Bethpage-Tribune_2007-01-26

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Proudly serving the communities of Betbpage, Island Trees, Plainedgc, Ploinview, Old Bethpage, HicksviHe and Seaford J a i l . 2 6 - F e b . 1, 2 0 0 7 529 Broadway. Bethpage. New York U?»4 5 0 CeM8
R E L A Y F O R L I F E : A New Stage for Students to Shine!
Making a Difference and , Bethpage Scho°l District Unveils the
° JJ New Bethpage High School Center for the Performing Arts
Coming to Bethpage! ^H
Unfortunately, it is accurate to say that almost everyone knows someone
whose life has been changed with a diagnosis of cancer. All of our lives sadly
have been touched by this disease and it is a very real and very scary thing to
be forced to face. And while this disease comes in a variety of forms and has no
prejudice with whom it strikes, research is being conducted each and every day
and we have made great strides in treating, preventing and even curing various
types of cancer. It is our hope that someday cancer will be a disease of the past,
much like polio, and lives will no longer have to be shattered with a diagnosis
of cancer.
Until that miraculous day comes and a cure1 is found the American Cancer
Society tirelessly raises funds as well as awareness to help fight and abolish this
disease. The American Cancer Society hosts a variety of events and programs
and this year Bethpage is proud to host "Relay for Life" right here in our own
town.
"Relay for Life" is a twenty year old program which was started by a doctor
who walked for 24 hours to raise awareness and money for cancer research.
Today it is an event that is hosted throughout the country and the community of
Bethpage is proud and elated to be able to host this spectacular event.
"Relay" is an overnight event which invites participants to form team$-and
join together with their community in a camp out of sorts. During the overnight
event participants take shifts walking around the track as well as take part in a
variety of fun activities and entertainment. The event begins with a dinner in
honor of cancer survivors and is kicked off with survivors leading the way and
making the first lap around the track.The next lap survivors are joined with
caregivers and needless to say it is a very emotional start to a very special
event. "Relay for Life" is hosted not only to raise funds but also to honor sur­vivors
who are a true inspiration to everyone, memorialize those who lost their
battle and pay tribute to those caregivers who have given and continue to give
unselfishly of themselves . In addition to walking around the track, luminary
bags are sold and placed along the perimeter of the track. These luminary bags
are in honor of, or in memory of loved ones who are dealing with or who have
dealt with cancer. I can not begin to describe the heartfelt messages that lumi­nary
bags are adorned with. These bags are lit and all night long walkers make
their way around the track in the glow of these meaningful bags.
The date for Bethpage's first "Relay for Life" is June 2, 2007 and will be
hosted at the Bethpage High School Football Field. The event begins at approx­imately
5pm and continues until the following morning. I can not explain what
it feels like to be a part of a "Relay." I participated in the event in Massapequa
and it was one of the most special events I have ever been a part of. It is an
evening of hope. And it is an evening that we hope will highlight the best of the
community of Bethpage. Although obviously, I am partial, I believe with all my
heart that the community of Bethpage is comprised of the most giving and car­ing
people. We are a community that has been through a lot and we are always
there for each other. Now it is our turn to but our hearts and energies to the test
by making our debut "Relay for Life" AMAZING! Bethpage may not be the
biggest town but we certainly and proudly can boast the biggest hearts!
The "Relay for Life" kickoff reception will be held on February 28, 2007 at
the Bethpage Jewish Center on Broadway in Bethpage. The event begins at
7pm and will fully explain what "Relay" is and why it is so important and
meaning to be a part of it. The theme for this fabulous kick off is "PIRATES of
the CURE-ibbean" and is sure to be a fun and informative event. If you want
more information about "Relay" or the American Cancer Society visit their
website at www.cancer.org or contact Relay Chairperson Judy Wichter at beth-pagerelay@
yahoo.com. Nonetheless, mark your calendar and plan on being a
part of a fantastic event that is making a difference in so many lives. BE A
PART OF BETHPAGE'S RELAY FOR LIFE. You will be so happy you did.
Bethpage Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Marsh, flanked by Board of
Education President Mike Kelly, Board Vice President Tom Frost and Bethpage High
School Director of Drama William Kroupa, unveiled the new "Bethpage High School
Center for the Performing Arts" to the community at the school's winter concert, the
first performance in the newly renovated Bethpage High School auditorium.
"It was nine months ago that I stood here at the end of the final performance of
Fame last April and proclaimed that the performing arts are alive and well in
Bethpage!" Dr. Marsh told the crowd. "Tonight, after looking at our beautiful new
auditorium, I can say that the performing arts will now be more alive and well in
Bethpage than ever before!'"
The new venue includes new flooring, seating, wall treatments, lighting, acoustic
wall panels for enhanced sound, and soundproofing. A new heating/ventilation system
has also been installed. "Our students work so hard to prepare for these performances
that it's nice to see them have such a great venue," said Bethpage Districtwide Music
Coordinator Paula Farbman, who directed the choruses during the center's inaugural
concert. "The new lighting and sound greatly contribute to the quality of the perform­ances.
The acoustics are built in such a way that even without using a microphone, it
sounds significantly better." (Continued on page 11)
LET'S CLEAN UP OUR ACT!
The Bethpage Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the formation of the
Bethpage Chamber of Commerce Junior League (BCCJL). This group of dedicated
young men and women are involved and interested in making Bethpage a better
place for everyone. As part of the Bethpage Chamber of Commerce the BCCJL will
and have taken part in many of the events of the Chamber of Commerce. Presently
these student members they are embarking on a clean up Bethpage campaign which
has BCCJL members pitching in and cleaning up Bethpage.
This brings the Chamber to their next point cleaning up Bethpage. The
Bethpage Chamber of Commerce is urgently asking local merchants to pitch in and
clean up in front of their stores. Sac" < the downtown area looks terrible as it is lit­tered
with garbage and trash. Not • iing up gives our shopping district look terri­ble
and we believe detracts froir ' less. As merchant we all need to have pride in
our community and if that irr ^ping your storefront and curb line every
morning, maintaining garbcH' front of your store or obeying the appropriate
days to put out your tras^ .J a small price to pay for being a part of such a
special community. (Continued on page 11)