Baseball season is here and the Jericho Athletic Association tradition of having an Opening Day Baseball Parade was not stopped by the continuing bad weather this winter. On Saturday morning April 5 with the wind blowing, a steady cold rain coming down and with some very last minute changes to the schedule, the parade was moved indoors to the Jackson Elementary School gymnasium.

With many of the 700 baseball participants in attendance, with their colorful baseball uniforms, the indoor parade was an exciting and successful event.

Guest speakers included Councilman Anthony Macagnone and Judge Kenneth Diamond who both provided a warm welcome to all in attendance, as well as support for what good sportsmanship and teamwork is all about. Hilari Cohen, Jericho School Board President, thanked the JAA for their continued dedication of the various athletic programs provided for the children living in Jericho. Ira Checkla, School Board member, spoke about the upcoming American Cancer's 'Relay for Life' event on May 17 and 18 and asked all in attendance to support this school district-wide event.

The highlight speakers were Courtney Zale and Michael Mastro, both outstanding Jericho High School athletes, as well as outstanding academic students, who are in their senior year and will be off to college in the fall. Both Zale and Mastro spoke about their positive experiences when they participated in the Jericho Athletic Association various sports programs.

Jack Schnitt, president of the JAA, thanked everyone for coming out in this bad weather to be part of our Opening Day Parade. He extended his gratitude to the Jericho School Board, along with Superintendent Hank. Grishman, for their continued support of our various sport programs. He also noted a special thank you to Bill Coyle, JAA Director of Baseball for his hard work in organizing the baseball program, and to everyone on the Jericho Athletic Association's Executive Board, Allen Algaze, Chet Bogdan, Craig Marshall, Dick Rosen, Glenn Ruden, Frank Davis, Harold Wanderman, Joel Sweetbaum, Jon Gelbwaks, Lisa Goren, Marc Wiener, Tim Drake and Tom Zimmerman. Through these individual's tireless efforts and dedication to the community, the Jericho Athletic Association provides a wonderful sport program for the children of the community.