Broad Channel Bits
Notice something new on the way into town? The new ‘Welcome ToBroad Channel’ sign was unveiled last Friday afternoon. The next time you’re coming back from Rockaway over the Cross Bay Bridge, take a look next time you’re over by the bagel shop.
The original sign took a beating during Sandy. Thanks to the efforts of the Broad Channel Civic Association and Arverne by the Sea the warped old sign has been replaced with a beautiful new one. Stop by and see it.
This is your weekend to get out into the fresh air and make Broad Channel shine.
Much work has gone into organizing BC’s 25th Annual Spring Planting and Adopt-A-Tree Event, which starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. So come out to the Cross Bay median on bring tools and gloves and clean, spruce up, dig, weed, garden, plant and beautify one of the many tree pits. Bring your family and even get the kids involved.
As Judy Zack says, “you don’t need a green thumb to plant a tree pit. All you have to bring to the Boulevard is a spade and a smile. Enjoy the sunshine and company.”
When you drive or walk through the Channel afterward you really notice how good the town looks. Thanks to the BC Beautification Committee for putting this together.
Note: It will make it easier and safer for people planting or distributing flowers if you can avoid parking on the east side of the Boulevard. Thanks.
The Relay For Life is coming to the BCAC Field next Saturday, May 16, from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Teams and individuals will be walking overnight to raise money to fight cancer. Come to be part of it, contribute and/or to cheer on those who will be walking. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
There are usually games and entertainment for those who come down. A number of volunteers have offered to come and perform especially for the participants through the night. Thomasina Ogden, of Thomasina’s Dance Company, notes that her students will be performing at the event. “We are very excited to support this great cause.”
Make room for the VFW Brunch coming up on Sunday, May 17, starting at 10 a.m.
Congratulations to the many Channel children making their First Holy Communion this past Saturday.
As I was walking along the Boulevard the other day someone stopped and asked me if you “had to be a member” to use the tennis courts and other amenities at 17th Road Park. “Nope,” I said. “It’s all part of the City Parks. It’s open for everyone.” He had two small children with him and I am sure he and his wife would have been even more delighted to find the colorful great playground at Gene Gray Park down the road.
Recently, I was telling my friend David Steinberg — the photographer who’s been carrying his camera to document Broad Channel — about Broad Channel American Park at the edge of town. Down an easily overlooked road, it is just to the right of the Cross Bay Bridge toll plaza, if you are pointed towardsRockaway.
It’s where the huge Broad Channel Baths complex used to stand. And where the Broad Channel Day Camp used to be after that. Now also part of the New York City Parks it has ball fields and paths to follow and a beach to explore. It’s one of the only accessible shores and the only beaches you can find in BC. You can even see what’s left of the long gone South Channel Bridge. On a good day you can watch fishermen wading out off shore, or radio control car enthusiasts zipping their vehicles around the huge parking lot. We’re very lucky to have such amenities right here in our town that other people think must belong to some private club. Welcome to BC!
From the NYC Department of Parks description of Broad Channel “The neighborhood stands on Big Egg Marsh, an island approximately 20 blocks long and four blocks wide. Prior to European settlement, the Jameco and Canarsie Native Americans frequented this area. During the 1600s, Dutch settlers established a community on the island and began harvesting oysters, clams, shrimp, and fish. Broad Channel remained a parcel within the Town of Jamaica until the consolidation of New York City in 1898.”
New in town? Weekend Mass at St. Virgilius RC Church on Noel Road is 10 a.m. on Sunday and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Services at Christ Presbyterian by the Sea Church, directly across the aptly named Church Road, are at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays. Both congregations are welcoming to all.
Parents, go to www.stcstv.com to find out about free full day universal prekindergarten at St. Camillus.
This June 7, Father Charles White, who was our parish priest at St. Virgilius, is celebrating his 50th anniversary with a Mass and reception at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea. Keep the date open.
Thinking of volunteering with the Volies? Call 718-474-8888 or drop by the firehouse. Find out how you can make our town safer.
The 2nd Annual Shad Creek Association Golf Outing is at the Riis Park Pitch and Putt on June 12. Draw a golf ball on your calendar now.
I had the pleasure of meeting talented photographer, VFW member and BC person Amy Mahon. I’m looking forward to seeing her share her work with more people.
There was a great turnout at the VFW’s Hats And Horses Day. The hats at the Kentucky Derby event were very inventive, like the one with tiny horses running around it, and the crowd was fun. The Post was also able to raise a good amount to their services for disabled vets.
Standing Offer: I take a lot of photos at as many BC events as I can get to. I‘d be happy to put these on a disc and give them to any organization that asks. They are free for you to use as you wish. Just give me credit as the photographer where you can. Contact me at workingstories@aol.com.
Got BC news? Send it to the same address!
Thanks for reading.
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