Of course, the one bright, sunny morning we had this week came out for the BCAC’s Opening Day Parade and ceremonies. On Saturday, April 18, the Broad Channel Athletic Club celebrated their 20th consecutive annual parade. Even after Hurricane Sandy hit parents, families and players came out and proudly marched.
Like many other events in BC, more than being a great time (which it is), it really speaks to the character of this town. You want to explain to someone what Broad Channel is like? Take them to a BCAC opening day. There will be pictures and more elsewhere in this paper. But in the meantime, a special mention goes out to the PS 47 Chorus for a great rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” and Liz Sorrentino, who knocked it out of the park with an acapella “America The Beautiful.” A special salute is owed to the officers of the 100th Precinct, led by Lieutenant Roland Kitchen, who marched as this year’s special grand marshals, and to longtime BCAC member Charlie Ledogar, who threw out the first ball. A well-deserved plaque was also presented to the CYO Girls Swim Team coaches. These ladies have led this team from just treading water to winning four consecutive championships.
I do not know that there is a ‘thank you’ big enough for all the special people who work so hard to make Broad Channel a great place. But let’s start with the hardworking parents, coaches and volunteers of the BCAC. Thank YOU for all you do.
Maybe you noticed all the new trees in the Channel. True to their word, after clearing away many of the dead and ailing trees, in short order the city put in fresh new saplings. Many are budding and some are already blooming. I admit I soaked up a lot of sun on that first bright, hot day we had. It reminded me of the amazing sunburn I managed to get years ago, while dressed in a toga. In BC. But perhaps that’s a story for another time.
Anyway, this Saturday, April 25, make plans to be at Grassy’s Bar and Grill from 7 p.m. on for a night of fun and music with 100 Proof, Wild Side and Lady Sabbath. The event is a Friend In Need benefit organized by Liz McCarthy for her sister. There will be 50/50s and raffles and your $10 admission ticket covers your first drink. Do drop in and support.
There was a very good turnout at the April 19 Relay For Life yard sale held at the BCAC Field, lots of vendors, lots of buyers and lots of interesting merchandise.
Stop by the firehouse on Noel Road this Saturday and Sunday. The BCVFD is having an open house! There will be activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. On Saturday there will be a firefighter drill and a Jaws of Life demonstration and on Sunday’s Emergency Medical Technician drill and demonstration and a car extrication drill, all between 10 and 11:30 a.m. Over the day you can meet the Volies’ members, tour the trucks and equipment and get information about volunteering. At noon there will be BBQ and refreshments served, and throughout the afternoon there will be basic first aid demonstrations and blood pressure checks.
Kids’ activities will include hose games using BCVFD fire hoses from a working fire engine and bouncy rides for the little ones from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. Oh, they’re organizing a magic show, too. Details to be announced. The open house is part of Fireman’s Association of the state’s Recruit NY drive. It’s a good time to find out how you can become a volunteer firefighter, EMT or fire alarm dispatcher right here in BC. There are lots of ways you can help. Come and find out how.
Before the South Channel Bridge was completed in 1939, NYC firefighting equipment and firefighters had to come by barge to respond to fires. The South and North Channel bridges, later replaced, were draw bridges and built low to the water. They opened often and stopped even emergency traffic from going through.
Want to hear more? There is a lot of great history about the BCVFD and about Broad Channel at the Broad Channel Volunteers (BCVFD) Facebook page.
There’s an Earth Day shoreline clean up on Sunday, April 26, from 11 to 2 p.m. Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Bring gloves and wear boots.
Thanks, Pete Mahon. Now I know I have Billy Bowden to thank for the great garbage omelets at the VFW brunches.
Turn out in your best for Hats And Horses Day At The VFW! The Post, at 713 Shad Creek Road, is celebrating the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Stroll through the wide green backyard and enjoy the day with refreshments and drinks and of course the excitement of the race. It will be shown on wide screen TVs in the Post Canteen.
Ladies, come out in your best Derby Day hats, the more ostentatious the better.
Get ready for Broad Channel’s 25th annual Spring Planting and Adopt-A-Tree event on Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. Bring gloves and gardening tools to the median on Cross Bay Boulevard to clean, spruce up, dig, weed, garden, plant and beautify the tree pits. Enjoy the fresh air, the outdoors and help make Broad Channel beautiful. Even if you’re not from Broad Channel, you are more than welcome to come down and help. Rain or shine.
Finally, April 27 would have been my late wife Liz’s birthday. The hurricane would have been very hard on her, but she would be so proud of where Broad Channel is today. She deeply loved this place.
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