“So, how’s the book going?”
Not to jinx anything, but the new book I am working on, Broad Channel Through Time, is coming along just fine. The idea is to put together about 90 old photos from around the Channel with new shots of the same or similar places. The text talks about the history of BC, what has changed and what has stayed the same.
Finding historical photos to use has been fun, and I have found a few I had never seen before. Like snapshots of the U.S. Army radar installation here in BC in what is now the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, or the dismantled hotels on the east side of the train tracks.
It’s been equally interesting going around town and taking the new photographs and writing the text. So gathering all the photos is done and so is the writing. Now comes the photo adjustments, final editing, organizing and layout.
Many thanks to Barbara Toborg for all her help, and to Barbara and Fred for proofreading and hospitality. My contracted deadline to deliver all materials to the publisher, Fonthill Media, is Oct. 31. I will let you know when we start talking about a publication date. I will definitely do a first book signing in the Channel!
Get ready to chili!!! This weekend do not miss the great Chili Cook-off and Music Festival at the VFW this Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 10 p.m. If you like chili, you are in for a treat. I can tell you the annual chili cook offs in Rockaway, organized by the 100th Precinct Community Council, are great social events. People really come out, get excited about the competing entries and enjoy mixing and mingling. You really get a sense of how terrifically small town our communities are when you go to one of these things.
If you like music, the VFW soiree de chili will feature a lineup of 10 bands! There will also be trophies, a cash prize for best chili and raffles. All proceeds go to support NYFAC (New York Families of Autistic Children Foundation).
The weather was warmer and even sunny for the Blessing of Animals at St. Virgilius, which turned out very nicely. There were about a dozen dogs, who all got along, and one cat who, being a cat didn’t seem to notice the dogs at all. Father Tom (Basquel) said some lovely words about pets being our friends and companions. Then he blessed them by name and sprinkled holy water. For many it was the first time something wet on them, rather the other way around.
There will be lots of candles to blow out as our own St. Virgilius RC Church celebrates its 100th birthday on Sunday, Oct. 18. There will be a special Mass at noon.
After services there’s an anniversary reception at the American Legion Hall. Call 718-634-8229. All are welcome to this special BC birthday.
There is also a huge 50/50 raffle. You will want to be in on that. Chances are on sale after all Masses. I am sure you can also call the St. Camillus office
Old photos of the church, the school, the parish hall, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Send photos, as attachments, to saintvirg2@aol.com.
A dedicated group has been working very hard at making this a great and memorable event. As an example, let me share with you an excerpt from the history they’ve prepared, based on documents in theBC archive.
“In its earliest days the residents had to travel to St. Rose of Lima Church in Rockaway to attend Mass. Around 1905 a visiting priest from the Passionist Monastery in Jersey City, Fr. Hilliary, would say Mass in the home of his relatives in Broad Channel, to which the residents were invited. In 1912 the Pastor of St. Rose of Lima, Fr. James Bennett, was able to provide a priest to offer Mass on a regular basis. The first Mass was said in the dining room of Chris Hoob’s hotel. A formal mission was built on the southwest corner of Church and 8 Road and was dedicated on July 4, 1914.
“In 1921 Fr. James Bennett was appointed pastor of the new parish of St. Virgilius and by 1926 a new church structure was built on Church Road near Noel Road. The original church had its entrance on Church Road. The church building was eventually turned 90 degrees by a local contractor till it was placed in its current location.
“Fr. Joseph Curran was appointed pastor of St. Virgilius in 1926, under his guidance a parochial school was established and staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis. The school served the needs of Broad Channel for over 80 years.”
All Hallows Eve is coming and so is the American Legion’s third Annual Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 p.m. to midnight. I will warn you now. These parties are a blast! It has never been in dispute that Broad Channel people know how to have a good time.
Get your costumes ready. Also get your tickets and reserve your table now. They go very fast.
There will be a great DJ, buffet, and prizes for best costume! All for $25 per person. There will also be a cash bar, buckets and 50/50s. Call Carol at 917- 930-0536/718-634-7235, Karen at 718-474-0391 or Margaret at 917-751-3698.
Call now or you will be haunted by the thought that you might be missing the fun. Boo.
State Senator Joe Addabbo is bringing his office to you. He will have mobile office hours at the Broad Channel Library on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Stop in and share your issues and concerns, and even say ‘hi’ to Joe.
Got BC news? Send it to workingstories@aol.com.
Thanks for reading
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