The Jericho Athletic Association tradition of sponsoring an annual picnic during its baseball and softball playoffs was not stopped by the continuing rainy weather we have experienced this spring. On Saturday morning, June 14, after another week of wet weather, the barbecues by Zorn's was set up in anticipation of a big turnout. By mid morning the sun came out as the playoffs began. During the day, our various leagues, with some very exciting playoff games were constantly using all five baseball fields at the high school.

This annual event is one of Jericho's favorite community activities. With well over 1,000 Jericho residents in attendance during the day, Zorn's was kept very busy serving up an unlimited supply of hamburgers, hot dogs and its delicious chicken. The JAA raffled off hundreds of basketballs, footba1ls, soccer balls, surfboards and a whole array of other prizes. With rides set up for the kids...the day was highlighted by the arrival of our local ice cream truck to provide a welcome dessert for all to enjoy, also compliments of the Jericho Athletic Association.

Councilman Anthony Macagnone and Judge Kenneth Diamond, who both provided a warm welcome to all in attendance, also attended the day's event, along with many other local dignitaries. The Jericho schools were represented by Superintendent of Schools, Hank Grishman, School Board members, Hilari Cohen, Barbara Krieger and Ira Checkla and our three elementary school principals, Barbara Bauer, Jeff Ratner and Marty Weissman.

Jack Schnitt, president of the JAA, thanked everyone for coming. He extended his gratitude to the Jericho School Board, along with Mr. Grishman, for their continued support of our various sport programs. He also noted a special 'thank you' to everyone on the Jericho Athletic Association's Executive Board, Allen Algaze, Chet Bogdan, Craig Marshall, Dick Rosen, Glenn Ruden, Frank Davis, Harold Wanderman, Joel Sweetbaum, Jon Gelbwaks, Lisa Goren, Marc Wiener, Tim Drake, Tom Zimmerman and Bill Coyle. Through these individual's tireless efforts and dedication to the community, the Jericho Athletic Association provides an exciting sports program for the children of our community.

The day's events started at 11 am under a long forgotten sunshine and ended on schedule at 4pm, when the skies opened up with a big drenching thunderstorm. The day was a most successful community activity and the tradition of the Jericho Athletic Association of putting on this picnic for the Jericho residents will continue next year.