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In their close-knit community, the Hudson Valley Community College Baseball Team is known for their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Recently, they chose to dedicate their valuable time to crucial causes. Volunteering for suicide prevention was a heartfelt priority, as they offered a sympathetic ear, absorbed essential knowledge, and tirelessly raised awareness. Additionally, they generously lent their support to the EGPopWarner cheerleading program, aiding in a much-needed spring cleaning effort. Their collective actions spoke volumes about their dedication to community well-being. Moreover, they played a pivotal role in the 2nd annual Reverse Rhett day at the Speigletown Fire Department, standing alongside fellow community members to create lasting change. Their gratitude extended to everyone who shared in these initiatives, embodying the spirit of unity and support that defined their community. Together, they continued to shape a brighter future for all.

“Wow those shoes are really gold!”  That was one student’s reaction to Accompsett Elementary School Principal Tim Hellmuth’s shoe choice on Sept. 22, deemed, “Go Gold” day by the Smithtown Central School District.

Students, staff and parents wore gold to support the Lace Up for Kids campaign, part of the nonprofit Solving Kids’ Cancer. September is “National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.” 

At Accompsett Elementary School, students were “changing” kids’ lives by donating coins for the Lace Up for Kids Awareness Campaign. Last year, the campaign raised more than $1,500.

Hellmuth took the gold color associated with the campaign to an extreme. He wore bright gold shoes and helped students fill the bucket with coins which will go toward helping in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Photo caption:  Students and staff in the Smithtown Central School District “Go Gold” to support “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

For the second year in a row, Merrick Avenue Middle School will install its Flag Field of Honor in recognition of veterans. 

The flags will be flown between Nov. 4 and Dec. 8 as a tribute to veterans. The proceeds from the sponsorships will be donated to Honor Flight Long Island for veterans, and the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard. 

The Mack Family, who have an eighth grade student attending Merrick Avenue, have secured supplies, storage and materials in order to aid in this field coming to fruition. Email jessimack@gmail.com or call 516-721-4175 for more information.

 

Photo caption: Last year was the first year Merrick Avenue installed a Flag Field of Honor.

 

Photos courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Grace O’Connor, a YHS graduate, is organizing an event to pay tribute to her late brother, Dan, and to generate funds for her participation in the NYC Marathon on November 5th.

The hockey match will be a heartfelt tribute to Dan, who tragically passed away in 2009 due to suicide. All the proceeds from this event will be directed towards the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

This event will take place at Brewster Ice Arena, featuring activities like a raffle and a chuck-a-puck game, all aimed at raising funds for this important cause.

Play4Mary is when teams play for The Mary Ruchalski foundation. This was founded by the family of Mary Ruchalski, a friend and teammate of mine and many others from Rockville Centre, who passed away in 2018 from a rare pediatric cancer.

The foundation helps other children and their families who are battling cancer. Mary was an athlete so the Play4Mary games are a fundraiser for the foundation and a way to keep Mary’s kind spirit alive.

We had shirts made which both schools wore and purchased prior to the game , a bake sale, and we sold gold bows and lanterns in honor of pediatric cancer awareness month. I was photographed with Mrs, Ruchalski separately for donating half of my earnings from my summer job.

I am a soccer trainer for the youth of my community and donated $300 in addition to the foundation. This Play4Mary event raised about $1400. It’s a great day for all.

_ Information shared by Julianna Bivona