Shoreham-Wading River column: SWR students take the plunge

Congratulations to Shoreham-Wading River junior class students Amanda Hearney and Kaitlyn Taddeo, who motivated 90 students from SWR High School to dive into the chilly water at Sills Beach in Shoreham on Jan. 1. They did a great job with all the details of the event. When all was said and done, the group raised $5,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It was a great day for a plunge and an excellent “reason to be freezin’.”

Each year, the SWR High School junior class raises money so the junior class parents have funds to transform the high school gymnasium into something amazing as they decorate for the junior prom. And every year, they ask the community to help them help themselves by donating to their cause. The word is out — they are in desperate need of donations and they need your help. The chinese auction is set to happen on March 12 and they are collecting items now. Contact Brenna Gilroy, junior class adviser, at [email protected] or 821-8140, ext. 1023, or Joanne Wickey at [email protected] or 312-2085 for questions, donation ideas or to pick up donations. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and you will be helping good people help themselves.

Feel like coming in from the cold and taking a time-out to just let your mind let go? If you visit North Shore Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 2:30 p.m. you can really allow your mind to wander by taking a trip all the way back to the psychedelic era. Come and listen to the group Just Sixties, Long Island’s No. 1 ’60s band, and relive the fads, culture, news and Americana of that special decade while you listen to favorite hits from the biggest bands of the time: the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Doors, Simon and Garfunkel, the Rolling Stones, the Monkees, Sonny and Cher and more. Treat yourself to a mini-vacation from the cold weather while you have a great time getting your groove back. It’s guaranteed to make you feel younger and it’s offered free. Call ahead for information and registration: 929-4488, ext. 223.

Happy birthday to my nephew, Jeff Green, who celebrated his 27th on Jan. 1. What a neat New Year’s gift you were to us on that day all those years ago, Jeff. We’re proud of you for your many accomplishments and wish you much more success in the future. May your year be filled with happiness and good fortune.

Getting tired of the cold and snow and feeling sluggish in the winter doldrums? Donate to someone raising money for a good cause, change your routine to look at something differently or take a mental vacation to feel younger.

Have a good week, everyone!