This year's Red Cross Swim-A-Cross theme was "Forever Young." The Red Cross itself honored the late Renata Maimone of Bayville for her years of support to the ARC/Nassau. She was their image of eternal youth and "Forever Young." They encouraged all of the participants to swim in honor of the person in their life who is "Forever Young."

On Friday, Aug. 19, waiting for the swimmers to return to the beach after being shuttled by bus to a Centre Island dock was Levittown's Dean Halbohn, looking for his son Christopher Halbohn, 11, who swam in the Red Cross Swim-A-Cross to honor his hero, his grandfather Donald Halbohn, who died on July 6. "Ever since his swim team talked about the Swim-A-Cross he's wanted to take part in it. Although swimmers are supposed to be 12, he will be 12 in three days." He's a big kid. He looks 15," said his dad. One year a family showed up for the swim with several of their children, including one too small to swim who was put on a boogie board. The next year the rules said the swimmers had to be age 12. That took out some very capable young swimmers from the event, who had to wait for their turn.

Mr. Halbohn said, "My second cousin, William Joie, is in a police boat following Christopher." The people who follow the boats to see that the swimmers are safe are another important part of the event.

That was about when someone yelled out to the volunteers to get by the water's edge - that the first swimmers were coming in. Far in the distance, you could see arms, curved like crab claws poking out of the water. Then a little white cap bobbed up as the swimmer came up for air. There were about four or five in the first contingent of swimmers. First out of the water for the sixth time was Matt Descovich of Plainview. Next in was Alec Staszewski of Roslyn Heights. In third was Kurt Fields of Wantagh. Fourth was Scott Gormley of Williston Park. Jackie Bruscella of Bayville was the first woman to hit the beach. People kept arriving at the shore to be greeted by Red Cross event staff members and to receive the applause and appreciation of their friends and families.

For those of you who have sponsored a swimmer, now is the time to pay up. The swimmers have to raise $50 in sponsorships to receive a Swim-A-Cross T-shirt. Other prizes are available for sponsorships of more than $50. For more information, call ARC/Nassau at 747-3500 ext. 215. The Red Cross receives no government support and relies solely on the community for support, so this event is especially important for them.

The timing is especially relevant as the Red Cross takes part in helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina. ARC/Nassau provides emergency assistance to victims of disasters, such as fires, including the current problems with hurricanes, as well as winter storms, floods and man-made disasters; safety-related courses, including CPR, First Aid and Aquatics; Holocaust and war victims tracing; and service to military families, such as emergency communication, financial assistance, counseling and leave requests. To make a financial contribution, take a safety course, volunteer or request more information, call 747-3500 or visit www.NassauRedCross.org. ARC/Nassau is located at 195 Willis Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501.