On a picture-perfect day Merillon Little League Parade stepped off for the 53rd time from the Manor Oaks School, on Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park and headed for the Merillon Little League Field on Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park to celebrate its 55th year.

At the field Merillon Little League President Tom Murphy welcomed everyone and said that the program, that has grown over the years, is stronger than ever. In fact, he stated, that this year more than 700 boys and girls are enrolled in the spring program. Add to that the summer programs and the number will jump to 1100 children who will participate in Merillon this year.

He particularly pointed out that the success of the program would not be possible without the dedication of all the volunteers. Murphy said, "Each year dozens of volunteers contribute their time and energy to the league in both small and large ways. I would like to thank everyone who helps out. It is all about the kids and I think our league knows that better than most."

Murphy added, "We are planning on a terrific season with many fun events, and of course some real good softball and baseball. Some of the upcoming events include our 7th Annual Golf Outing on May 11, Championship Saturday on June 17 and the Long Island Ducks Outing on July 30th.

Then Murphy presented the 2005 Joe Roy Coach of the Year Award to Bill Curran. Murphy said, "Bill Curran began his career with Merillon in '99 when he coached his son Christian in the Farms Divison. From there he went to the Instructional Division and Upper Farms. From 2003 to the present he has coached in the Majors Divison and in '04 was the assistant coach of the Cooperstown Tournament Team. In 2005 he was the coach of the 11-year-old Williamsport Tournament Team and the 11-year-old Williamsport Tournament Team and the 11-year-old summer Travel Team in the HBQVB Tournament. He has won league championships in Minors for 2001, Majors in 2004/'05, won District No. 28 Championship for the 11-year-old team in 2005 and won first place in the HBQVB Tournament in the summer of 2005. Further, Murphy pointed out, Curran spent countless hours making sure the fields were clean and in the best playable condition possible. Curran and his wife Denise have two sons Christian and Steven.

A new award for Merillon, the Volunteer of the Year Award, was instituted this year and Merillon Chairman Tony Camilleri presented that award to Kevin Seger for his eight years of volunteering with Merillon. Seger has managed or coached in each division from instruction to the majors and has also served on the Merillon Little League Board as Vice-President of the Instructional Division. Further, he has taken on the arduous responsibilities of being the equipment manger. This job is basically, according to Camilleri, a 365 days a year position in order to maintain and store the current equipment, as well as ordering and distributing uniforms for more than 700 children. Seger and his wife Maria have three children: Kevin who plays in the Junior Division, Tara who plays for the Challengers Division and Andrew who plays in the Upper Farms Division.

This year the honoree was retired North Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D'Urso for his many years of dedication to New Hyde Park and especially to the Merillon Little League.

Merillon Chairman Tony Camilleri presented a plaque to D'Urso but before he did gave some of his background. He said that he had been born in Italy and immigrated to the United States at the age of 21 and began working in construction and other menial jobs.

Camilleri continued, "He attended night school to earn a high school diploma. He then attended college where he earned an AAS Degree. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Pratt Institute School of Architecture.

"In 1971 Tony accepted a position with the City of New York in the Housing Department. Through perseverance and hard work D'Urso rose through the ranks reaching the position of assistant Commissioner for the Division of Architecture, Engineering and Construction. He directed a staff of approximately 300 employees with a capital budget of $500,000,000.

"D'Urso became interested in local politics and in 1991 he was elected councilman for the Town of North Hempstead, a position he held for 14 years until his retirement in 2005. As a councilman D'Urso became a promoter of youth sports and was instrumental in getting many new soccer and baseball fields built and reconstructed."

Camilleri concluded, "Tony and his wife Maria have four children, Maria, Joseph and twin boys Anthony and Peter. All three boys played Merillon baseball. We want to say thank you Tony for many years of service to the Town of North Hempstead, but specifically to New Hyde Park. Congratulations and good luck on your retirement."