Hello Everyone,

Well, it was one hot summer and it’s nice to look forward to the changing of seasons in September. We wish all the June graduates great success in their new environments, especially those going off to college. Good luck to all!

Our summer concerts were a blast this year, as every year. Check out JPCA’s Gary Colter dancing with his wife, Nancy, and mother-in-law, Elsie Witterholt. Now there’s a family that knows how to have a great time.

It was brought to our attention that September 21 is Thank a Police Officer Day. Every day should provide an opportunity to do that, and we’re much obliged for their assistance.

Congratulations to my granddaughter Nicole Werner for being awarded the Penn State University Michael Ferugio Scholarship from the NYC Alumni Chapter. The ceremony was held in Central Park on Sunday, August 11th. Earlier this summer, Nicole was awarded a Kiwanis Club of Maspeth Scholarship. We are extremely proud of her and wish her the very best as she heads off to Penn State.

Congratulations to Alice Wenz on her retirement from Christ the King HS after 17 years! She and her husband have relocated to Manorville, NY. Sto Lat!

Betty Mayer, an English teacher at Christ the King High School is retiring after 34 years in the classroom. She is planning a trip to Turks and Caicos on the first day of school in the fall. Also retiring is administrator and foreign language teacher Steve Giusto. Between the two of them there is over 80 years of teaching experience. “Their dedication to improving young lives has been inspiring to many. You will always be remembered as caring, passionate and energetic teachers,” wrote the school in a statement. Congratulations to both!

A block party was held on Saturday, August 17th on 77th and 78th Streets. A great time was had by all.

A Happy Birthday to Betty Killcommons celebrating with Family on June 21st in Long Island City. Pictured here with myself and grandkids, Nicole, Jack, Julia, Katie and Sarah.

Great job by Christopher Vasterelli on winning the RGMVM Little League Major Division Home-run Derby with “12” home runs. Nice going Chris!

Many thanks are in order to the New York Mets organization for hosting the first ever Sandlot tournament at RGMVM Little League (photo). Lunch, drinks, snow cones and a radar gun were all provided to the Little Leaguers, even an appearance was made by Mister Met and Mets pitcher Steven Matz who threw out the first pitch. What a fabulous day of fun!

Congratulations are in order for coaches Joseph Artale and Mike Vasterelli for winning both the CYO Pee Wee Division baseball championship for Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy and the RGMVM Little League Minor Division Championship. Great job by both coaches and players on this amazing feat!

Congratulations to coach Joey Valvo and players on winning the RGMVM Little League Major Division Championship!

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy’s 3rd and 4th graders (Hope O) flag football team won the Diocesan Pee Wee Division championship beating Saint Francis DeSales 26-25 with the help of coaches Neil O’Donnell and Marty McNamara. It was not only the kids first year playing but it was the first year OLHCA participated in the sport. Congratulations to the coaches and players!

Cub Scout Pack 106 meets on Thursdays from 7:30-8:30pm at Community United Methodist Church. They will have open registration on Thursday, September 19 at 7:30pm. You can get more info by writing to communications.pack106@gmail.com.

The Queens County Farm Museum is calling on all artists, crafters, gardeners, bakers, jam makers, and livestock enthusiasts to register for the annual Blue Ribbon Competition at the 37th Annual Queens County Fair. Registration closes September 20th. The Queens County Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 & 22, 2019. Visit queensfarm.org for details.

Welcome to the world to the beautiful Caroline Grace Kehrer, who was born July 25th. Amy and Bob Holden are extremely happy for their daughter, Jane Holden-Kehrer, and her husband Christopher Kehrer.

State Senator Joseph Addabbo is sponsoring the follow free events in our area:
Mobile Office Hours at the Middle Village Library: Thursday, September 19, 5:30-7pm.
Free Narcan Training: Tuesday, September 24 at 7pm at Atlas Park. To register, call (718) 738-1111.
Fall Recycling Event at the Forest Park Bandshell: Sunday, September 29, 10am-2pm.
Mobile Office Hours at the Maspeth Library: Thursday, November 7, 5:30-7pm.

The 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat will take place on Thursday, October 31 from 4:30-6:00pm at the Shops at Atlas Park. This event is a fun and safe way for children of all abilities to celebrate Halloween. There will be prizes for the best decorated cars, and a free after party at Laser Bounce. For more info, write to: mskbusinessconsulting@gmail.com.

Save the Date: Tom Lynaugh will be hosting the 6th Annual “Toys for Tots Benefit Dart Tournament” this year at Bridie’s Bar and Grill on December 7th, time TBD. There will be pictures with Santa, multiple dart tournaments, many raffles of prizes all generously donated by neighborhood establishments and local friends, and a 50/50 raffle. Keep up to date on the event by visiting “Toys4TotsDartTourney11379” on Facebook.

The board of directors of St. Margaret Catholic Academy is hosting a comedy night fundraiser on Friday, September 27 at 8:15pm (doors open at 7pm). The tickets are $25. Featured comedians include Angela Cobb, Chris Roach, John Larocchia and John Butera. For more info, write to stmargoffice@gmail.com or call (718) 326-0922.

You find something new out every day. Ron Hunt, star of the Amazin’ Mets back in the ‘60s, revealed in an August interview that he and his wife once lived in Maspeth. He told the Staten Island Advance, “In ’64 when Shea Stadium opened, we lived in a basement apartment in Maspeth next to a great restaurant ‘Spartan’ where they took good care of us.” That would be Ethel and Peter Chahales he’s talking about. Now there’s a blast from the past.

Finally, as Halloween season draws near, I thought you might like to know about a new Haunted House. Fear Manor will be located at The Shops at Atlas Park Mall and will be open Fridays in October, Halloween night and on Nov. 1, from 7:30 to 11 p.m.; every Saturday in October and November 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight; every Sunday in October and Monday, Oct. 14, from 7 to 10 p.m.; and blackout dates on Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 30 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Visit fearmanor.com for details.

Happy Halloween and Thanksgiving.