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HERALD $100 OFF a seasonal contract, new cust
Goldstein close to $1M in AIDS fight
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Vol. 27 No. 17
APRIl 18 - 24, 2024
516-781-5800 Residen tial & Commercial
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omers only!
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Blanket drive aids kids with cancer By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Jordan Vallone/Herald photos
Dozens of community members from the 5th State Senate District, along with representatives from State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ office, took part in a kick off ‘wrap night’ on April 10 for a Yarn & Blanket Drive for We Care Blankets.
In an effort to give back to children undergoing chemotherapy treatments, State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ office has enlisted the help of community members in his district to give back to others through a Yarn & Blanket drive, where all donations will be given to We Care Blankets. We Care Blankets is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 on Long Island. Initially funded by a medical physician, the goal of the organization was to provide children with cancer something warm and comforting. During intense ContinueD on pAge 10
MECA pool, recreational facilities are community staples By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
The Merrick Estates Civic Association’s community cent e r o n S h o r e D r iv e h a s remained an integral part of the community for nearly 65 years. Boasting a private pool, play areas, beach volleyball courts, additional sporting facilities and views of the East Bay, MECA takes pride in the class and relaxation it offers South Shore residents. Over the years, the beloved spot for many has evolved into what it has become today: a summer haven. “When it was originally founded, in the clubhouse pen-
insula, if you were in from Bellmore and a certain proximity, surrounding areas. yo u we re a b o n d A board that is holder for the pool,” elected on a yearly Geoffrey Sher man, basis runs MECA. t h e a s s o c i a t i o n ’s The summer seapresident, explained. son kicks off unoffi“That’s sor t of cially during Memoch a n g e d ove r t h e rial Day weekend, years, and now it’s a GEoffREy which will be the m e m b e r s h i p - t y p e ShERMAN first time the pool is club. People can join, open in 2024. After President, and then go to the that, through the end MECA pool.” of the school year, While many the association folMECA members live lows the school calin the immediate area, Sher- endar — meaning the pool will man said it’s expanded greatly. be open during weekends in There’s no rule that says you June, and for holidays like need to live in Merrick to join, Juneteenth, Sherman said. and plenty of members come Over the last five years,
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t’s really grown over the years in popularity.
some significant changes have a l l owe d M E C A t o e x p a n d beyond its immediate peninsula around Shore Drive. Renovations to the facility’s bathrooms, a revamp of the pools and the installation of a beverage center, among other things, have boosted the appeal of the recreational center. The time period leading up to Memorial Day is what MECA
considers its enrollment period, Sherman said. “We’re sort of in that enrollment phase when people are deciding what they’re doing for their summers,” he said. “But MECA is thriving. It’s really grown over the years in popularity. A lot of young families have recently moved into the area, which is definitely helpContinueD on pAge 2