On behalf of the runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes who came to our community to participate in the 23rd annual Nationwide Insurance Run for ASPIRE on April 8, and especially on behalf of the young people in the ASPIRE program who were the direct beneficiaries of the entire net proceeds of the Run, I would like to extend our thanks to the residents of Plainview-Old Bethpage for making everyone feel welcome in our community. Susan and I have lived in Plainview for more than 30 years, and I have never ceased to wonder at what a friendly, giving community we are part of.

As always, we went out of our way to try to minimize the inconvenience to local residents that is unavoidable when an event of this magnitude comes into town. I hope that we were successful, and that nobody was severely put out by the event. The youngsters in the ASPIRE program are "inconvenienced" for a lifetime, so I thank all of you for tolerating those few minutes of inconvenience that helped provide some sorely needed funds for the rehabilitative program that will enable them to become happy, healthy and well adjusted adults. Losing a leg to cancer is a pretty tough proposition for a child, and the ASPIRE program does so much to put that child's life back together! As always, the people of our community responded positively, and we thank everyone who was out on the roads cheering the athletes on.

Special thanks to Plainview's own Trader Joe's, who is the newest sponsor of the Run, and who gave so much towards the success of this year's event. Special thanks as well to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald for helping us to publicize the event. We very much appreciate your caring and your community concern!

Thanks again. We have already started planning for the 24th annual Run, to be held on April 7, 2001, and we welcome the suggestions of every member of our community as to how we can do an even better job then. Please feel free to call 349-7646 with your input.

Mike Polansky, president

Greater Long Island Running Club

P.S. Unfortunately, two of our mile mark signs and three of our aid station tables "disappeared" from the course. This is especially unfortunate because the cost of replacing that equipment - even though relatively small - comes directly out of the funds that we are able to turn over to the ASPIRE children. Accordingly, we will be especially happy if any of these items can be returned to us - no questions asked.