Larry's Backyard: March 2007

Innaugural Paul Limmer Invitational

Today, on the very track where he worked for 33 years, we honored the man who led us as our coach. It would be impossible to measure the influence of this single man on so many young men and women. Coach Dave Frazer wrote, "Paul Limmer has given so much to many young student athletes. He has always shown confidence in the abilities of his charges. The confidence that he showed us in the field of atheltics has continued to grow with us in the fields of business, education, law, and medicine as well as or family lives."

He cared (and still cares) deeply about all of us. It was so appropriate that this meet took place today. It too was a reflection of how well respected this man is not only among Mepham runners but the whole Island and beyond. I think I speak for everyone of us who ever wore a maroon jersey and heard the words of Paul Limmer encouraging us on that we were a privileged group.

What a privilege to be at the Innaugural Paul Limmer Invitational!

Thanks Coach!

The official Tee Shirt

Robert Sanfilippo, Peter Graber and the Coach as he arrived this morning

Coach Dave Frazer and His Wife
Great job guys!!!

He graduated from Mepham in 1994 and was coached by Paul Limmer. His dad (with his back to us) has been a Bellmore Volunteer Fireman for 35 years and served a chief for twenty of those years. His brother coaches Valley Stream North and another brother assists him. The four Frazer brothers have been 11 Nassau County Champions, 2 New York State Champions and one National Champion. Mama Frazer has been the host of Mepham Cross Country Pasta Dinners since 1992. Coach Limmer said to me that they are one incredible family. Mom and Dad Frazer treat us Alumni as part of their family.

God bless you guys!

One of the best story tellers I know.
He has some very interesting stories,
many of which include us!
He has one incredible memory!

Alex Cuozzo (75) and Coach

Some of the action today
53 schools
1,500 participants in Mepham's largest track meet
in the history of the school

We had a great time just talking to each other, laughing and remembering.

Art McQuillan, Retired Mepham Prinicipal and Robert Sanfilippo
Art's seven children have been on Mepham Track and Cross Country
spanning the years 1980 through 1999.
His son, Mike, is the coach of Valley Stream Central,
the team winner of the meet!
Congratulations Mike!
And to you Art! You and the Frazers have raised some wonderful kids!

Coach Limmer and Coach Frazer

Alex holding an old picture of Mr. Limmer

Here it is!
No wonder they used to think you were one of the students, Coach!

Group Shot(s) there were so many alumni we couldn't all fit in one picture!

Mr. Limmer told me that Mike Rozea was there - somehow I missed him. The place was a madhouse. The administation had no idea there was going to this many people (and buses). It was quite a sight for sure! I wonder who else I missed. We'll need to set up an Alumni Booth or something next year. They had a varsity baseball game going as well as a kids soccer practice and LaCrosse during the day.

For me it was pretty cool to see Mepham's Track Team and the man that made it great begin to get some of the recognition it deserves. It was Paul Limmer who brought everyone there. It was his day!

Here is the combined shot done by my good friend who is a runner himself, John Foster

Thanks John! Next year I hope you can join us in person!

The Concession Stand
run by team member's parents

Some of today's runners

Coach recruiting for the 2021 Team

A personal note: It is an added blessing for me to live 17 minutes from the coach today (and for the past 23 years). Many have been the times I have stopped by to still find a man who will listen and encourage me as well as get some incredible plants. Some of you know that in his "retirement" he has also become known around the Island, country and even the world as a Day Lily Hybirdizer Par Excellent. Check out his backyard at these sites: http://www.lidaylily.org/MemberGardens/Limmer.htm http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=5767626&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;uid=1790830
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=11615367&uid=1790830

God bless you Coach!

Labels: Coach, Mepham

The Coach

I'm heading back to Bellmore for the day. We are honoring our coach, Paul Limmer, with a track meet in his name. This is the first. He coached for 33 years. He and I have maintained a great relationship over the years and live close to one another. He is my supplier of Day Lilies. It will be a great day.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12.1

New Blog For Mets Fans

http://metsfaithful.blogspot.com/

Author, My Nephew Chad

Prelude To Holy Week

Into Jerusalem and into People's Hearts

On Palm Sunday long ago
Jesus rode a donkey
Into Jerusalem
Son of God, Man of Sorrow

Crowds came to cheer
The end they thought
Of Roman Rule and tyranny
Jesus of Nazareth is setting us free

They didn't know nor suspect
That by this Holy Week's end
The Messiah would lay down His life
for His friends

He sought to enter people's hearts
As He does today
His desire to bring real peace
But so often He's turned away

Jerusalem shut Him out
Yet there were those who believed
Keep spreading the Good News
Planting that precious Gospel Seed

For meek souls will receive Him Still
And He will enter in
like Nicodemus of long ago
They will be born again

Lord, stregthen Your Church
In these last days
Give us holy fire
We'll do your Work
While its still light
Seeking souls deep in the mire.

Lead on O King Eternal
For soon time will be no more
It won't be long until we all
Are gathered on heaven's shore.

More Crocuses!

Just moments ago...

These guys have been out front for as long as I can remember. It is good to see them making their appearance again!

Back for a Third Year!

If you look on the brown stick just inside the pond you will see a leopard frog that is turning into a tadpole. (Click on the picture and it will enlarge letting you see a better view of him). This picture was taken last year. This guy stayed through the winter and in the last couple of day's emerged from a long winter's nap. It is so cool to walk out to the pond and have him dive under when he sees me coming.

The Northern Leopard Frog is the first of its kind to emerge after winter. It hibernates under the water. It can take in oxygen through its skin! If you are reading this carefully then you are saying, "Wait this guy was a tadpole last year and you said you have had him for three years." I put him in as a tadpole in the summer of 2005. He chose to remain a tadpole that year and hibernated as one. They can do that if they desire. Isn't that amazing?! (source: http://northern.edu/natsource/AMPHIB1/Northe1.htm)

Brother Hazard told me once, "It is a wonderful world God has created." I certainly agree. Like the hymn says, "Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, sun moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy Great Faithfulness, Mercy and Love! Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Morning by Morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy Hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, LORD unto me!"

Amaryllis Blooms

This bloom broke off (accidently) while still a bud. I put it in water and
there it is. Several more plants are putting out second scapes
like the one behind the spider plant.
The Amaryllis, The Day Lily
and Changchun's Official City Flower,
the Kiffar Lily are all in the same family.