My “backyard” goes back to the Bay on the East side. If tides are higher than average, Jamaica Baycreeps about halfway through the tall grasses in the yard.
Very early one morning about two weeks ago I looked out of my window and noticed the rising Bay had created a little inlet behind my neighbor Marty Feeney’s property. And there, through the reeds, came six or so paddling swans gliding on the water.
In the autumn morning sun I could see two bigger white swans come through first. Then the rest followed. They were almost as week, but not quite. They were a lighter brown, but were turning white.
As I watched it occurred to me that these were the young swans that I’d first seen as nested eggs near the Iroquois Yacht Club. Later I had seen them as mother and dad swan swim across the bay with chicks in tow. Now I was seeing them almost grown. All over the course of one spring, one summer and now one fall.
It was quite a heavy rain that, along with high winds, blew across the Channel and Rockaway last week Saturday. Certainly it soaked a lot of plans that day.
Proving you can’t keep a good flea market down though, the VFW will be running their Flea Market once again this weekend. This Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4/5, Prince-Wynn Post 260 will open its doors to some very interesting and unique merchandise and crafts. They will be going from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There might also still be time to get a table. Only $10 per day! Call Liz at 646-744-9230.
Get ready for the Broad Channel Historical Day Sunday, Oct. 19, at the VFW Hall. From noon to 5 p.m. everyone from anywhere can come and stroll through the Channel’s past. People are also invited to bring items for the Historical Society collection. Original photos will be copied and returned.
You probably already knew that we are the last inhabited island in Jamaica Bay. Yes, there were others. Other communities, now long gone. Did you also know that in its past Broad Channel sported hotels, dance halls, nightclubs, an outdoor movie theater, a military base, an air strip, miniature golf course, grand public swimming pools and, during Prohibition, rumrunners and speakeasies? Stars would entertain here and race their yachts. At one time the center of town was at the end of Noel Road, by the train station.
At Historical Day you’ll even see copies of The Banner, Broad Channel’s newspaper, which was even sent to BC soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen serving in World War II. It brought them neighborhood news and a touch of home even while they were far away.
The last BC Historical Day was on the Sunday right before Hurricane Sandy. Some parts of the collection were lost. But through the tireless efforts of many, much was saved and much salvaged.
One thing the storm taught us is how precious our community’s history is. People are welcome to bring down memorabilia, documents and photos to add to the collection. Originals can be copied and returned.
Sometimes its pitch dark out my window. When the tide is up and the rain and wind are really howling, it briefly brings back unpleasant memories of the storm.
Don’t forget the Broad Channel Vollies can always use a donation. It really does help keep the lights up on the fire engines. If you missed the Vollies at your door, you can always drop a donation at firehouse on Noel Road.
“Remember,” BCVFD Chief Ed Willmar III says, “portions of your donation this year will be going to Susan G. Komen for Breast Cancer Awareness.”
The St. Virgilius Altar-Rosary Society is ready to meet at the American Legion Hall on Monday, Oct. 20 at 12:30 p.m.
The 2nd Annual Halloween Party at American Legion Post 1404 is creeping up on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8 to midnight! Music by DJ’s@Work, cash prizes for best costumes, hot dogs with all the trimmings, 50/50’s, cash bar and more! Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go to support from programs for our vets.
Call Carol at 917-930-0546 or Karen at 347-306-4851 now for tickets. Last year’s party was a big, colorful uproarious blast!
Interested in booking the Christ Presbyterian by the Sea Church Hall for an event? Call Joyce Adamiszyn at 718- 479-3580 and leave a message. Now.
The St. Virgilius Golden Age Club meets every Thursday from 12:30 p.m. at the BC American Legion Hall.
Just to note, the American Legion Brunch last Sunday was great! As always, great food and great company. It was great to see everyone. And it was great to see all the little kids zooming across the center of center of the Hall.
If you want to remember sheer joy, just watch a little kid running at top speed, sometimes barely just after they learned to walk, and laughing from ear to ear.
I’ve got to say it is great having the streets paved here in BC. Not only is biking and driving incredibly smooth, but among other benefits there is a heck of a lot less dust in my apartment. It used to be kicked up like crazy from the traffic on the Boulevard.
Finally, I am currently working on an article for The Wave’s 2nd Sandy anniversary edition. It’s about how things have come along in Broad Channel now, two years after the storm.
I e-mailed a couple of questions out for people to give their answers to and send them back to me. Let me share them also with you.
1) What were things like for you after the storm? What were things like in Broad Channel?
2) Looking now, two years later, how have things improved in Broad Channel?
Please take a minute and please send me your thoughts and observations. Email me atworkingstories@aol.com by next noon Wednesday, October 14. I could certainly use your help in writing our story. Thanks for reading
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