Broad Channel Bits

By Dan Guarino

It was a very early one of those rare mornings when it wasn’t raining, foggy or cloudy. Just after daybreak a family of swans came gliding along the edge of the bay behind my house- mother, father and six chicks- cygnets.

I grabbed my camera, balanced on the deck rail, zoomed out and snapped them against the sparkling dawn waters. Beautiful.

We live in an amazing place.

If this is Friday, June 12, then today is the Shad Creek Association’s annual golf outing. It starts at 3 p.m. over at the Riis Park Pitch n Putt. There’s an awards dinner at the SCA clubhouse after and all proceeds go to SCA.

There is also a magic show over at the BC Library today for kids of all ages at 4 p.m. Says the library, “We’re celebrating Summer Reading with an interactive comedy magic show- and a real live rabbit!”

Starting in July and running through August, the BC Library is hosting free programs every day. On Monday’s at 3 p.m. there will be Science Experiments for ages 6-10. On Tuesdays at 3 there are Crafts for ages 6-10.

On Wednesdays Story Time for all ages starts at 2:30 p.m. and then Crafts for 3- to 5-year-olds at 3 p.m. Teen and Tween Crafts are at 3 p.m. Thursdays and Board Games for all ages all day Friday.

The St. Virgilius Rosary Alter Society will be meeting on Monday, June 15, at 12:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall.

Next week the VFW is having a great barbecue on Saturday, June 20, from 2 to 6 p.m. As they say, “Gather up your family, friends and neighbors and drop by the Broad Channel VFW for some lively music, stimulating conversation, great food, soda, water and beer while enjoying a refreshing light breeze off the bay....under a tent or an umbrella or out in the sun. All are welcome and it’s for a great cause!”

Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Children 4 and under are free. (So stock up as many as you might need.)

It was nice to see quite a few Broad Channel faces in the crowd as Father White celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea. People from all over the peninsula crowded in for the Sunday, June 7, service which had its share of moving humorous and touching moments.

“To see you all here, to be here for this ceremony, I am quite humbled,” Father White said. “And it takes an awful lot for Charlie White to feel humble,” he added.

There is one more day to register for Shamrock Summer Camp at the BCAC. That final date is this Sunday, June 14, from 12 to 2 p.m. and registration is at the BCAC Clubhouse.

“Our summer program is a mix of high-quality recreation and education combined to provide new experiences, personal growth…and loads of fun.” Find out more details by contacting camp director Erin Steiner at shamrocksummercamp@gmail.com.

Stop by for services at Christ Presbyterian by the Sea Church starting at 9 a.m. every Sunday. You will be welcomed.

You still might need a sweatshirt in the evening, but it is nice to see so many people out and about and enjoying the nicer weather. Whether on bicycles, out at the playgrounds and ball courts, or just out for a stroll, it’s good to be out.

Just a reminder from Pat McGovern: If you’re on a bike, please ride with traffic. Even a very careful driver may not be expecting to see you coming from the opposite direction.

I remember going to the first Two Bridges Music Festival organized by Broad Channel brothers Mason and Frank Poretto down at the BCAC Memorial Field. It was great to hear so many talented local musicians and fantastic to see Broad Channel’s first music festival come to life. Now get ready for the 5th annual Two Bridges Music Festival coming up on July 11 at Grassy’s. More details to follow.

The new trees in town, including along the boulevard and the median could use a little extra water to keep them going. They’re more fragile while they grow and sink roots to tap into the water below the soil and sand. Please stop by and give them a drink when you can. Better yet adopt one and do it on a regular basis. They need good dose of water twice a week.

I recently got to look over a great set of photos Amy Mahon and her friend and photo partner Annie took on Memorial Day. These are some talented photographers. You can see some samples of their work at their Average Art Photography Facebook page.

The Broad Channel Historical Society is giving away great BC calendars from years gone by. You can’t beat all the great BC pictures inside, no matter what the year.

Would you like to advertise in the 2016 calendar, which is in the works now? Contact me atworkingstories@aol.com.

Finally,mythankstoDr.NancyGahles.LastJanuary1Idevelopedintense pressure and swelling and constant ringing in my right ear. A recommended ENT looked, tested and told me I had most likely permanent hearing loss, too. “And there is nothing I can do about that or the ringing,” he said.

As someone who enjoys sound as much as all the other sensations of life, I despaired that I would live the rest of my life always missing something so vital.

I ran into Dr. Gahles, a homeopath, and in late May she said, let’s try something different. It is now early June and all that ailed my ear is all but gone. It feels like mine again. I am happy to say that ENT was flat wrong.

I have no words for what Dr. Gahles gave back to me, except “thank you.”

Got BC news? Send it to workingstories@aol.com.

Thanks for reading.