The WAVE: Broad Channel Bits

Broad Channel Bits

By Dan Guarino

Traveling back from Fort Tilden last Saturday night, it seemed like a good evening for ice cream. So I stopped off at Waldbaum’s near Beach 116th Street along the way.You can take Channel people out of Broad Channel, but not out of the supermarket.

Sure enough, just past the produce section, I ran into Father Richard Ahlmeyer, doing some light shopping after a meeting in Brooklyn. We had a nice chat there by the baked goods.

Further on, near the seasonal aisle (summer items on one side, Halloween on the other), I ran into Dennis and Rose Malone from BC. We had a friendly chat about the Channel, and then I headed over to the freezer section.

Sure enough, when I got on line with my frosty container of Turkey Hill Moose Tracks ice cream, there was Erica (formerly Lawless) from Cross Bay Boulevard, with her groceries, waiting at the first checkout. And there was Dennis and Rose, and then me, all on the same line. All we needed was Fr. Ritchie to complete the set!

“Excuse me, “I said, “Is this the Broad Channel only line?”

The cashier looked a little confused, but everyone from BC answered, “Yes, it is!”

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Last call to get in the swim: The final registration for the CYO Boy’s Swim Team is Saturday, September 28th, at 1:30 pm at the pool at Far Rockaway High School. Spread the word and let everyone know.

Reminder: Practice times are Saturdays from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Swimmers are asked to make every effort to be on time for practice.

The American Legion will be holding their very first brunch since Hurricane Sandy. It’s this Sunday, September 29th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come down and enjoy the friends, neighbors, good company and taste you’ve been missing. The Legion hall is at 209 Cross Bay Boulevard.

Seats are going fast. Sign up now for the 6-hour Defensive Driving Class on Wednesday, October 2nd and 9th from 7 to 9 p.m. at the St. Camillus auditorium. You can save 10% on your car insurance for the next three years or take up to four points off your license.

You must attend both nights. No test will be given. Refreshments will be served.

Your $45 payment guarantees a seat. To register call Helen at 917-553-2409 or 718-945-4648.

Proceeds help support the St. Camillus – St. Virgilius CCD Program. St. Camillus is at 185 Beach 99th Street.

Make plans for the Shad Creek Association’s Annual Fall Pig Roast on Saturday, October 5th at 2 p.m. It’s $35 per person and there will be plenty of burgers, hot dogs, brats, hor d’oeuvres, roast turkey, spiral ham, roasted potatoes and veggies and a special guest appearance by the pig. Tap beer and soda will be included There’ll be 50/50’s and great raffles. Get your tickets at the door or call Bob Sacco at 917-709- 2892. Adults only please.

The BC Historical Committee is looking for pictures for the town’s historical collection and future historical calendars. Please drop off any photos at 17 East 6th Road or bring them to the Civic meetings. Photos can be copied and returned, so feel free to share your memories and our BC history, with everyone.

The long awaited Retirement Party for Rev. Andrea Zarou is now a reality after Hurricane Sandy derailed it last year. But Sandy could only slow down this celebration, it couldn’t stop it.

Anyone who would like to attend should send in their payment by Tuesday, October 15th. No money will be collected after that date.

The congregation is making a book of memories to present to Rev. Zarou on that day. Organizers are asking anyone who has well wishes, old pictures, etc. that they would like to add to please send them to Joyce Adamiszyn; 21 West 17th Road; Broad Channel, NY 11693 or to Christ Presbyterian Church; 102 Noel Road; Broad Channel, NY 11693.

Payments for the party should be sent to Joyce at the above address. Please make checks payable to Christ Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $50 per person.

Just as planned for last year, the party will be held at Roma View Catering, Crossbay Boulevard in Howard Beach. That will be on Sunday, November 17th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Let’s make it a party to remember and thank Rev. Zarou for her 25 years of service to the Broad Channel community.

St. Virgilius Golden Age Club meets every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the American Legion Hall in Broad Channel. St. Virgilius Altar-Rosary Society meets on the third Monday of every month at 12:30 p.m. also at the Legion.

Sign up for the annual seniors’ dinner at the American Legion on Sunday, October 6th at 1 p.m. There will be a full dinner, music and a great time. See an Auxiliary member or stop by the Legion on Thursday between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.

St. Camillus - St. Virgilius CCD classes are held on Wednesday afternoons at St. Camillus. For more information call 718-634-8229.

There are vintage photos of Broad Channel down at the Bay Gull Store as well as pictures from Hurricane Sandy. You can purchase copies for a donation which will go to the Historical Society.

The new redesigned BCVFD firehouse has gotten approval from the NYC Planning Commission. Next will be a final review by their NY State partners, NYS DOT and DASNY (Dormitory Authority). The Vollies expect this to be completed by early October.

Besides fighting fires the Broad Channel Volunteers are still battling with FEMA/NYSDHS paperwork and recovery for the current firehouse on Noel Road. No funds have been received as yet.

The BCVFD will be hosting several small fundraising events over the winter and fall. More details to follow.

Congrats to Pete Mahon on a very moving article in last week’s Wave about the 9/11 remembrance in Broad Channel.

Welcome back to all those who have come home to BC.

Got BC news/info? Upcoming organizations events? Meetings? Happenings? Fun and/or fundraisers? Send them toworkingstories@aol.com.

Thanks for reading!