Oceanside/Island Park letters to the editor, week of August 23

‘Histories’ series brought up memories

To the Editor:

I loved your article about landmarks in the Herald (“Hidden histories and mysteries part 3,” Aug. 16-22). I also happen to know Bill and Mary McCaffrey, who endowed the bike pump you wrote about — they are my parents!

My parents have lived part time in Long Beach for over 20 years. After my dad’s retirement in ‘94, they moved out full-time. They loved the energy of the boardwalk and of Long Beach. We often rode our bikes along the boardwalk. Unfortunately, after my father was diagnosed with ALS, he could no longer enjoy the freedom of riding a bicycle. Still, he wanted to put the pump up so other people would always be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery that he loved. This was just one small token of the many generous things he did for Long Beach as well as for many other places and people. He passed away in June of 2009.

My mother still lives in their apartment on the boardwalk and enjoys seeing people use the pump. We sit on the bench that the family donated in his name on the boardwalk. She is still involved with St. Ignatius Church, and helps by tending to the gardens at the church as well as the rectory.

Thanks again. I’m sorry if I went on too much, but these are two very special people and it was nice to see them recognized.

Christine Lodato

Merrick

Keep on running

To the Editor:

Regarding Scott’s Brinton’s column “Taking health care into our own hands” (July 5-11):

Brinton mentioned running the 5K Robbie’s Run in April, and how he is getting back into running. I was writing a story for the Greater Long Island Running Club’s monthly publication, Footnotes, when I read his piece.

The club has 4,000 members, all road runners. The masters program for road running starts at ages 40 to 44, and goes up to 95 to 99. The races are run using five-year age groups, and because the standards always seem more doable in the next age group up, everyone looks forward to getting older. We now have 18 men who are over age 80 and still competing in races.

Four years ago, the USA Track & Field Associaton’s Masters Long-Distance Running Committee came up with a great idea. For the first time, there are now All-American standards for masters road running, known as the Road Running Standards of Excellence for Men and Women. They include races from the 5K to the marathon.

To Brinton, keep up the good work. You have lots of years left to keep on running.

Bill Benson

Valley Stream