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Friday, November 27, 2015

Broad Channel Bits



By Dan Guarino

This may be coming to you after the fact, but I don’t believe in confining the spirit of a holiday to just one day.
So, Happy Thanksgiving, Broad Channel, and here’s to celebrating what you are thankful for all year round. As for me, I am thankful every day to live in such a beautiful place, where everyone makes it their business to make it a better community.
Congratulations to the winners of the 4th Annual Broad Channel Christmas Lights $5000 Giveaway. The drawing, and a great party, was held last Friday, Nov. 20, at the Bungalow Bar. Stephanie Wagner, who has been making this happen every year since the storm, posted, “[I’m] very proud to say we sold out at 400 tickets.”
From 10th to first place, the winners were Alana Davidson, the BCVFD, Debbie Cotton Lonnborg, Cindy Colleran Mangan, Pat Hanning, Terence Tubridy, Alana Davidson, Preston Howard, Shannon Barr-Jackowski and James Shea.
Thanks to all who attended the Turkey Karaoke at Grassy’s last Saturday. Thanks also to all those who croaked their hearts out. The BCVFD also drew the 10 winners of their annual Thanksgiving dinner raffle.
On Tuesday, Nov. 24, the BC American Legion Post was the host for the 37th Annual Turkey Trot Run by E-233/L-176, presented by NYC Fire Wire. Proceeds benefit various FDNY charities.
This Saturday and every Saturday the Broad Channel Library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come in and check something out.
Buckle up and sign up now for the 6 Hour Defensive Driving Class on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and 9 from 7 to 10 p.m. That will be at the St. Camillus Auditorium, 185 Beach 99th St. You must attend both nights. But you do get a three year, 10 percent auto insurance reduction and four points off your license. No test will be given, refreshments will be served. Your $45 fee guarantees you a seat and proceeds go to the St. Camillus Catholic Academy. Call Helen at 917-553-2409 or Don at 917-553-2408.
Come out to the BCAC Field as they make the season bright. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m. they will be hosting the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. There will be Christmas music performed by the Broad Channel Girl Scouts and the PS 47 Chorus. There will also be a special holiday performance by Thomasina’s Dance Company. Enjoy Christmas treats and a special visit from Santa as we light our town tree. This year the BCAC is very happy to help with Debbie Spanburgh- O’Connor’s holiday gift drive for the Hematology/Oncology department at the Cohen Children’s Medical Center and Ronald McDonald House. Please bring unwrapped toys which will be donated to the drive.
The Broad Channel Crafters and the American Legion Auxiliary hold their 27th Annual Craft and Christmas Gift Sale on Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be plenty to choose from and the kitchen will be open to purchase lunch and refreshments. Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.
Stop by the Knights of Columbus in Rockaway for a fun Paint Party NY night on Friday, Dec. 4, starting at 7 p.m. Jennifer and Jessica will provide all materials and step by step guidance, for you to paint holiday lights, beer mug and wine glass painting! Appetizers will be served, a cash bar will be available and it’s a benefit for the K of C. plus you’ll have fun. Go to www.paintpartyny.evenbrite.com for tickets. You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy and join in!
The VFW is holding their Last Minute Christmas Bazaar on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19 and 20. Vendors: Call now and reserve your tables! Call Crystal at 917-246- 3126. Proceeds benefit the VFW and all the programs they run to support our vets.
The BC Library invites you in for Guided Meditation on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 5:45 p.m.
Need some uplift, friend? Stop by Christ Presbyterian by the Sea Church any Sunday. Services are at 9 a.m. You check in at St. Virgilius Roman Catholic Church on Saturdays at 4 p.m. or Sundays at 10 a.m. Or stop in at both churches some Sunday morning. I have!
The Broad Channel Christmas Choir meets at St. Virgilius Church on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. Stop by and join in. You do not need to read music. We’re practicing numbers to perform at Christmas Mass.
Zumba with Cathy McCarthy is available every Thursday night at Christ Presbyterian Church, 7:30 p.m. sharp. Great to get in shape for the holidays—-and get back in shape after the holidays!
The 2016 Broad Channel Historical Calendars are out! High tide times are included, so you know when to move your car! Pick up all the calendars you need at All-American Channel Market, Rock n’ Roll Bagels and other businesses. You can also get them BC Historical Society members like Barbara Toborg, Dorothy Fraher, myself, Dan Mundy and others.
Relay for Life of Broad ChannelBreezy Point, the Rockaways and Howard Beach is having a general interest meeting this Wednesday, Dec. 2. That will be at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus at 333 Beach 90th St.
Last year this group collectively raised a record $79,558 for the cause of fighting cancer. Want to see what you can do to make a difference? Stop by the meeting.
Finally, this week Broad Channel says goodbye to Eileen Smith, who died peacefully, on Nov. 20. Eileen was a beloved member of the Volies, serving as BCVFD dispatcher for more than 30 years. She was also a dedicated member of the Broad Channel Civic Association, served as recording secretary for more than 30 years. As a parishioner at St Virgilius, she also did volunteer accounting for the church. She will be missed by her family, friends and neighbors, and there will be an empty place in the heart of our community.
Thanks for reading!

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