Hello Everyone! What a beautiful summer we had with lots of beach days. Much of my time this summer was spent on the beach at Montauk. The summer always goes way too fast but a least the weather did cooperate.

Our own JPCA President and First Lady (Bob & Amy Holden) visited Montauk for the first time and enjoyed the beauty of the small hamlet.

And also, in Montauk, the grandkids tubing on Block Island Sound. Pictured are Julia, Sarah, Katie, Jack and Nicole.

Since our last Berry was published early June, I have some backtracking to do. June Graduations for one thing.

On June 17th Emma Caiafa graduated from Our Lady of Hope kindergarten Congratulations Emma!

Joey Davide received his first Holy Communion at St. Patrick’s Church in Smithtown on May 31st. Joey is the grandson of JPCA members Larry and Lynn Roth. Joey is pictured here with his parents Joe and Keri and brother Matthew. Congratulations Joey!

JPCA members Tom & Andrea McGoldrick celebrated two grandsons’ graduations. Thomas graduated from PreK. Shown here with his parents Brenda and Brian McDonagh. Grandson Greg Goetz graduated 8th grade from St. Patrick’s in Chatam, N.J. He will be attending Delbarton School in Madison, N.J. Pictured here with parents Greg and Jennifer. Congratulations to all!

And our own granddaughter Nicole graduated from Our Lady of Hope 8th grade and will be attending Archbishop Molloy High School. Nicole is pictured here with parents Kelly and Rich Werner. Congratulations Nicole!

Our Lady of Hope’s Class of 2015 graduated on Saturday, June 13th. Shown above are some graduates jumping for joy. This great picture was provided by Steve Koenig. Thanks Steve and congratulations grads!

JPCA members Jack & Carol Veracoechea welcomed their 14th and 15th grandchildren born just a day apart in LIJ hospital. Skylar Reese (l.) was born on June 17th. Her parents are John & Jennifer Veracoechea and she has a big sister Camryn who is delighted with her. Simone Carol (above) was born the next day on June 18th. Her parents are Jackie and Jimmy Payoute and she has a big sister, Juliette and a big brother Lorenzo. Congratulations to all!

Kim Caruana, daughter of JPCA board member, Manny Caruana, and Ralph Marrero tied the knot on June 27th. Meanwhile, Kim’s cousin and JPCA board member, Craig Caruana, married Mary Ann Mazzola August 15th.

On Thursday, June 25th, a dance was held at Russo’s on the Bay for the 8th grade graduating class at Our Lady of Hope. Parents attended with their graduate and a great night was had by all. Pictured here are Alyssa Lynaugh, Nicole Werner, Julia LaRosa and Dana Cerillo.

Nicholas Colalella, 24, born and raised in Middle Village, was ordained a priest at St. Margaret’s Church on June 27th. Fr. Colalella celebrated his first Mass at the church the following morning with his friends and family in attendance. He resided at St. Margaret’s throughout the summer and returned to Rome this month to resume his study of biblical languages.

The City Council voted to co-name 71st Street from Eliot Avenue, south to the railroad in Middle Village, Bishop Joseph Sullivan Way. The bishop was killed in a 2013 car accident, and served Our Lady of Hope from the day its doors opened in 1960 until the day he died, and was beloved by many. A date for the ceremony has not yet been determined. Also, Maspeth Avenue between 61st and 64th streets will soon be co-named “Frank Kowalinski Way”. Kowalinski was the first soldier of Polish descent to be killed in action during World War I. We’ll have more about Sullivan and Kowalinski in the next issue of the Juniper Berry.

A Mom and Daughter took first place in their respective categories in the One Mile Long Island Marathon held at Mitchel Field in Hempstead on May2nd. They are Donna and Valentia Termine. Nice going ladies.

Martin Luther School, Maspeth, congratulates Anthony Agate (Class of 1992) on the publication of “The Death of Me: Consciousness, Spirits and the Afterlife” – his first book! If you'd like to learn more, search for his book on Amazon and see the great reviews! Congratulations, Anthony!

It is with great sadness that I mention the sudden loss of Charlie D’Ambra on July 29th. An entire community and thousands more mourn the loss of this man. It was a great pleasure to have known him personally, but didn’t everyone? Having dinner at Barosa ever since it opened I would be greeted warmly by Charlie who always asked for the family, complimented my wife and had the biggest warmest smile. During his wake, a woman asked: “who is it that is being waked at Hillebrand’s?” “It must be a politician or a movie star.” I said it’s Charlie, the waiter at Barosa’s. Charlie was very special because he made everyone feel like they were very special. His personality and kind words showed when mourners numbered In the thousands both at the wake and funeral. If you are on Facebook you can see the many testimonials to this great guy. He will be missed by us all.

The National Night Out Against Crime in Juniper Valley Park was a huge success. It was well attended and there was something for everyone including the opportunity to meet the Captain of the 104th Precinct, Mark Wachter as well as many other police personnel from the 104th. Some of the entertainment included a concert from the band, Generations, a water slide, bounce houses, and a dunk tank. A big hit that night was the police allowing participants to sit in the front seat of a police cruiser, hit the lights and play cop for a few minutes. For a bite to eat there were hot dogs and hamburgers. No question it looks like Juniper Valley Park will be the new site for the annual Night Against Crime given the popularity of the event.

Juniper Valley Park had its very popular 2015 Summer Concert Series and these were the attractions – Swing Night with the Gerard Carelli Orchestra, White Wedding Band which was 80's Tribute Night, then there was the NYPD Night Out Against Crime which was a huge success and featured the Classic Rock Band, Generations. Finally, after far too many rain-outs, we were able to have Italian Heritage Night which featured Elio Scaccio and the sensational singer, Jessica Carvo. What a night in Juniper Valley Park with everyone's eyes riveted on the stage and the fine entertainment presented to the hundreds in attendance, with our very own JPCA Treasurer, Tony Nunziato as the Master of Ceremonies. All good things come to an end and so that's it folks, until next year, and the Summer Concerts of 2016!

On August 21st on MSNBC’s Morning Joe show, Huffington Post Editorial Director Danny Shea took to the program to defend the site's decision to relegate coverage of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign to the entertainment section. Danny is the son of my sister-in-law, Rose Buoncore Shea and my godson!

Here’s a memorable couple seen at all of the concerts: Jo and Joe Chiofalo married 72 years ages 92 and 93 respectively. Joe was recently honored for his heroism on D-Day in Normandy.

Our very own JPCA Lorraine Sciulli was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from All Faiths Cemetery. Lorraine was given the Slocum Award for outstanding service to the community. Here’s our good friend All Faiths CEO Dan Austin presenting the award at our Town Meeting in June. Congratulations Lorraine!

Once again The Learning Tree in Middle Village has raised money, this time in the amount of $800. Abe Shampaner from the Learning Tree called to tell us that he is donating the $800 to the JPCA because we do such “nice work in our neighborhood.” Isn't it great that we have such a generous business like the Learning Tree that takes the time to raise money and help the JPCA? We thank Abe and all the participants in raising the $800 and yes, it will definitely be put to good use!

Save this date. The Our Lady of Hope Annual Parish Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday, November 7th in the Auditorium. More details to follow.

Another great Block Party was held on 77th Street on Saturday night, August 29th. Pictured here, neighbors and friends enjoying a wonderful time.