"It feels good to be in the situation to embrace a neighborhood that has embraced me. This park saved me and kept me out of trouble."

That was how Amityville High School graduate and New Orleans Hornet Mike James described his feelings as he hosted the 4th Annual Mike James Day at Bolden Mack Park in Amityville July 26.

"I've been blessed to earn a living playing a game

love," he said. " I learned that game on the courts at Bolden Park. It only makes sense that I would come back and support my community."

The Mike James Day is a grassroots effort that seeks to bring together Suffolk County residents, community leaders, officials and businesses to develop ideas that assist with providing safe neighborhoods, eliminating health disparities and promoting healthy families. This free community event engages members of the community to provide resourceful information, food and live entertainment to a very diverse audience.

Mike James has partnered with several city and government entities to provide a voter's registration drive, free immunizations, free glaucoma screenings, free HIV testing and more. Guests also enjoyed free rides, face painting, balloon animals and a celebrity street ball tournament. The event also included a free old school concert featuring the legendary Chubb Rock and the renowned DJ Dana Dane.

In 2005, the Suffolk County city officials handed the 2004 NBA Champion the keys to the city after Mike's financial donation to assist with revitalizing the park. On that day, the park was officially renamed, The Mike James Court at Bolden Mack Park.

"All I see is potential here," said James who was joined by residents and young people at the event in Amityville.

In talking about the choices and challenges facing today's youth, James pointed out that it is important to focus on what is important and what is good.

"I could have been sucked up in the negative energy," he said, adding that it was the Park and the positive opportunities he saw that made the difference in his life. "I am still very connected to Amityville," he said. "My family is here, my heart is here."