In honor of the 30th Anniversary of Earth Day, the Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc. have organized an essay contest for youths in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades.

According to contest organizers, the contest is aimed at creating a greater awareness of the environment and the need for conservation. Each essay will have to detail a critical issue facing Long Island's environment, explain why that issue was selected and then suggest ways to alleviate or minimize the problem.

"I think that conservation starts with the young ones," said Carol Meschkow, president, Concerned Citizens. "Hopefully this will make a sustainable impact on the children in terms of awareness to the environment."

The contest is open to all students in the Plainview-Old Bethpage community, and in subsequent years will target different age groups. Organizers are hoping to generate a strong response to the competition and in turn create some excitement about conservation.

"We are just looking for enthusiastic respondents," said Meschkow. "This is an extra curricular activity and I think it is wonderful to have a child volunteer, go the extra mile and take part in their future .

She continued, "The whole reason why you put children in school is to give them a foundation and give them some direction. If we don't start teaching them at a young age, you will not have the same inbred enthusiasm and energy when they are older. If we are conserving now for our children it is only right that they be our partners, that we work together for this common goal, and that we start working as a family and a society.

The commissioners of the Plainview Water District will serve as the judges for the competition. Commissioner Joel Kessler stated that the water district has always been dedicated to promoting conservation and protection of the environment because they are directly related to the quality of water supplies. The water district also holds a water conservation poster contest each spring.

The Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc. first came on to the scene in late 1998 when it began a letter writing campaign in opposition to the proposed sale and development of town owned land in Plainview. The property had been designated by the state as a special ground water protection area. The proposed development was eventually drastically scaled back.

Meschkow explained that the Concerned Citizens of Plainview-Old Bethpage is dedicated to addressing the environmental concerns of the greater Plainview-Old Bethpage community.

"The mission of the Concerned Citizens is to promote education and awareness regarding the environment and we are interested in environmental impacts to Plainview, Old Bethpage, as well as our surrounding communities."

The first place winner will be awarded a $100 US Saving Bond. Second and third prize winners will each receive a $50 US Savings Bond. Their suggestions will be forwarded to the Legislative Director of the NYS Commission on Water Resource Needs for New York State and Long Island.

The winners will be announced in the Plainview Herald in June, and a special awards ceremony will be conducted in conjunction with the Plainview Water District.

Entries should be sent to Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc., 998-C Old Country Road-Suite 143, Plainview, New York 11803. Each entry should include the first name only, age, grade and phone number. The deadline for submissions is May 30. All entries will remain anonymous until after final judging is complete. To ask questions or for more information call 516-433-6001.