaped the courtyard. Don Walther of DCW Landscaping, also an SWR alumnus, donated the wood chips used to mulch. On the advice of senior class adviser Lucille McKee, the Class of 2011 provided the sculpture’s plaque. The wildcat symbolizes pride, dedication and strength and will forever stand as the mascot for all present and future SWR students.
The Shoreham-Wading River girls varsity volleyball team played Bayport-Blue Point Friday and won against one of the best teams in the league, beating the Phantoms at SWR in three of four games. This was exciting competition and the fans were going wild for the Lady Wildcats, who dominated and proved they are a force to be reckoned with. As the team make its way to the playoffs, “May the force be with you.”
Happy birthday to my sister, Linda Green, who celebrated on Oct. 29, and to Brian Green, her son, who celebrated on Oct. 30. Brian, what a great gift you were to your mom all those years ago and now you are a tall, handsome and intelligent man making your way in the world. Nov. 1 was the birthday of former Wading River resident and retired Merchant Marine admiral Don Wiwczar. Talk about a life’s accomplishment, Don! Best to you, my friend.
A fascinating building exists on Route 25A in Shoreham, next to Tesla Street: the last and only existing laboratory of physicist Nikola Tesla. “Conference 2011: Exploring Tesla’s Technologies” will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at Hilton Garden Inn in Riverhead. The location has been changed from Brookhaven National Laboratory. To get tickets or more information, visit www.TeslaScienceCenter.org. The organization running this event has a mission to develop Nikola Tesla’s laboratory into a science and technology center and museum, so you may help them by donating online or by mail: Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, P.O. Box 552, Shoreham, NY 11786.
Be well until we meet here again next week.
