The Shofar is proud to report that two shul members, Veronica Kaliski and Cookie Slade, have joined with two other women, Helen Finnigan and Ann Sande, to lead a course designed to help those immigrating to our country study for the Citizenship Test. They’ll review the 100 civics questions and practice reading, writing and speaking English, all of which are included on the test. The eight-session program will meet weekly for 90 minutes at the Cutchogue Library, from Feb. 8 through March 29.

“When one of the students passes the difficult test and becomes a citizen, it is a rewarding experience,” said Veronica Kaliski. “I was moved to teach this class because people from desperate means want to become part of our American dream; I want to help them do that.”

[Editor’s note: About 25 years ago, I was privileged to have been invited to Naturalization Court in White Plains, NY, to witness the swearing-in of about 100 people from nations around the globe, many of them dressed in native costumes, pledging allegiance to the United States of America. It was one of the most moving events I have ever experienced and, still today, I can recall every detail of it. SMB]