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HERALD VoL. 24 No. 20
Celebrating all abilities in school
Lots ahead for May at library
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Page 5 $1.00 $1.00
MAY 9 - 15, 2024
Marathon is all about fitness, fun and community By JoRDAN VALLoNE jvallone@liherald.com
Jordan Vallone/Herald
New life ‘spruces’ up Merrick Avenue The Council of East Meadow Community Organizations welcomed in the season of spring with new plantings, 41 to be exact, that bring life, color and nature back to Merrick Avenue. Thanks to the efforts of CEMCO President Joe Parisi, who’s long advocated for new trees to be planted, after 14 that died were removed, the organization that represents East Meadow and Salisbury celebrated the addition of new trees, planted in beds along the highly trafficked roadway. Above, CEMCO’s board members with Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt, who aided in the organizations efforts. Right, one of the new trees, planted on Merrick Avenue. Story, more photos, Page 4.
At the top of the list of events the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums looks forward to each year is the Jovia Long Island Marathon. The weekend of running, which unofficially kicks off the summer season in Eisenhower Park, is packed with live entertainment, a food truck festival and, of course, several races that bring together the running community and droves of supporters. The races began on May 3, with the Friday Night Lights 5K Fun Run, followed by a 10K and a 1K Kids Run on Saturday. The half marathon and marathon were held on Sunday morning. Live music, local food vendors and other family-oriented enter tainment were sprinkled throughout the races. At a news conference before the festivities last week, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, standing at the races’ finish line with partners in govern-
ment, as well as some of the event sponsors, said that the marathon was just the beginning of a slew of events coming to Nassau County this summer. Blakeman mentioned the International Cricket Committee’s T20 World Cup, slated to take place in Eisenhower Park in early June, and several concerts scheduled throughout the summer. “Nassau County is committed to doing major events, whether it be cultural, athletic, or just entertainment,” he said. “But as we do each and every year, to kick off our spring and summer celebration here in Nassau County, especially on our 125th anniversary, it’s always the Long Island Marathon.” The 26.2-mile race began and ended near Eisenhower Park’s Field 5. Runners headed west, leaving the park on Merrick Ave nu e, a n d t h e n t u r n e d toward Garden City on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard. The race looped back toward East Meadow, and runners then headed Continued on page 10
The Herald’s marathon coverage features a firsthand account by Senior Reporter Parker Schug, also on Page 10.
Courtesy Council of East Meadow Community Organization