For the fourth consecutive year, I am proud to serve as the Nassau County Honorary Chairman for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica 2001 which will be held this year on Sunday, April 29, rain or shine, at five sites across Long Island. I will be participating in the six-mile event at Eisenhower Park, at parking field 6A, in East Meadow. Other kick-off locations are at the Glen Cove High School; the Boardwalk at Riverside Boulevard in Long Beach; Indian Island County Park in Riverhead and the Sheraton Long Island Hotel in Hauppauge.

The March of Dimes has a long track record of advances that have improved the lives of millions of children. WalkAmerica helps support March of Dimes programs for research, education, advocacy and community services that give every baby the best chance for a healthy start in life. I would like to invite all town residents to join me as we take a walk and help promote this worthy cause. Those who are unable to participate are invited to serve as sponsors or volunteers. I have been working closely with the March of Dimes for several years, and we anticipate a tremendously successful effort again this year.

The March of Dimes WalkAmerica is considered the first and best walking event in the country. Now in its 30th year, WalkAmerica is expected to draw nearly 650,000 people in more than 1,400 communities in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. On Long Island, nearly 10,000 walkers and volunteers are expected to participate.

WalkAmerica dollars help support the March of Dimes in their research, programs and breakthroughs that have helped so many. These breakthroughs include pioneering surgery to correct certain defects before a baby is born, therapy that helps premature babies breathe, and other new tests and treatments that help babies become healthier.

Several hundred Town of Hempstead employees will be joining me in our walk. I hope to see you there, too. Please arrive early in order to register at 8:30 a.m. WalkAmerica will step off at 9 a.m. To register in advance or for more information, please call the Long Island March of Dimes at 496-2100 and tell them you want to be part of the Town of Hempstead team.