It was the biggest and best Swim-A-Cross in the 15 year history of the event. They set a record with 183 swimmers taking part on Friday, Aug. 20. Since 2002, people have dedicated their swim to heroes. In 2002 and 2003 those being honored were the emergency workers and citizens who lost their lives in the collapse of the World Trade Center. This year, the field was expanded to a person in the swimmer's life who has greatly impacted their life, as a hero often does: a teacher, police officer, firefighter, US Service member, parent, family member, community leader, etc.

Jim Meyerdierks of Oyster Bay swam in honor of Wade Brian Green who passed away September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center. Jim said that Wade, who worked at Thomas Financial Services, was a friend to everyone with a smile that never faded.

Daniel, 14, Julie, 13, and Shelly Egnor of Stony Brook along with Donna Meltzer of East Norwich, are all swimming in honor of their hero Julie Meltzer. Grandmother, mother and friend, Julie Meltzer volunteered to serve in the US Army and cared for many patients, including her future husband who was badly wounded during the war.

Renata and Jeff Maimone swam in honor of Jeff's father Joseph Maimone of Bayville. Eileen Relyea swam in honor of her hero, her mother Helen Griffin. Tucker Mitchell swam in honor of her friend Rev. Peter Sweisgood and Travis Mitchell swam in honor of his swim coach Charlie Butt who has taught at the Piping Rock club for 52 years. James Meyerdierks honored his dad James as both swam and members of the Woodstock family swam again, honoring their father.

As is customary, the first bus to leave the Centre Island Beach parking lot held the fastest swimmers as they headed for the dock where they would begin their one-mile swim. Judge Lally gave last minute directions to the top swimmers: "Don't go until I tell you it is OK which will be when the lifeguards are there in place. Stay within 10 feet of the red markers." She also told them that Renata Maimone would be the first swimmer to leave the dock, along with her son Jeffrey, in deference to her age, 86. Renata has swum in each Swim-A-Cross since the inception of the fund-raising event for the Red Cross.

As the crowd waited for the swimmers to arrive at the finish line at Centre Island Beach, one lone swimmer lead all the rest. Matt Descovich of Plainview, was by far the fastest swimmer that day. This was his sixth Swim-A-Cross, and the third time he was first to finish. He now swims at Stony Brook University where he is a freshman. Previously he swam at the Long Island Aquatic Club.

The second person to exit the water was Erica Eikeseth of Staten Island. Third on the shore was a very happy Scott Gormley of Williston Park. Fourth out of the water was Woodbury swimmer Anjali Suneja. The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth in were all from Roslyn, and waited for each other to exit the water. They had a great sense of camaraderie working for them.

The Swim-A-Cross is a fund-raiser for ARC/Nassau. Swimmers raised money through sponsorships. All proceeds benefit local disaster relief, lifesaving programs, and services for military members and their families. ARC/Nassau receives no government funding and relies solely on the community for support. For more information call Thea Linscott at 747-3500, ext. 215.