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Chowing down on clams for Cooper By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Tim Baker/Herald
First-place finisher Larry Lehr of the East Rockaway Fire Department consumed 45 clams in the final of Peter’s clam eating contest on Sunday. Behind him as he celebrated were, from left, interim Town Supervisor John Ferretti, Peter’s Clam Bar owner Butch Yamali, former U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and Oceanside Fire commissioner Mike Graham.
Island Park’s waterfront was packed with cheering spectators on Sunday as the 11th annual clam-eating contest returned to Peter’s Clam Bar — delivering its signature blend of outrageous fun and heartfelt community spirit. The day featured the highenergy Firehouse Challenge, in which contestants devoured nearly one thousand clams in pursuit of glory and the coveted championship belt. Hosted by Anthony D’Esposito, former congressCOnTinUED On PAGE 10
Friedberg JCC’s Parkinson’s boxing program packs a punch By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The sound of gloves hitting heavy bags echoed through the fitness room at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside on Aug. 7, when instructor Steve Solomon led a group of five seniors through a Parkinson’s boxing class. Gloria Lebeaux, senior director of social services at the JCC, said the twice-a-week program is a lifeline for those with the progressive disease. “ I t ’s r e a l l y i m p o r t a n t , because it’s the only thing that, scientifically, has any impact on Parkinson’s at all,” Lebeaux s a i d . “ M e d i c at i o n h a s a n impact on symptoms, but it
doesn’t reduce the disease. Exercise — and boxing in particular — has been shown to have an actual impact on the disease process.” Boxing’s unique combination of footwork, coordination and cognitive focus works the b r a i n a n d b o dy t o g e t h e r, improving balance, posture and mental sharpness. Lebeaux said that the program is promoted by local doctors and therapists as well as word of mouth. “Doctors refer here, physical therapists refer here, and people call us themselves,” she said. “This is just one piece of what we do for Parkinson’s — we offer discussion groups,
caregiver support, and lots of different activities.” The boxing program runs twice a week — on Mondays, at 12:45 p.m., when it draws a particularly large group, and again on Thursdays, at 6 p.m., a smaller, more intimate session. Tom Minlionica, 73, of Baldwin, who has Parkinson’s, said the sessions are more motivating than typical exercise. “It helps, and I notice the difference,” he said. “It’s something I look forward to.” Hewlett resident Steve Toor, 74, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019, after noticing mobility issues during a business trip to Las Vegas. His doctor identified the condition
based on changes in his arm swing and gait — Toor didn’t have the common tremors, but instead experienced muscle tightness that shortened his stride. “Every neurologist says the best thing you can do for Parkinson’s is to stay active — and they especially recommend boxing,” he said. “When you box, every muscle in your body
is used. You’re moving your legs, punching with your arms and working your upper body.” To o r h a s b e e n a c t i v e throughout his life, regularly playing softball and other sports. His diagnosis was a shock. Since his neurologist advised him to stay active, he has added boxing at the JCC. East Rockaway resident COnTinUED On PAGE 11