So long, East Meadow

While I’ve lived my entire life in North Merrick, just miles away from East Meadow, I never thought about the community much until I started covering it. Before then, it was simply “that place with the big park in it.”

But once I became the editor of the East Meadow Herald in October 2012, that perception changed immediately. I was shocked by not only the size and scope of the community and all it has to offer, but by the amazing sense of harmony and camaraderie it holds.

And it all starts with the people. Whether it’s the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the civic groups, veterans organizations, local elected leaders, the senior centers, the library or the schools, everybody seems to be connected around one single goal — making East Meadow a better place for all.

But here, in East Meadow, helping your neighbor is second nature. And that’s what I will always remember about this community.

In three years as your editor, I’ve covered a lot — a competition between top developers to earn the right to transform the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum; communities uniting to successfully oppose a gambling parlor proposal; East Meadow’s marching bands, year after year, taking first place in the Columbus Day Parade; and more recently, I’ve seen a revolution inside the school district for the benefit of the community’s youth.

I’ve attended several Christmas tree and menorah lightings in freezing temperatures; Thanksgiving dinners where the Kiwanis Club feeds hundreds of senior citizens for free; PTA Council Founder’s Day dinners; Chamber of Commerce Culinary Delights fundraisers; and high school graduations.

I’ve interviewed Holocaust survivors, World War II veterans, professional athletes, Science Intel semifinalists from right here in this school district who will go on to change the world, and everyday residents who just want to do their small part to help their community.

I can’t say thank you enough to all of the people who welcomed me with open arms and helped introduce me to the community. Most of all, I appreciate your trust and confidence as the unofficial wordsmith of East Meadow.

Please welcome Julie Mansmann, who will take over as East Meadow editor effective Nov. 4. As a three-year veteran of the Herald, I know her dedication and skill will make for a seamless transition from one editor to another.

Although I am moving on to a new profession, I definitely plan to continue attending East Meadow events. So if you see me, please tap me on the shoulder and say hello. And don’t hesitate to tell me all the news I’ve missed since my departure.

I’m never one to want to miss a good story.