GN Softball Travels Back in Time

In early March, Great Neck Weekend Softball Game players declared that they had enough of winter. They were ready to start spring training. But February’s two gigantic snowstorms, plus the soaking rains that fell in between, made the Great Neck fields unplayable. Out of frustration and severe softball withdrawal, the players began brainstorming via e-mail. Several ideas were kicked around. Jack Schonhaut searched for asphalt or concrete parks and schoolyards on the web. He checked out aerial views of nearby locations and then sent out a few possibilities to the players. Fran Alter and Bob Widawski scoped out the locations. They settled on the PS 187 school yard in Queens. It was close by, well maintained, and had plenty of parking.

Red Cross: Step into the Cross Walk, Support Local Disaster Relief

Every year, hundreds of Long Islanders find themselves homeless because of disasters like house fires. And though the American Red Cross cannot replace all that has been lost, its volunteers are able to provide food, shelter and comfort to those affected.

To help support its local efforts, the American Red Cross in Nassau County will hold the 3rd Annual Cross Walk for Local Disaster Relief, at Eisenhower Park, Saturday, May 8.

Lake Success Chabad Held Bowl-A-Thon Benefiting Haiti

Hearing about the recent difficulties facing the people of Haiti, many teens from Great Neck South High School came together to participate in a bowl-a-thon benefiting the relief efforts in Haiti. The bowl-a-thon was organized by Rachel Gecelter, president of the JLE Teen Club and a senior at Great Neck South High School, and Rabbi Dovid and Mrs. Chumy Ezagui, directors of JLE @ Lake Success Chabad.

Mayor Jean Celender of Great Neck Plaza joined the bowl-a-thon to show her support for the cause and to speak to the teens about the importance of giving.

Lifeguarding Just Got Easier for Teens

For many teenagers, there aren’t many options when it comes to seeking summer employment. Cool jobs—like becoming a lifeguard—are often out of reach due to the costs associated with required training. But now, thanks to the American Red Cross in Nassau County and a grant from the United Way of Long Island, teens can apply for financial help.

TONH Annual Winter Fest, Polar Plunge This Weekend

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, the North Hempstead Town Board, and the town’s Business & Tourism Development Corporation invite residents to the annual Winter Fest and Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park on Saturday, March 13.

“Besides being a great event to celebrate with family, friends and neighbors and engage in friendly and fun rivalry, the Annual WinterFest and Polar Plunge gives everyone the opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause,” Kaiman said. “I look forward to seeing you there.”

Lifeguarding Just Got Easier for Teens

For many teenagers, there aren’t many options when it comes to seeking summer employment. Cool jobs—like becoming a lifeguard—are often out of reach due to the costs associated with required training.

But now, thanks to the American Red Cross in Nassau County and a grant from the United Way of Long Island, teens can apply for financial help.

“There is nothing more disheartening for me than turning away potential lifeguards because they cannot afford the training,” said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the Nassau Red Cross. “I am very grateful to the United Way for providing us the means to offer financial assistance for those who qualify.”

Typically, it costs $400 to become a lifeguard. While not every applicant will receive a full scholarship, Cassano encourages all prospective lifeguards to submit an application. Financial assistance is open to ages 13-19, and will be awarded based on income, expenses and extenuating circumstances.

In addition to lifeguarding, assistance is available for those who wish to become lifeguard instructors; water safety instructors; and pool activity leaders.

To receive an application, visit the Nassau Red Cross on-line at www.nassauredcross.org and click on courses. Applicants may also call (516) 747-3500.

Great Neck-Team Fox Motorcycle/ Scooter Ride Fundraiser

Team Fox organizer Andrew Allen of Great Neck and Long Island Scooter Club president Angelo Liguori of Levittown will hold a charity ride on Sunday, April 25 to raise funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF).

This “motorized” cycling event is open to motorcycles and scooters!

Wrestling Champion Daniel Cataldi

Daniel Cataldi, a senior at Great Neck South, won the 140-pound final in the Nassau County Division 1 Wrestling Championships at a packed stadium at Hofstra University on Feb. 14. Daniel Cataldi defeated defending Nassau County champion and All American Dylan Palacio of Long Beach. In addition to the Nassau County first-place champion title Daniel Cataldi was awarded both the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award and the Champion of Champions Award and Newsday named him Athlete of the Week. It is the first time in 32 years that Great Neck South has had a first-place county wrestling champion. Daniel Cataldi will now move on to wrestle in the New York State championship held in Albany, Feb. 26-27. Daniel Cataldi will wrestle next year at Brown University.

Great Neck South Varsity Lady Rebels Win Basketball Class AA Conference Title

On Friday, Feb. 12, the Great Neck South Lady Rebels varsity basketball team was victorious over Bellmore JFK 42-33 in the first round of the Nassau Class AA county playoffs. The Rebels completed their final game of the 2009-2010 season with a 52-36 win over Plainview JFK High School on February 8, 2010. Prior to this, the team won the Conference AAII Title with a 55-24 victory over Calhoun High School on February 5, 2010. The Lady Rebels hold a final conference record of 11-1 with an overall record of 15-2. They will face Uniondale High School on Wednesday February 17, 2010 at 1 p.m.

The team is coached by head coach Tom Umstatter and assistant coach Don Laux. From day one, both coaches believed that this team had the talent to be successful.

They continually challenged and inspired the girls,

The Lady Rebels starting five consist of three seniors who are co-captains. They are: Michelle Ross, Silvana Parada and Charlotte Freed along with starters Sapir Edalati and Allison Finkel. Coming off the bench were Sophomore Nicole Chaplin, Freshman Daisey Xu , Senior Sarah John and Juniors Courtney Taylor, Michelle Kwong, Maxine Pearlman, Shanisha Cannon and Brittany Jarrett.

South Men’s Fencing Team: County Championship

The Great Neck South Varsity Men’s Fencing Team capped another successful season on Sunday, Feb. 7, by winning its third consecutive Nassau County Title. The Rebels, coached by Robert Piraino, were undefeated at 8-0 during the regular season and captured the League title and No. 1 seed heading into the Nassau County Team Tournament. South then swept through the tournament, defeating No. 8 seed Great Neck North, No. 4 seed Wheatley and No. 2 seed Jericho in the finals. The Rebels’ nine starters for the team tournament were, fencing sabre, Brandyn Itzkowitz, Eugene Park and Alex Smith, fencing foil, Zachary Goodman, Ethan Levy and Andrew Liu, and, fencing epee, Steven Ngo, Danny Qiao and David Titan.