I have a photograph, taken three years ago on the night of Oct. 29, in the midst of Hurricane Sandy. I shot it out my window screen, which felt like it was going to blow off any minute, never to be seen again.
Outside a torrent of water 5 or 6 feet deep was rising up and covering fences, decks and front steps. It was beginning to pour into the first floors of houses. In the photograph a streetlight shimmers on the rushing waves on Noel Road. Across the street a boat, pushed hard by the current, is wedged into the front of a house. Next door the front porch has collapsed and is partially submerged.
In a third house, closer to me and my camera, there’s a person standing just inside a doorway, watching the waters continue to rise.
I still do not know who that person was, but I am sure that they were just as terrified as I was on that one night three years ago.
Sandy blew from the Caribbean to Canada. I know I will never forget that night, or the morning after, or all the “tossed and turned” days after that.
That storm basically flipped the ground out from under us. I doubt that any of us, me, my neighbors and friends, or whoever that was at the door across the flooded street, could ever walk away without taking that experience with us.
The American Legion Halloween Party last Saturday really kicked things off right. There were imaginative costumes, great music, food, dancing and, never a surprise, a ghost ship full of community fun. Best costume went to Frank Poretto, who came in head and shoulders (and on 3 foot stilts) above the crowd as The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Jack Skellington. In second place was Tommy Corbett, who came loaded for lion as a certain infamous Cecil-hunting dentist. Third went to the crew who came as the cast and staffers of Saturday Night Live. Now that was a group costume! At the end of the night everyone held hands as we all sang “God Bless America.” It is hard to describe it, except to say “There really is no place like the Channel.”
Kids, parents and families are gearing up the annual Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department’s Kids Halloween Parade. It starts off at 17 Road Park at 11 a.m. It will wind up at the Volies firehouse on Noel Road. There will be treats and goodies for the kids there. The 12 and under crowd will also get a free children friendly tour of the BCVFD’s Haunted Firehouse.
Every year hundreds of kids in costume and their parents and families, sometimes also in costume, turn out to parade down Cross Bay Boulevard and have a great time. It’s just one of those things that makes the Channel a place like no place else. Thanks to all the hard working Volies and all the other grown-ups who make this happen every year.
I have noted some creepy construction going on this week inside the firehouse. By the time you read this, the Haunted Insane Asylum inside will be opened for business. They will be ready to pump up the scares every night from Thursday, Oct. 29 to Sunday, Nov. 1, from 6:30 p.m. on. Be warned: those age 13 and under must have a parent or guardian with them.
By the way, Friday night, Oct. 30, the original Little Shop of Horrors (6 p.m.) and Night of the Living Dead (8 p.m.) will be showing on the big screen at the Rockaway Artist’s Alliance’s T-7 Gallery at Fort Tilden.
Clocks go back one hour this Sunday, Nov. 1.
Don’t let the shorter daylight days fool you. There is still plenty going on around town. On Monday, Nov. 2, His Final Touch Prayer Group will be meeting at the St. Virgilius Rectory at 7 p.m. They meet on the third Monday of every month.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the BC Library is offering a free Guided Meditation class. The instructor will help you focus on relaxing your mind and making positive mental changes.
Not stressed now, you say? Repeat after me: “Holiday shopping is coming. Holiday shopping is coming.”
This Thursday, Nov. 5, Zumba with Cat McCarthy is starting at Christ Presbyterian by the Sea Church at 7:30 p.m.
Women and men 16 and over are invited to put on their sneakers and suitable exercise attire (both a must) and come out for the first free class. For weekly class information, go to catherinemcarthy.zumba.com. As they say, “Ditch the workout. Join the party!”
On Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. Christ Presbyterian is the place to be for Broad Channel Pre-K Bingo. Actually this event is strictly for adults. There will be great raffles and a jackpot bingo. Coffee and cake will be served. The proceeds go to support Pre-K in BC. For tickets contact Ruth Nocerino 917-862-1576. Sounds like fun!
St. Camillus and St. Virgilius churches need your numbers this weekend, Nov. 7 and 8. Attendance figures for the Saturday and Sunday Masses are being sent to the Office of Pastoral Planning. While Mass attendance is up at St. Virgilius, it is down at St. Camillus since the storm.
If you will remember, St. Virgilius School was closed due to “low enrollment.” Numbers are needed.
Get your best knife and fork ready. The American Legion Auxiliary is having a Brunch and Sweepstakes on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will benefit the Children’s Annual Christmas Party, which will be held on Dec. 13.
Come and enjoy a great breakfast, good company and the thought of all the children you’re going to help make happy this year.
Thanks for reading
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