Netzach Wins MYHSAL JV Softball Championship

Congratulations to the MYHSAL JV Softball Champion Netzach Knights. The fairytale run for Netzach was completed this past Sunday, as they were crowned champions after beating MAY by a score of 5-0 in the championship game. Championship MVP was awarded to Star Pitcher Avi Kurtz, who pitched yet another spectacular shutout game, had three hits at the plate and led his team the whole way on this special run. Outfielder Shlomo Mermelstein got the scoring started for Netzach with a 2 run RBI Triple in the top of the first inning, Catcher Yisroel Davidson knocked in 2 runs with an RBI double in the top of the fourth, and Second Basemen Duvie Wechter drove in a run with an RBI Double in the top of the fifth. As has been the case for Netzach throughout this postseason run, the play in the field was flawless. Outfielders Mittman, Mermelstein, Levy and Barron were unbelievable and made play after play. In the in-field, 3B Gestetner, SS Light, 2B Wechter, 1B Hershkowitz and Catcher Davidson were incredible as well. DH’s Adar, Neuman, Futersak and Berg all played huge roles hitting down the stretch. Netzach Coaches Reich, Davidson and Gestetner did an outstanding job, as the tremendous growth and improvement from each player and as a team were evident as the season progressed.

Huge underdogs from the outset of the season, Netzach went on to shock a lot of people and finished the regular season with a 6-2 record. They went on to beat Darchei 1-0 in the Quarterfinals thanks to playoff hero Duvie Wechter’s walk-off homer, they traveled all the way to Deal, NJ, and knocked off the previously unde - feated Hillel in the Semifinals by a score of 2-0, and now, Netzach finished it off in style with yet another shutout victory, this time in the big game.

Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services Hosts Chanukas Habayis

Shortly before Pesach, eight women with developmental disabilities moved into a newly-renovated home in Cedarhurst, NY, which was made possible by Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services. Last weekend, Ohel hosted a housewarming for the women, with the help of local elected officials, family members, neighbors, Ohel Board members and staff.

During a short program, Jay Kestenbaum, Ohel Co-President, said, “I have lived in the Five Towns for over 50 years, and this community continues to flourish. I remember landmark buildings like Congregation Beth Shalom and when Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst was built. This new Ohel home is an addition to landmark buildings that this community will know for many years.”

Reuven Moskowitz shared with guests his connection to Ohel and this home where his sister Deena lives. “For me to know that my sister is being cared for in such a warm and loving place is very special. This doesn’t happen if you don’t have Ohel; it doesn’t happen if you don’t have dedicated staff, neighbors, and all the families who have helped to pull this together.”

In addition, Deputy Mayor Ari Brown on behalf of Mayor Ben Weinstock, joined by Village Trustees Israel Wasser and Daniel Plaut and Village Administrator Salvatore Evola was on hand to share a proclamation, which read in part, “Whereas, this remarkable initiative provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals with developmental disabilities, empowering them to live full and enriching lives; and Whereas, the newly established home not only serves as a residence but also as a platform for invaluable training opportunities, enabling these individuals to acquire essential skills and enhance their independence, underscoring the commitment of the Village of Cedarhurst to the importance of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.”

After the program, the invited guests mingled in the home’s lovely backyard and enjoyed a light lunch, deepening relationships among all who support these women, new members of the Cedarhurst community.

One of Ohel’s priorities is empowering adults with disabilities to live independently. The organization offers residences like this home and apartments throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Nassau County. For more information, visit ohelfamily.org and follow Ohel on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.