You might have seen me buzzing around town a little more than usual lately. I’m taking pictures for a new book. By the way, I have to thank the two different gentlemen who hilariously photo bombed two of my shots; one on Cross Bay Boulevard and one outside Christ Presbyterian by the Sea Church. I didn’t see the first one till I pulled up the picture on my computer, and nearly fell out of my chair! Great stuff!
As you know, there is always something new to discover about our little town. Monday night I was taking photos on Cross Bay and trying not to step backwards into traffic while getting ‘just the right shot.’ Who knew I would find a delightful little fleet of toy ships at anchor in the tree pit in front of a house just nearEast 7th Road! There were at least two pirate ships, a toy rescue vessel and an assortment of other boats. I was so surprised to come across this miniature nautical gathering that I forgot to take a picture of it!
Elsewhere in town, get your tickets now and get ready to bring the whole family out to MCU Park in Coney Island. On Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. they will be celebrating Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday and Italian Heritage Night at the Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Cyclones will be playing the Lowell Spinners. Each $17 ticket includes a great night out and a Cyclone pinstripe jersey, and all proceeds benefit the BCAC. Contact Mike Kelly right away for tickets at 917-868-4453 or michael_ p_ kelly@yahoo.com.
Also coming up on Aug. 26 is Family Bingo and an Amazing Race and Scavenger Hunt on Aug. 29. More details as we get closer.
For everyone who has been asking both in the Rockaways and BC, the Mardi Gras Parade will be on Labor Day, Sept. 7. Make plans to be there.
By the way, the $10K Raffle will be pulled that day. Check in with the BCAC and get your ticket now! Sept. 8 will be too late!
Get more info on BCAC Mardi Gras events, dates and times, by going towww.bcacshamrocks.weebly.com.
Meanwhile this Aug. 15, it’s time to let somebody else fire up the charcoal for a change. From 2 to 6 p.m. the VFW Prince-Wynn Post on Shad Creek Road is hosting a barbecue! You’ll have fresh grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks, salads and more. It’s $20 for adults and kids are half price (so pick up as many as you need!)
This will all take place at the VFW’s beautiful, big backyard, which has one of the best views in Broad Channel. All proceeds to support the VFW and all the great programs they provide for our vets. Come and enjoy.
Always keep an eye out for the VFW’s fliers around town. That’s usually the first place you’ll hear about when they’re doing one of their great events.
On another note, I want to thank everyone who has helped spread the word about my friend and formerBroad Channeler Gary Russo. He was last seen in Howard Beach on July 28 and has been missing since. Anyone with any information should call the detectives at the 106th Precinct at 718-845-2260. Thanks.
Distracted Penguin is playing this Saturday night at Grassy’s. You may want to check it out, just for the name alone. I understand Grassy’s itself also does a great barbecue, so you might want to ask about it while you’re there.
And stop by Ruffle Bar and enjoy a frosty cool drink and good company, too.
Are you an early planner? Good! Mark your calendars right now for the 3rd Annual American Ladies Auxiliary Halloween Party on Oct. 24. More details to come. In the meantime, start planning your costume! (Thank you, Carol Corbett, my former neighbor!)
Has anybody noticed the treehouse on East 8th Road and Walton with “Gov’t Property- Keep Out” on it?
“Images of America: Broad Channel,” which is the first published book about Broad Channel came out in July, 2008, and is still absolutely available. It was compiled, researched and written by my late wife Liz and me, and contains nearly 200 vintage photos of BC, going back to at least 1908. The text tells about the amazing and often surprising history of our town. We were deeply indebted to the Broad Channel Historical Society for their help and tremendous collection. You can get a copy by contacting me or through Amazon.com and other outlets. Get in touch and I will even sign it for you!
By the way, can someone tell me where Weiss’s restaurant was located in the Channel? What’s there today?
It seems like we are saying too many goodbyes these days. Last week I handled the obituary of William S. White, who died on Aug. 5. He was born and raised in the Channel. He was a retired FDNY firefighter and was a U.S. Navy vet who served in WWII and took part in the D-Day invasion at Normandy. Later he was a resident of Rockaway and Howard Beach.
He will be missed greatly by his family, neighbors and friends. And he will be missed by his hometown ofBroad Channel. I believe wherever you might go, you take the Channel with you.
I once heard someone trying to explain what Broad Channel is like to someone who hadn’t been here. Finally they said, “Let me put it this way. Broad Channel is 20 blocks... and one family.”
Got BC news? Send it to Workingstories@aol.com.
Thanks for reading!
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