LI Ducks Add Former MLB Lefty

Gustavo Chacin signs with the Flock

On March 26, the Long Island Ducks announced the signing of pitcher Gustavo Chacin. The former Major Leaguer begins his first season in the Atlantic League and 14th in professional baseball.

“Gustavo brings a tremendous amount of Major League experience to our rotation,” says Ducks President/General Manager Michael Pfaff. “We are excited to see him on the mound this season.”

Town Honors GN Bruins, Hockey League Champions

In what has become a town tradition where residents who have attained an outstanding accomplishment are honored at a Town Hall reception, Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Councilwoman Anna M. Kaplan and the North Hempstead Town Board last week paid tribute to the Great Neck Bruins Pee Wee and Bantam hockey teams, the 2012 Long Island Amateur Hockey League (LIAHL) Tier A division champions.

“One reason I believe North Hempstead is one of the best places to live in the country is because our town is blessed with extraordinary families and people who unselfishly give of their time to help make our community a better place,” Supervisor Jon Kaiman said, addressing the two teams and the room full of supporters including coaches, family and friends.  “Your triumph is North Hempstead’s triumph.”

Great Neck Pre-School Trike-A-Thon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Program will teach safety while demonstrating that volunteers of any age can make a difference

Great Neck Pre-School will join thousands of pre-schools, daycares and other groups across the country in sponsoring a St. Jude Trike-A-Thon event during the week of April 16 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. The week-long event teaches bike and riding-toy safety lessons using interactive stories featuring characters, Bikewell Bear and Pedals the Bunny. At the end of St. Jude Trike-A-Thon week, students will bring their tricycles to school to practice their newly learned safety lessons. 

Julia’s Run for Children on April 15 at Yale University

Julia Rusinek died in 1999 from an undiagnosed heart condition while running in the streets of Washington DC. Each of us has come to know Julia in a unique and special way. Some were fortunate enough to know her in life. For others, Run for Children represents a first glimpse into her spirit. The first Run for Children was held in New Haven in 2000 and today marks the 13th anniversary of the event.

The Tebow Trade: Fans Weigh In

Pros and cons of acquiring the former Heisman winner

Following the earlier and equally stunning news that future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning would sign as a free agent with the Denver Broncos, Tebow, a Heisman Trophy winner, found himself on the trade block. The Jets swooped in and acquired the lefty, while surrendering two mid-round draft picks. So, what’s the early verdict?

Annual Ice Show Highlights the Hughes Family

There will be fire on the ice this weekend!

On Sunday March 25, at 2 p.m., the Park District’s 2012 Annual Ice Show will be presented at the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink. There will be group performances showcasing the talent of the skate school students of all ages and levels, including barely-walking tots through axel-jumping, camel-spinning Freestyle 5 participants.

St. Aloysius CYO Program: Fifth Grade Boys Basketball

Even though the team had just completed a regular season in which they compiled an 11-1 record and finished atop their division, the St. Aloysius 5th grade boys CYO basketball team knew that the hardest part of the season was yet to come; they would now compete in the Island wide CYO championship tournament. Just like the nation’s premier college basketball programs, their season now came down to a series of single elimination games to determine a champion.

The team opened the tournament with a victory over St. Mary’s of Manhasset in which the team received significant contributions from each team member. The next step on the tournament ladder took them to East Cutchogue where they would take on Sacred Heart. In a tournament designed to determine the best CYO team on all of Long Island, each team proved themselves worthy contenders for the title.

North High Hosts Brodsky Foundation Basketball Game

Great Neck North High School hosts the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation on March 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the school gym at 35 Polo Road. The suggested donation is $5 per person. There will be a student DJ, T-shirts for sale, food and surprises. Proceeds will benefit the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation. Please consider bringing an unopened new toy to the basketball game. All toys will be donated to Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York in conjunction with the Brodsky Foundation’s upcoming 5th annual 5K AIDS Cancer Run Walk in Cedar Creek Park in Seaford. Registration flyers for the 5K Run Walk will be given out at the basketball game. Registration will also be available online beginning March 15, via the website www.5kaidscancer.com

Weather Cooperates for 8th Annual Polar Plunge

The hardy, spirited gang that participates each year in the in the Polar Plunge, sponsored by the Special Olympics, got lucky this year. The morning rain cleared and the sun appeared just in time for the 8th annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge, held at North Hempstead Beach Park on March 3. Approximately 500 people jumped into the icy waters to raise money for the Special Olympics—almost $85,000 at last count.

Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, a stalwart participant, said it is a great way to socialize with family, friends and neighbors. And strangers too, as the event draws masochists from towns across the Island, Suffolk included.

Enjoy the Joys of Winter at The GN Park District

Sledding is fun on Sled Hill and cross-country skiing is available too

There is still plenty of winter left for this season. And, who knows, maybe there will be some “real” snow and the opportunities for winter sports activities. Thanks to the Great Neck Park District, there are lots of places to enjoy a snowy day right in your own backyard.

When the weather gets cold enough for snow this winter, put on your boots, grab your sled and head over to the corner of Red Brook and Kings Point Roads where you will find Sled Hill in Kings Point Park. After a snowfall, this is the place to see and be seen. This has always been a family favorite for those Park District residents who grew up in Great Neck. Even if there is just a few inches on the ground, children and their parents will drive to this hill and spend the afternoon whooshing down. Sledding enthusiasts arrive here early for a spot on days when the snow is packed and perfect for the occasion.