December 2011
Fellow Merokeans,
`It's hard to believe that we are reflecting back on another year. It seems that the past five years have come and gone so fast, but this year, 2011, has certainly been one of great significance.
As we celebrate our five year anniversary, we reflect on the many accomplishments that have been achieved for our wonderful community. The first thought that comes to mind for me is the relationship that we have built with our local government. We have earned the respect of our elected officials and have received the attention from them that is required in getting things done. I would like to thank Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilwoman Angie Cullin for recognizing these accomplishments by their installing a congratulatory sign posted at Merrick and Clubhouse Roads.
Our liaison with the Town of Hempstead has resulted in continued upgrades at Julian Lane Park, and improvements with our residential streets, lighting, and street signs. County Legislator Dave Denenberg has also been a close ally by working with us on many local issues.
It's also important that we keep in communication with the 7th Precinct. I thank Commanding Officer, Inspector Mary Blanthorn, for her cooperation by keeping us informed and updated about local crime issues.
As in past years, we have continued programs such as Neighborhood Watch, "SMCCA Cares," the Franklin M. Soling Memorial Scholarship Award, and the "Spring Clean Sweep," this last item being a part of our Community Improvement Program chaired by board member Alan Jasper who has also been successful in, among other things, having thousands of potholes filled. Local Boy and Girl Scout troops have assisted us in planting flowers at the Merrick Road Post Office and local parks.
SMCCA has successfully hosted monthly meetings with interesting agendas including, "Meet the Candidates; "History of Merrick," narrated by Judge Medowar; Hurricane Emergency Preparedness, co-hosted by Senator Fuschillo and Assemblyman McDonough; Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with information about required Flood Hazard Insurance; the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter that offered adoptable pets and the "Trap-Neuter-Return" (TNR) program; and many other interesting topics.
SMCCA has also participated in local programs including "Robbies Run,” Merrick Fall Festival, and "Purple Heart Pups.”
We encourage all residents to join with us and help us continue preserving the quality of life in Merrick. All residents are welcome to attend our meetings and are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to be heard and offer advice and suggestions relating to our community. Please visit us at www.southmerrickcivic.org or contact us at southmerrickcca@yahoo.com. Membership applications are available on our website.
On behalf of all members of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, I wish you and your family a very Happy and Joyous Holiday and a Healthy New Year,
Joe Baker, President
June 2010
In February 2006, when the South
Merrick Community Civic Association held its very first monthly meeting, a
smiling gentleman approached me with a firm handshake and said “Hi, my name is
Frank Soling." He went on to say
that he thought that the idea of a community association in South Merrick was a
great idea and said that he wanted to get involved. Well, Frank not only joined but also devoted
much of his time in organizing and contributing to our success in what has
become an organization with a membership of over 200 residents.
Frank Soling passed away on June 16th. He dedicated the last four years of his life
serving as our Executive Vice President, and a little later also as Secretary of
the Historical Society of the Merricks. Frank will be missed by all of us who had the
privilege to work with him.
The first half of this year has been
one with many issues that we have been involved in. The community has continued
its protest of the many cell antennas that were installed last year in close
proximity to many homes and schools. The
Town of Hempstead Attorney’s office has retained an outside attorney who is an
expert in this field. He will draft
legislation that will hopefully prevent the stealth method used and restrict
locations in which the antennas are to be installed. In addition, a Telecommunications Taskforce
was formed consisting of concerned residents that will keep abreast of any such
proposals and help keep residents informed.
Just recently, the Freeport Village
Mayor had proposed that he will consider the construction of a Waste to Energy
(WTE) incinerator in south Freeport. This
incinerator would increase the already congested traffic on Merrick Road with
the probability of 3,200 tons of garbage from other communities being hauled by
trucks into Freeport. There is also a
threat of negative environmental impact. Most likely, barges would also haul trash via
our waterways. We, along with other
Merrick civic groups, will continue to oppose such an incinerator.
I recently met with the Assistant
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christine Grucci, to discuss school security. There have been many incidents of teens
loitering and trespassing on school property after dusk. We are currently meeting with the police and
school officials and are considering all options to prevent such activity.
As we have done for the past several
years, SMCCA donates, plants, and maintains flowers for areas of our community
such as the post office, Julian Lane Park, and entrance to Clubhouse Road.
Our Community Improvement Committee,
chaired by Alan Jasper, has succeeded in reporting numerous potholes, damaged
street signs, downed tree branches, etc. to Town of Hempstead Councilwoman
Angie Cullin, who has been very responsive in notifying the proper departments.
We also work closely with another
elected official, Legislator David Denenberg, on the county level. These liaisons have proven to be advantageous
to all residents
. Another success has been “SMCCA
Cares.” We collect food and clothing
donated by residents and bring it to the
Interfaith Nutritional Network (“INN”), located in
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions concerning our community.
On Behalf of the SMCCA and Board of Directors, we wish you
and your family a very Happy, Healthy, & Safe Summer.
Sincerely,
Joe Baker
President
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December 2009
Dear Members,
As we are about to enter a new year
we have thoughts and reflections of the year past. Although our organization has existed just
under four years, we have achieved much more then we ever anticipated.
With our membership just under 200
and growing, we have earned the reputation for being the “Voice of South
Merrick.”
Earlier this year we had, on
occasion, joined forces with the North Merrick Community Association (NMCA) and
thus provided our community with interesting joint meetings where residents had
the opportunity to discuss issues that mutually affected all of
Our coalition with other civic groups
strengthened our opposition to the cell antennas that have recently been installed
in front of homes and near schools. We
have joined with other civics to oppose the proposed rate hike by Aqua New York, and
with them are exploring the suggestion of a government run water district.
This past June hundreds of parents
and children celebrated the new playground apparatus that was installed at
Julian Lane Park. This and other
upgrades at this park were made possible due to the diplomatic relationship
between our “Parks Committee” and the Town of Hempstead.
Our prestigious “Community Service
Award” has been issued to those who have unselfishly volunteered in making our
community a better place to live. Firefighters, EMT’s and other first responders
have been the recipients of this much deserved award.
Our “Community Improvement
Committee” has succeeded in having the Town repair hundreds of reported
potholes and damaged street signs too.
A program was started and appropriately
called “SMCCA Cares.” Throughout the
entire year our members donate food and clothing that is then given by us to
the needy.
For the past several years our
organization has purchased and planted colorful flowering annuals in the summer
and festive mums in the fall displayed in front of the Merrick Road Post
Office. Tulip and daffodil bulbs were
also planted at Julian Lane Park and the entrance to Merrick Road Park and Golf
Course with the assistance of the Girl Scout Daisy Troop. This beautification project will undoubtedly
enhance these areas of Merrick.
The entire community is welcome to
attend our monthly meetings that include interesting guest speakers, prize
drawings, and refreshments.
In 2010, we will continue all of the
mentioned programs and strive to make our community one of the best on Long
Island. This can only be achieved with
your continued support. PLEASE renew
your membership promptly.
On behalf of our entire membership,
I wish you and your family a Very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Sincerely
Joe Baker
