Broad Channel Bits
There is a small boat on the Cross Bay median near the Sluice. It’s marked BC NY, and has stood as a planter for several years. Sometime over the winter it suffered damage on one side. Some people suspect it was an errant snow plow.
My theory? Pirates!
On a more serious and sad note, on Saturday morning, March 19, Channel people came out to find 17th Road Park had been severely trashed. Broken alcohol bottles and beer cans were strewn about. Newspapers and other trash was scattered everywhere. Poles which were holding up the new trees were dragged out of the ground and broken. Even one of the trees had branches ripped off it.
The 100th Precinct is looking into this incident and the group of young adults in the park that Friday night who might be involved. Any information should be directed to the precinct. Police will also be patrolling the area on weekends and the park officially closes at dark. Parents should be aware that children, and anyone else, hanging out there could be issued a summons.
It is a shame, because so many people use that park and enjoy it. I’ve noted many times when even the people who are there at night pick up after themselves.
But this is like throwing dirt on the community. Who knows when the new trees, and their supports, will be replaced, if at all. The community worked hard to get those. Who knows when the sign over BC library, wrecked months ago, will be replaced, if at all. People who live in the Channel are very proud of this community. I can’t imagine any of us want it to look like trash to everyone else who comes through it.
In other news, now is the time to sign up for the 6 Hour Defensive Driving Class being given over two Wednesday nights, April 6 and 13, from 7 to 10 p.m. Completing the course gets you four points off your license and 10 percent off your car insurance for the next three years. There is no test and refreshments will be served. Call Helen now at 917-553-2409 or 718-945-4648. The class is given at St. Camillus Catholic Academy, and proceeds benefit the school.
This Saturday, March 26, join the BCAC at Memorial Field for the Annual Broad Channel Easter Egg Hunt. Be there at 12 sharp! There will be treats and drinks for every child. There will also be a special visit from the big bunny himself.
In fact, he’ll be hopping over to Christ Presbyterian Church by the Sea for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday, March 27. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. enjoy fresh cooked omelets, eggs, pancakes, hash browns, sausage, bacon, coffee, tea, juice and more with friends and family. And nothing beats the delight of children visiting with the Easter bunny.
Christ Presbyterian will be holding Good Friday services, March 25, at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday services will be at 9 a.m.
At St. Virgilius Church the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will be at 12 noon on Good Friday, and the Stations of the Cross will be at 7 p.m. Masses on Easter Sunday will be at 10 a.m. and noon. The choir will be singing at the 12 o’clock Mass.
Stop by the BC Library on Thursday, March 31. From 3:30 to 6, Project Restoration will be giving surveys about mental health and your experiences during Hurricane Sandy. Participants will get $15 for their completed surveys. You must be 18 or over and live in the Channel or Rockaway.
Get your tickets for the American Legion’s big Doo-Wop Show on Saturday, April 2. That includes a great pasta buffet dinner, music by The Devotions and The Tribunes, a dance contest, cash bar and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call Carol at 917-930-0546, Janet at 718-483-3811 or Margaret at 917-751-3698. All proceeds help to support our Legion veterans programs.
Ready for chili? The 100th Precinct Community Council and new Council President Joe Young are having their 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off at the Knights of Columbus on Friday April 15, 7 p.m. They are also looking for businesses to put their chili recipes to the test for top prizes. Get tickets or enter the contest by calling Joe 718-634-4970 or Kathy 917-284-0410.
Spring is definitely here! The BCAC Opening Day Parade and Ceremony is set for Saturday, April 16. The day starts at 9:15 with families, kids, coaches and guests gathering at 17th Road Park. The grand parade steps off at 9:45. Believe me, you cannot beat any team where the players march along holding hands.
At about 10:45 a.m. the whole colorful procession, which stretches for several blocks and gathers in hundreds of people, will arrive at the BCAC Field. There will be opening ceremonies and then the games begin!
Broad Channel was very much in the house at Astoria’s Museum of the Moving Image at the premiere of “Saving Jamaica Bay” on Thursday, March 18. The documentary focuses very much on Broad Channel and the fight to keep the bay vibrant and alive. Dan Mundy Sr., Don Riepe and Dan Mundy Jr., who are a big part of the film, were there. As always, they did BC proud!
Lastly, this week we got the news that Bill Schilling had passed away. Bill was one of the founders of the BCAC and worked tirelessly to support what would become one of the pillars of our community. Many hearts in the Channel were saddened to hear that Bill was gone. His passing has left an empty space there. But what he did over his lifetime will continue to shine for generations to come.
Got BC news or upcoming events? Send them to me at workingstories@aol.com. Thanks for reading.
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