On Friday, Levy Lakeside School celebrated it's 60th anniversary by dedicating a commemorative permanent exhibit, titled "Merrick Then and Now". The exhibit is located in the main hallway of the school and features old photos of Merrick landmarks – like the Benjamin Seaman house and the Bonnie Haime-Skyfield House – next to photos of what is currently there or what the location currently looks like. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

Merokeans and beyond came out in droves on Sunday to participate in the seventh annual Robbie's Run, hosted by the Robbie Levine Foundation. The foundation was named after Levine, a nine-year old who seemed healthy, but collapsed while running the basis at a little league game and passed away. The foundation works to increase awareness of the need for and importance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), which was not available when Levine collapsed and could have saved his life. There was a fun run for kids, a one-mile walk and a 5K run around south Merrick. Patch was there to cover …

Recently, the North and Central Merrick Civic Association brought spring to Merrick with it's annual Eggstravanganza. Eggs were hunted, snacks were had, the Easter Bunny paid a visit and fun was had by all. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

Recently, the cheerleading squads from Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District came together to host a cheering competition. Mepham, Kennedy and Calhoun all participated in the friendly rivalry and helped to spread cheer through the town. "This was the first time in district that all three schools have hosted something together and, for that matter, hosting a cheerleading competition for Long Island," Kelly Wehle, coach of Kennedy cheerleading, said. "It really was a huge success and the parents of the schools really made this event happen," she added. In addition to the fun, Kennedy's …

On Thursday, the Merrick Chamber of Commerce held their 2012 Installation Dinner at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place, where Randy Shotland, the current Chamber president, was sworn in to another term by New York State Assemblyman David McDonough, along with several other new board members. The Chamber also honored their 2012 Man of the Year, Alphonse Lage, and Woman of the Year, Meme Wanderman. This evening the businesses of the Merrick came together as one to strengthen their cause of supporting each other going into 2012 and beyond.

On Wednesday, the Merrick Jewish Center attempted to break a record for the most Menorahs lit at the same time in celebration of Hanukkah. Nearly 800 Menorahs were lit simultaneously in attempt to celebrate the festival of lights and break the world record. The previous world record was set in 2009 when 358 people lit menorahs at a Moscow nightclub. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw though the view finder.

Chatterton was on stage on Sunday at Applebee's in Bellmore for a flap jack fundraiser. Chatterton School patrons all arrived ready for pancakes and to be served by the school's stage director, choreographer, alumni and production team. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

Hosted by the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, Santa paid his first visit to Merrick on Saturday, as boys and girls of all ages gathered to meet him. In addition, the Calhoun choir performed and the girl scouts served snacks and drinks. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

Although a chilly day in Merrick, American Legion Post #1282 hosted a heart-warming tribute to Veterans of past and present. In addition to the Legion, Boy Scouts Lee Bono, Matthew Neery and Zack Lubinsky took part in the ceremony, as did Jack Silverman who played "Taps" at the event. "Veteran's day is a day to pay tribute, but our 'thank yous' and our tributes are actually inadequate for the service that was done," Legis. Dave Denenberg said. "At the same time, the men and women who put their lives on the line for our concept of liberty did it for a lot less. They didn't do it for a holiday …

The North and Central Merrick Community Civic Assocition brought out the neighborhood's Halloween spirit on Sunday. The Spooktacular, held at Frasier Park, brought out children of all ages and their parents to show off their costumes, nab some candy, have a silly string fight, make cards for the veterans and just bond with each other. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

Halloween is the time of year when kids can be someone or something else. The Merrick Chamber of Commerce made sure to highlight this spooky time of year at the fall festival. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

It was a clear weekend in Merrick from Oct. 21 to 23, making it a perfect weekend to celebrate fall. The Merrick Chamber of Commerce kicked off the annual fall festival on Saturday and the crowd just kept growing until sundown on Sunday. With rides, a business fair, food, live music, pony rides and much more, the town was bustling all weekend long. "It was busy," Ira Reiter, vice president, Chamber of Commerce, said. "We had a lot more vendors here – about 250 vendors – and the crowd reponse has been great. With the weather, this was truely a fall festival."Missed the fun? Patch was there …

Although Sept. 23 was a rainy night in North Merrick, it did not dampen the spirit of the students attending Sacred Heart School's back-to-school barbecue.  The children enjoyed musical chairs, hula hoops, freeze dance, and a delicious dinner. The festivities may have had to be moved indoors, but it didn't stop the fun. Patch covered the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

A temperate evening coupled with the excitement of homecoming got the spirit raging at Calhoun High School's pep rally on Friday. From cheerleaders to community members, everyone left the rally ready to cheer the Colts to a homecoming victory. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

It is official – summer is done and everyone has gone back to school. With everything from the first day of school to welcome back picnics behind them, students are ready to settle in to a year of learning as well as some fun. Patch covered the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

The 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks is on Sunday. That day marked a day that no one will ever forget, especially the people of Merrick. Patch visited some of the local memorials that pay tribute to those lost on that day. See what we saw through the view finder.

Two Guys and A Gal was filmed in front of a studio Audience. Well, they really weren't but the chemistry between these three performers was like making gold. The merry Mike K., the humorous Les Degen, and the radiant Sara Celina all gave a wonderful performance.  Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

The Baking Coach was born from the creative mind of Lisa Basini. Its a program that teaches a sense of home in the best room in the house, the kitchen. Basini and her staff enjoy teaching baking and cooking privately, libraries, schools and other non-for profit organizations. Baking Coach Jean DiPietro recently showed a small group of Merrick Library patrons how to prepare dog biscuits that will be yummy for a few special canines. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

During the summer months, the Merrick Williamsport 12-year-old team kept busy. The team went all the way to the finals this year against Massapequa Coast. Although Merrick went on to drop the district title game, the fun on the field never stopped. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder.

On Tuesday, two beams from the World Trade Center came to rest in Merrick. The Merrick Fire Department brought home an 18-foot piece of steel and a 24-foot piece of steel. One will stand at the Friendship Engine and Hose Company No. 2 and the other will head to the Merrick Avenue location. Patch was there to cover the action. See what we saw through the view finder. In the coming weeks, Merrick Patch will be looking back at 9/11 through the lens of local residents' experiences on the day of the attacks and the years the followed. If you'd like to share your story, write emily.cappiello@patch.…