Keyword: 'David Weingrad' | Herald Community Newspapers

The Kennedy Cougar wrestling team defeated a tough Mepham High School squad 53-15.

Hundreds of Kennedy High School students, faculty members and alumni donned their school colors –– green and white –– and joined together in the gym for “Jam the Gym: Wrestling Night.” The school’s cheerleading and kickline teams helped pump up the crowd before the school’s wrestling squad took on Mepham High School and came out victorious 53-15. more

By David Weingrad, dweingrad@liherald.com | 1/18/12

Russian-born musician Sergei Gurbelo entertained Merokeans, playing several instruments, including the saxophone.

Jazzin’ it up at the N. Merrick Library

The North Merrick Library recently welcomed Russian-born virtuoso instrumentalist Sergei Gurbelo for a special performance. Gurbelo, an international performer and recording artist, entertained Merokeans with the saxophone, flute, clarinet, harmonica, pan flute, penny whistle and the ocarina. Concert attendees sat back and were captivated by Gurbelo’s musical diversity. more

By David Weingrad, dweingrad@liherald.com | 1/16/12

Russell Saporito of Merrick shoveled his sidewalk during a winter snowstorm last January.

Bellmore-Merrick chiropractors offer tips for pain-free snow-shoveling

While Nassau County has been mostly devoid of snowfall this winter, temperatures have dropped of late, leading weather-savvy residents to believe that the first snowfall of 2012 may be coming sooner rather than later. more

By David Weingrad, dweingrad@liherald.com | 1/11/12

State Sen. Charles Fuschillo, who represents Merrick and Bellmore, said his top priority for 2012 is to approve a state budget without raising taxes.

Bellmore-Merrick leaders look ahead to 2012

Only a couple of weeks into the New Year, local leaders have already set their priorities for 2012. Elected, civic and business leaders from across the Merricks and Bellmores recently spoke with the Herald and shared what they plan to focus on in the coming year. more

By David Weingrad, dweingrad@liherald.com | 1/11/12

Butch Yamali, the new owner of Coral House in Baldwin, hopes to keep the staff and add some high tech to the operation.

Merrick resident purchases Coral House

Merrick resident Butch Yamali first stepped into the Coral House in Baldwin in 1970, when he was 8. He was there with his mother, Dorothy, for an Island Park Cub Scout dinner. Little did he know that one day he would own the place, one of the South Shore’s most prestigious catering and banquet halls. more

David Weingrad | 1/5/12

Butch Yamali admired photographs of the original Coral House, which was built in the early 1900s, and plans to renovate and upgrade in a way that maintain the integrity and history of the structure.

Merokean purchases the Coral House

Merrick resident Butch Yamali first stepped into the Coral House in Baldwin in 1970, when he was 8. He was there with his mother, Dorothy, for an Island Park Cub Scout dinner. Little did he know that one day he would own the place, one of the South Shore’s most prestigious catering and banquet halls. more

By David Weingrad, dweingrad@liherald.com | 1/4/12

The Merrick Jewish Centre recently made history, lighting 782 menorahs simultaneously to set a new Guinness World Record. More than 1,000 community members attended the festivities for a night of prayer and celebration. Above, from left, were organizers Jamey Kohn, Karen Katz and Rabbi Charles Klein of the Merrick Jewish Centre, joined by Gabriel Ades, 5, of Merrick.

Merrick Jewish Centre goes into Guinness record book

With 782 menorahs burning brightly on Dec. 21, the Merrick-Bellmore community made history at the Merrick Jewish Centre. More than 1,000 community members from throughout the Merricks, Bellmores and beyond joined together at the synagogue, on Fox Boulevard in Merrick, to set the Guinness World Record for the greatest number of menorahs lit simultaneously. more

By David Weingrad, dweingrad@liherald.com | 1/3/12

Jill Levine, the Merrick Herald's Person of the Year, with her husband, Craig, and son Josh at the sixth annual Robbie's Run last spring.

Merrick Herald Person of the Year –– Jill Levine, saving lives, one AED at a time

On Sept. 27, 2005, Jill and Craig Levine faced the unthinkable. Their 9-year-old son Robbie was rounding the bases during a Merrick Little League practice at Levy-Lakeside Elementary School in Merrick when he suddenly collapsed at home plate. He stopped breathing, and had no pulse. Craig, an oral surgeon trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, gave his son CPR for five long, terrifying minutes until a paramedic arrived with a defibrillator and administered electric-shock treatment. But Robbie never woke up. more

By Scott Brinton and David Weingrad, sbrinton@liherald.com or dweingrad@liherald.com | 12/30/11

Rabbi Shimon Kramer, center, of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, thanked the U.S. Army veterans in attendance.

Chabad lights the night with giant menorahs

If you happened to notice a U.S. military Humvee leading two limousines with giant menorahs atop them through Merrick and Bellmore streets last week, you were not dreaming. more

By Deirdre Krasula and David Weingrad | 12/27/11

A Horatio Avenue house in North Merrick shines at dusk.

Holiday spirit shines in the Merricks

No doubt, Merrick families are in the holiday spirit, adorning their homes with bright lights, lawn ornaments and other assorted decorations. At times, the house-decorating tradition escalates into a lighthearted competition among neighbors, as homeowners try to outdo one another in festive cheer. As a result, bright lights shine through the winter darkness across the Merricks. more

By David Weingrad, dweingrad@liherald.com | 12/22/11