The Community Outlook WINTER 2016 VOL. NO. 69 ISSUE 1
Pastors Outlook Fishing Club Pt. Lookout Lido fire Department News
RETURN TO DUNKIRK
About Folks 2 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 contents Pastor Greg’s outlook from the About Folks: Ray Donaton Community Church in Point ...... 16 Lookout
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Missives from the Point Lookout Bob Doxsee: Return To Dunkirk Fishing Club
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Point Lookout | Lido Fire Department News 9/11 Memorial: Maureen Kilkelly
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from the editor letterJust a short, but sweet, hello from the editor... Happy Winter! We had a Winter and now it seems to have faded fast. Let me remind you all of the new honor rack on Lido Blvd to get your issue of the Community Outlook. You can’t miss it because it is bright yellow and it has the Community Outlook logo on it. Thank you to the new advertisers who have come on board in support of the Outlook! Thank you to our new volunteer Jodi Stout for signing on to the website chores! We are always looking for volunteers to help out with various tasks associated with the CO. Support these efforts- volunteer, make a donation (either online or through the mail to PO Box 28) to help cover printing fees, hold a fundraiser, post an ad, send your writing and/or photography—The more volunteers the lighter the task!
A MESSAGE TO PROSPECTIVE AUTHORS Poets, Artists, Photographers, and Budding Authors: About Folks- up to 1000 words. We seek a diversity of voices. General Articles about Point Lookout up to 2000 words. Articles Group submissions are encouraged. Can be submitted in an can be historically based and/or offer contemporary perspectives interview-based format as well. about Point Lookout. Can be co-authored. Off the Point- 250-750 words written by Point Lookouters whose Point Lookout Ghost writers up to 1500 words. Feeling shy to put hearts are here but they happen to hail from yonder seas. out your work? Want to just test the water? This is an opportunity Kids Point (Pre-K through grade 5) up to 250 words or half a to just paddle around before setting full sail on open seas. page from the point of view of our future Point Lookouters. This To the Collective Point Writing group submissions up to 2000 can be anything you want: book/ movie reviews, interviews, words. Yes! Writing can be a social activity. Group submissions photo essays, poems, artwork- you are the author of your dreams. are strongly encouraged. Tween the Points (grades 6 through 8) up to 750 words. Again, Point Arti-Facts Mash Ups up to a half page, any visual or text- this can be anything you want: book/ movie reviews, interviews, based contribution using the Point Lookout Historical Society photo essays, poems, artwork- you are the author of your dreams. materials. Be creative! Point Perspectives (grades 9-12) up to 1500 words. What do you think? What do you know? What do you want to share? Get published!!! Note: Research and writing using the Point Lookout Historical Society archives is eligible for a 50$ award.
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 3 communityoutlook magazine
he Community Outlook is published by the Point Lookout Community Editor Ann Holt, Editor Church. and PLHS Vice President T
Assistant Editor Maureen Dowling O’Sullivan ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS in the COMMUNITY OUTLOOK!! Layout Kathy Lechler Up to 1/8th of a page Website Jodi Stout $250 Inside front page $200 Middle pages Reviewers Jessica Brennan $150 Inside back cover Sinead Cain Up to 1/4 of page Up to 3/8th of page $400 Inside front page, $550 Inside front pages, Photography Robert T. Dowling $350 Middle pages, $500 Middle pages $300 Inside back cover $450 Inside back cover On The Cover: Photo by Ann Holt Now offering!! $1000 Full Page (Inside Only) Fees include publishing for the entire year. Send your advertise- Thanks to the following people for contributing ment via email as a .pdf or .jpeg attachment (with a minimum photos to this issue: Robert T. Dowling, Sean of 300 dpi resolution). Include in the body of the text clear Stalteri, Kathy Lechler, Terri Bohm, specifications of placement (i.e. front, middle, or back). Ads can Jessica Schatz Brennan, Maureen Kilkenny, Kathleen be sent to the editor at [email protected] . Checks can Hirsch, Matthew Brennan be written payable to “ThePoint Lookout Historical Society” and sent to PO Box 28, Point Lookout, NY 11569. Note: Fees must be paid in full before publishing. HELP SUSTAIN THE CO by sending in a small donation to PO Box 28, Point Lookout, NY 11569 We always welcome new submissions. stay Check the call for submissions in this issue. connected
The Community Outlook is designed to provide www.communityoutlook.org information of a general nature. The opinions and interpretations expressed within are those of the authors only. www.facebook.com/TheOutlook
The Community Outlook does not warrant the The Community Outlook welcomes submissions of photographs accuracy and completeness of this newsletter, nor for our cover. Send all submissions electronically to the editor endorse or make any representations about its [email protected] content. In no event will The Community Outlook be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of the Printing by: use of or reliance on the contents of this newsletter. Russel Sparks at Perfect Run Printing located in Merrick, NY 516-546-1544
4 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 Photo Credit:BobbyDowling Photo Photo Credit:KathyPhoto Lechler
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 5 PASTOR’S
“Often it is the people closest to suffering who OUT have the most powerful LOOK joy.”
s winter gets started along with another new year I It is precisely here that we make one of the most surprising already find myself wishing the first few months were discoveries: Often it is the people closest to suffering who have over and warmer weather was here. That is a dilemma the most powerful joy. I’ve found that often those who have A we imperfect human beings fall into so often. Never committed themselves to ministries of mercy with suffering all satisfied with “today” and complaining that it is not “tomorrow.” around them have some of the deepest rooted contentment Author John Ortberg in his book “The Life You’ve Always and joy. Wanted” says the first step for pursuing joy is simply to begin True joy, as it turns out, comes only to those who have devoted now. The psalmist says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; their lives to something greater than personal happiness. This let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) He doesn’t say, is most visible in extraordinary lives, in saints and martyrs. But “Yesterday was God’s day how happy I was then.” Nor does he it is no less true for ordinary people like us. say, “Tomorrow will be the great day I’ll just endure until then.” If we don’t rejoice today, we will not rejoice at all. If we wait This day, with all its shortcomings, is the great day. until conditions are perfect, we will still be waiting when we We all live with the illusion that joy will come someday when die. If we are going to rejoice, it must be in this day. This is the conditions change. We go to school and think we will be happy day, the year, and the winter, that the Lord has made. Rejoice when we graduate. We are single and are convinced we will and be glad. be happy when we get married. We get married and decide we will be happy someday when we have children. We have children and decide we will be happy when they grow up and God Bless, leave the nest-then they do, and we think we were happier - Pastor Greg when they were still at home. “This is God’s day,” the psalmist says. It is the day God made, a Point Lookout Sky, Photo by: Jessica Schatz Brennan day that Christ’s death has redeemed. If we are going to know joy, it must be in this day-today. But this raises a question. How can I embrace joy amid all the pain and suffering in the world? Is it right to be joyful in a world of hunger and violence and injustice?
6 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 911 MEMORIAL OUT LOOK
ESSAY by Maureen Kilkelly
ON SEPTEMBER 11, the Town of Hempstead held its annual sunrise memorial service on the beach at Point Lookout Town Park. This year’s memorial was made even more powerful by the erection of an 18-foot tall, chromium replica of the Twin Towers. The replica was set in front of a new 35-foot long mural of Manhattan’s skyline. As part of the interactive program at the service, attendees were given permanent markers and invited to write on the mural the names of loved ones who perished in the attacks or from ill- nesses related to their work at Ground Zero. I was glad that the replica of the Twin Towers and the mural remained in place for several days after the service. This gave many more people the chance to stop by and offer prayers and to read the heartfelt messages left on the mural. The replica was also clearly visible from Civic Beach. At sunset, the sight of the Twin Towers on the horizon was a sobering, powerful reminder of the terrible attacks on our country 14 years ago. It was also a reminder that we must never forget the loved ones who were killed that day and those who continue to suffer from their help with recovery and cleanup efforts.
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 7 -Roland DonOhue eynolds Channel which borders the northern shore of our barrier island appears to be a placid body of water R(except if there is a hurricane). So, who would guess that there are “thousand dollar fish” swimming beneath its surface? Joe McGraw found such a fish when he won the August “fishoff” at Scotty’s Fishing Station. Joe has been a rising star in recent years. Winning our August “fishoff” was no fluke. He won two fishoffs in 2014 and was narrowly beaten for the George Wiesendanger trophy by the great Frank Burke. Prior to his extraordinary exhibition of angling prowess, Joe’s only claim to fame was when he co-starred in the “Molly Maguires” movie with Sean Connery. The movie was filmed in Joe’s hometown in the coal mining region of Pennsylvania. Joe is a quiet, modest man, but he has a history. Just ask him.
Good news! Our fishing club president is on the mend after recent shoulder surgery. It seems that president Herb Abbe hit an oil slick while riding his bicycle in Long Beach. He fell and really did a number on his shoulder that required surgery. Poor Herb seems to have a lot of mishaps. Could it be that he is accident prone? Thankfully, before his retirement, he was not a member of a bomb squad. Presently he is getting around with his arm in a sling. His nurse/wife, Sandy, has ruled out a skiing trip this winter to their chalet in Park City, Utah. Needless to say, Herb is very disappointed, but the trip cancellation will certainly add to his longevity.
POINT LOOKOUT Over the years, Scotty’s Fishing Station has always been a good friend to our little fishing club. So, it is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Roberta Doheny’s FISHING dad, Andy Chisholm who died in September. We send our sincere condolences to Roberta, and her sisters, Donna, and Karen. It is truly amazing how some businesses stay in a family CLUB and are successful for generations. You would have to ask Roberta when her grandfather started the fishing station, but it was a long, long time ago. In point, my dad rented a skiff from Roberta’s grandfather in August of 1933
8 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 – some 82 years ago. of the Fishing Club/Dayworkers. Later on he left the NYPD for the feds, becoming an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Our annual awards dinner-dance will probably be held on Tobacco, and Firearms. Still later on in his career, he left ATF the eve of Super Bowl Sunday, also at the Fishermen’s Catch. and joined the U.S. Department of State as a special agent with the Diplomatic Security Service from whence he retired. He has The Irish Dayworkers are still meeting in our little park. It is now been in “hot spots” all over the world. He has had his picture November, and cold weather has forced us to go indoors on a taken with luminaries both religious and civil. He has pictures couple occasions. Our president, Jim Reilly, is presently trying to of himself with Pope John Paul, Mother Theresa, Bill Clinton, negotiate a deal with our new member, Richie Chernoff, to use Nelson Mandela, Lech Walesa, and the Dalai Lama to name a few. his apartment for a new meeting place when a real cold snap He seems to know a lot of people. When asked what specifically hits. The apartment is on the ground floor and is just across he did for the State Department, he replied, “You know those Cedarhurst Avenue from the park. It would be a most convenient poor guys who were killed in Benghazi. That was my job.” Father location for all – except Richie. Anthony is presently is his early sixties and has been a priest for four years or so – what you would refer to as a late vocation. Our third annual gathering was held at the Fishermen’s Catch on October 15th. Twenty-four people including wives were in He tells a funny story. Recently, when Pope Francis made his attendance. Our acting chaplain, Fr. Anthony Cardone said grace, visit to the U.S., Anthony was standing in the vicinity, decked out and we then enjoyed a wonderful meal together. One of our in his clerical garb. A Secret Service agent who knew Anthony new members Joe “Banjo” Spadaro played a few Irish ditties on from “the old days” approached him and asked, “Hey Anthony, his mandolin. Joe is an accomplished musician who plays the are you undercover?” It took Father Anthony a few minutes to mandolin, guitar, and banjo. Possibly, we could march in the convince the agent that he was now a priest. Fourth of July parade with Joe being our string band. When we are out in public, we always refer to him as Father Perhaps you have seen Father Anthony at mass. He is presently Anthony, but when no one is around we call him The Monk. He is assigned to St. Raphael’s parish in East Meadow but helps a great guy, and the communities of East Meadow, Point Lookout, our Father McNamara when the need arises. He is a rather the Fishing Club, and the Irish Dayworkers are lucky to have him! diminutive person (he’s short – like me!) with a full head of graying black hair. Prior to his ordination, he was a member As we were going to press, we were saddened to learn of the of our fishing club and still is. Subsequently, he was inducted passing of Marty Crowe, a longtime member of our organization. into the Irish Dayworkers (Italian auxiliary). He has a rather When he was well, he was an active participant in our “fishoffs.” interesting background. He was born and raised in Brooklyn. He Marty was a retired special agent with the FBI, and for years we lived in Atlantic Beach for awhile where he became a member asked him “Where is Whitey Bulger?” of the Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Thereafter he started a career in law enforcement, joining the NYPD where To his daughters, Meghan and Regina, his son Kevin, and all his he was assigned to the 63rd Precinct in Brooklyn. One of his grandchildren, we extend our heartfelt condolences. May Marty partners at the 63rd Pct. was Anthony Holmes – also a member rest in peace.
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 9 POINT LOOKOUT FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Thankfully this year, Mother Nature cooperated and held off the rain; so Santa was able to greet everyone from the firetruck.
t has been a while since we last “spoke.” The summer ended or a false positive such as steam or burnt food activating the and yet the temperature didn’t. Our fall season and holiday alarm. Remember you get them to protect yourself and your season was a record breaking warm. I’m sure many people family. Take the time to educate yourself and everyone in the I enjoyed that. This weather has an effect on the alarms we house including babysitters, housekeepers or anyone house sit- respond on, especially utility and gas alarms. When December ting or doing work inside your home while you are away of how ended and 2016 began Mother Nature made her presence the alarms work, what they alert for and if they are individual known. Now is when the furnaces go on and the fireplaces are units or housewide. Make sure the placement is proper and not lit. Make sure you service your heating and gas systems on a conducive to false alarms. Also provide phone numbers and regular basis. Make sure that your detectors are properly placed codes for the alarm. Have an emergency contact like a neighbor and in working order and they have not outlived their lifespan. or nearby relative who can be there when you are not to reset Fireplaces require maintenance. They must be cleaned and the alarm or contact the alarm company and you of what has inspected along with the flue before use. If you have any other happened. Finally make sure your alarm system is registered type of indoor heating units or pellet style stoves, make sure you with the Nassau County Fire Marshals Office. follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use. We also cannot help you if we don’t know where you are. Often times when we respond to some type of automatic alarm Although we have many tools with our dispatching when we whether it be fire, smoke, Carbon Monoxide (CO) or a combina- arrive, we still need to confirm the house or building we are tion of them all, people are often complacent to their activation. responding to. Make sure your address is clearly identifiable The reality is many times they are false alarms, low batteries from the street. Check for obstructions especially from trees or
10 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 Enjoy the winter and be safe!
Photo Credit: Matthew Brennan decorations or just age and that they are a firefighter at our County Fire Academy. membership and family businesses from properly lit to see from the street. It has been a great success. Our juniors/ town contributed to the weekend to wel- If you have elderly relatives please make explorers attend county wide meetings come our veterans and treat them to a sure that emergency contact numbers are and have the opportunity to see first nice time. Our members constructed a in plain sight and are reasonably nearby. hand how things work. fireplace for Santa to come visit all the Often times we look on a refrigerator children. So many people contributed to for contact information. If someone is I’m happy to report that through the the weekend and I don’t know them all, elderly or homebound and has some type County we are also still eligible as mem- but if you check out their website you can of visiting or at-home care service make bers of the fire department to attend see what they do all year long and view sure their information is readily available. Nassau Community College tuition free several videos on YouTube that chronicle Many times they offer some type of info or at a reduced cost. This has been a long the weekend’s events. It was truly a great card that lists phone numbers, medica- standing program funded through grants. time and reminds us all of what’s really tions and past medical history. This type Many of our members, regardless of age, important in our busy world. The week of information is very valuable to our have been able to take advantage of this after, we sent down several trucks with E.M.T.s especially if the patient isn’t able benefit. all the gifts which were presented to the to communicate with us. Doing all this families from Walter Reed Hospital in allows us to make better decisions and Thankfully, this year Mother Nature coop- Maryland. get patients to the proper facility as erated and held off the rain so Santa quickly and safely as possible. was able to greet everyone from the We had a busy year in 2015. We respond- firetruck. In the beginning of December ed to almost 550 alarms. Many new peo- This past year we were able to improve we were once again honored to host ple joined our ranks and have become our junior firefighter program and estab- the Long Beach Waterfront Warriors at active members. We continue our drive to lish it as an explorer post with Nassau our Headquarters. A crew of almost 30 bring in new members. Thank you for the County. This has allowed us to provide wounded war veterans with their families many financial contributions during our more opportunities for our young junior from Walter Reed Hospital joined us for fund drive. There is a new year upon us. If members ages 14 to 17. The county has a weekend all over the area including 2015 wasn’t your year, make 2016 work! also continued to sponsor a special train- a trip to NYC for the Christmas show at As always, Stay Safe! ing program specifically geared for them Radio City and a tour and stop at some as a way to experience what it’s like as FDNY firehouses. Along with our own -Brian S. Guerin
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 11 By: Eldjima Djandabri-Holt “Ellie” Santa Came Claus To Town !!
Photo Credit: Kathleen Hirsch
- Stephen Merola
12 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 Call for Artists!!! The Point Lookout Historical Society PLHS is looking to showcase a Point Lookout artist for their 2016 annual Art/ Wine Fundraiser!! This is a great opportunity to showcase your talents. Artists should submit two high resolution digital images (jpeg please) of the artworks: One that conveys a feeling about Point Lookout’s Bay and one that conveys a feeling about Point Lookout’s Ocean. The selected artwork will be generated on wine labels as well as larger formatted signed artist prints.
The chosen artist will also have the opportunity to exhibit other work and have an artist reception sponsored and hosted by the Point Lookout Historical Society in June 2016 at the beginning of the beach season. For more information please email. Submissions are due by April 1st, 2016 and artists will be notified by April 15th. Strict size format for the label images: 3 ¾ inches length by 3 inches width. E-mail jpegs to [email protected]
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 13 Stephen Siller Tunnels T o Towers
Top Photo shows all 2015 runners together, Bottom Photos shows first time runners only. Photo Credit: Robert T. Dowling
14 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 2015-5K Run and walk Tunnels T o Towers
Top Photo shows all 2015 runners together, Bottom Photos shows first time runners only. Photo Credit: Robert T. Dowling
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 15 ABOUT FOLKS
ay Donaton was born on March 27, 1916 in Manhattan NY. slowly fade. With Pop- R Pops, this is not the case. He passed away on November 10, 2012. This Easter Sunday will Pop-Pops is one of my mark the 100th anniversary of his birth. heroes. I have the most He married Loretta Barbetti on November 25, 1938 and they had wonderful memories vis- two children, Joanne and Raymond; six grandchildren, Jessica, iting Pop-Pops in Point Laura, Stephanie, Justin, Adam, and Rebecca; and nine great- Lookout; bodysurfing, playing ball in the street, Vito’s Pizza, chasing grandchildren, Ethan, Jared, Angelique, Jeffrey, Devin, McKenzie, the ice cream truck, the duop shop, and neighborhood gatherings. Ben, Grady, and Gianna. Pop-Pops was always so welcoming, and his presence put everyone Dad was an athlete in his youth and even as he aged, he never in a good mood! He smiled, he laughed and he listened. His lust said no to a pick up game of softball or horseshoes on the beach. for life is with me each day. He was never afraid to try something He started his own business as a manufacturer’s representative different, learn something new or be adventurous. On top of this, for office furniture systems and rarely missed a day of work until he was the epitome of a gentleman. We love you Pop-Pops always!” he was well into his 90’s. He was an excellent draftsman and Adam: “ My Grandfather, “Pop-Pops,” and Point Lookout epitomized made the switch to computer-aided design after learning to use each other to me. Both were old from my earliest memories, but a computer at the age of 80. their age was their virtue. They were classic in a way that only Ray and Loretta discovered the small beach town of Point time could allow. Young men can’t laugh the way Pop-Pop’s did; Lookout in 1950 and our family spent wonderful summers there, and urban designers couldn’t recreate Point Lookout from scratch making the trip from White Plains the day school let out for the with all the money in the world. Crossing the bridge over Reynold’s summer. They became year round residents in the 1970’s and Channel felt like going through a time machine; but not only would were very fortunate to have wonderful neighbors and friends. you be going back in time, you’d be going to a nostalgic place in Sadly, Mom passed away in 1997 but Dad continued to have the the past that could not have ever really existed. comfort and support of the community. Except it did, and it was Point Lookout, and it With his family scattered around the country, we was my Grandfather’s home. And Point Lookout worried that Dad would be lonely. However, Dad ran though his veins. Both Pop-Pops and Point who was known affectionately as “the mayor of Point Lookout,” became a fixture in the commu- Lookout were not fast-paced. Pop-Pops thought about what he wanted to say well before he said nity in his later years. He had many good friends anything, if at all. And when he spoke, it was and neighbors like Rich and Mary Bolton and measured, and void of anger. He ate slowly. He Ellen and Joe Mahoney who were always there was never in a hurry. Point Lookout had the slow- for him. est speed limit in the State (I think). Cars moved Dad’s companion, Helene DeRosa, and her fam- slow enough in town that we could play ball in ily meant a great deal to him. His nephew the streets on summer nights. The fastest moving Chick and niece Pat helped with the house and people in Point Lookout were the kids running at checked in on him regularly. the Labor Day races. When his family in North Carolina organized If I were to try to describe Pop-Pops and Point Lookout to a a party to celebrate his 90th birthday, we of course told Rich. It stranger, and if I was effective at conveying who this man was quickly became evident that Dad had never revealed his age to and what this place is, I know the stranger would tell me what I his friends. He always let others assume that since he was still describe is too good to be true. But anyone who knew Pop-Pops driving 25 miles to work each day, he must be a relatively young and Point Lookout would know better. man. He was livid when I spilled the beans and now the entire Pop-Pops died three years ago. And with that, he left Point town was privy to this information. I doubt he ever forgave me! Lookout, moving from one heaven to another. His grandsons, Justin and Adam Donaton beautifully portray our -Joanne Donaton memories of him. Justin: “As time passes, our memories seem to
The Community Outlook - Winter 2015 | Volume 67 - www.communityoutlook.org | 12 16 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 The Point Lookout Civic Association
he year 2015 marked the beginning of some major capital T improvement projects that will help transform the com- munity and make it more resilient in the future. Some of these changes have taken decades to implement, some efforts began more recently, but all have been advocated for by the Point Lookout Civic Association and its outstanding board of volunteers. After suffering for decades, the residents of Inwood Avenue now enjoy a spectacular new roadway through the collective efforts of our residents, politicians and your Civic. One of the largest capital projects for the community in recent memory, we had been in discussions with the Town of Hemsptead as far back as 2009 to have the roadway revitalized. In the late stages of the planning for this project, we were able to add ADA compliant Photo Credit: Robert T. Dowling ramps on Lynbrook Avenue, Inwood Avenue and at the crosswalk at the beach’s main entrance making the community safer for all. break ground in April for the new playground. This playground As a former resident of Lynbrook, I know these entryways were will allow our children to engage in safe imaginative play for a great addition. decades to come. A tremendous THANK YOU to the entire The change will not end in 2015. As we usher in the 85th anni- Point Lookout Park Project Board on their efforts to improve versary of Civic, we will finally see the decades-in-the-making the community. As part of this effort, The Point Lookout Civic “big” dredging project finally begin. This project has been Association will collaborate with some of the site work the Town championed for decades by the Civic and I would like to person- of Hempstead will be doing to initiate a community garden as ally thank Gerry Ottavino and Tom Doheny for their relentless part of the overall vision for the park. This garden initiative, led pursuit of this project. The beginning stages of this project by Ed Wengler and George Monasterio, will allow residents to are taking shape at the town park as more and more rocks are participate in organic gardening at a minimal cost. beginning to be staged in Town Park. We anticipate by late In a final note, in 2015 the Point Lookout Civic Association winter that our new jetty will begin to take shape. The jetties Executive Board was able to secure a community events grant will be significantly extended which will mitigate erosion. The through Assemblyman Kaminsky that reimbursed us for some second stage will be the actual dredging portion of the project of our 2015 event expenses. This will allow us to continue which will enhance our existing dune system and also calls for our efforts of bringing the community together as we believe a new sun shelter to be erected on top of the dune along with that our events are important to building a sense of commu- walk-overs that will make beach access more readily available nity. These events also offer a great opportunity to engage our to all residents. elected officials in an informal setting, showcasing the magical Civic beach will not be the only waterfront area that will change. place Point Lookout is. The revetment in our cove area was funded in 2015 through I hope that by highlighting some of our achievements you see New York Rising Storm Resiliency program. I want to thank some of the great effort the Civic takes on your behalf and the all who attended the New York Rising meetings, filled out the tremendous benefits your $50 membership fee provides. If you online surveys and also petitioned our state and local leaders to are a member, we thank you for your continued support. If you get this project a top priority billing for our area. This project is are not a member, please take this opportunity to sign-up at also expected to begin shortly, with final logistics being worked www.pointlookoutcivic.org so that we can carry on our advo- out. This project, along with the barrier island wide dredging cacy and continue to offer great events throughout the year. project will make Point Lookout and our neighboring communi- We keep our events free through your donations; and since the ties more resilient for generations to come. Town of Hempstead does not financially support our events, We are also quite excited about another project that will be your support is vital for Children’s Day, Movie Nights, the taking place in the community, the revitalization of the Point Halloween Pumpkin Walk and Our Annual Welcome to Summer Lookout Civic Park. The Point Lookout Park Projected expects to Party to continue. Have a healthy, safe and prosperous new year.
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 17 A MESSAGE FROM THE PLHS
Message from the PLHS by Rary Gibson
inter is finally here and although we were blessed with an Indian summer lasting far into December, a W few weeks of Arctic cold has us yearning for warm spring and sunny summer weather already. The PLHS hosted many events this summer and fall starting with our Artist Wine event in June where Ed McCabe exhibited his beautiful paintings, two of which were selected for our private label wines from L.I.’s own Osprey’s Dominion. We have a small stock (Merlot or Chardonnay) remaining for a tax-deductible donation of $20 to the PLHS. They make great gifts and the bottles are a collector’s item since we will be featuring another artist on our bottles in 2016. Call us at 516-897-0324 or email us: [email protected] & we will deliver to your home. PLHS also attended two of our town’s “Pop-Up Shops,” – one at the Point Lookout Yoga Club & the other at The Salt Air Café. We also had a table at Miss Judy’s Poinsettia Fair at Bishop Molloy Rec Center where we educated the townsfolk about our mission to preserve the history and heritage of Point Lookout. Thanks to long time Point Lookout resident Tom Bauer (former owner of Point Artworks) who has captured so much of the Point’s history with his photographs, we featured a display of cards and matted prints available for donations. The “hot” items were the photos of places/businesses that once graced the streets of Point Lookout eg. Chicolino’s, Lazy Pelican, Bayhouse, Lola the display at our headquarters at 23B Bellmore Avenue. Lobster (Brown Brother’s Lobster Co.), Doxsee Sea Clam Co., Ye We look forward to some interesting events in the near future Olde Firehouse to name a few. We have seen many changes in including a possible 2nd “Point Lookout Trivia night” at J.A. our town over the years but one thing that will never change is Heneghan’s! our unique sense of community! Let’s continue to support each We continue to welcome new volunteers (See “Call for Volunteers” other and support our local businesses. on next page for a list of opportunities). See our “Calling all Artists” The first Saturday in December PLHS presented, “A View Of Point for the 2016 Wine Label design contest. Follow us on Facebook and Lookout,” photographs by Robert T. Dowling. Bobby, considered visit our website @ www.pointhistorical.org by many the town photographer, documents community events To volunteer please call: 516-897-0324. and generously contributes many of his pictures to the PLHS PLHS, Inc. archives. He also serves as the key photographer for The 23B Bellmore Ave. Community Outlook. Many of his works continue to be on Photo Credit: Robert T. Dowling P.O. Box 822
18 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 RETURN TO DUNKIRK by Bob Doxsee
Her name was Marchioness, elegant sounding but dismal look- France through the presumed impenetrable Ardennes Forest in ing; long for her narrow beam and encumbered by a large deck an unexpected lightning drive towards the English Channel. This house that ran from the pilot house aft. Yet, there were traces blitzkrieg tactice split the British and French armies and forced of sheer and run in the old hull that gave a hint of better days the BEF to retreat. The allies fought a delaying battle withdrawing gone by. At that time, back in 1984, she served as a river taxi, to the sea port of Dunkirk. The surrounding area was marshy and ferrying passengers down Thames from Parliament Square. I criss- crossed with canals which was not good tank ground. The boarded on a beautiful January afternoon; one of London’s few Germans believed they had the British trapped with their backs for that time of year, bound for Greenwich-site of England’s to the sea. To the indomitable British, the English Channel was National Maritime Museum. A fresh Northwest wind was blow- the sea road home. Several ships were sunk in the inner harbor, ing; white caps whipped across the Thames, clouds scudded severely limiting evacuation. That left the long stretches of beach. before the breeze against the bluest of blue skies. Pulling away The shallow, gradually sloping shoreline prohibited large vessels from the quay, she listed ominously under a power turn to star- from loading, so the troops would have to be ferried offshore to board and as we made our way down river we were trailed by smokerack. We passed beneath Waterloo Bridge, London and Tower Bridges, down river from the Tower of London and Saint Paul’s Cathedral and then the little used London Docks that had become antiquated by the advent of container shipping. I turned my attention to the seaworthi- ness of the old craft. The height of her deck house, together with the narrow- ness of beam and shallow draft made me think her stability was compromised, probably because what had been an open air deck above the original deck house had been enclosed, thus making her a double decker. No sea boat she. Her slender beam, sharp bow, and low freeboard would make for a deep and the larger ships with small shallow draft boats. In a speech to dangerous diver going to wind. In a following sea she would the House of Commons the Prime Minister called it “a colossal be treacherous in that she would be determined to broach to. military disaster” saying that “the whole root and core and brain of While inspecting below deck I came across a small brass plaque the British Army had been stranded and seemed about to be anni- affixed to a bulkhead. Terse, unassuming, an understatement to hilated.” The loss of the army would leave the British Isles almost say the least; the words leapt out at me. The eloquence of those indefensible from invasion. Orders went out from the Admiralty words was stunning. It told the story of a people who persevered commandeering “ALL AVAILABLE BOATS.” An immortal flotilla and prevailed against catastrophic odds. It proudly bore the sim- upwards of seven hundred small boats assembled along the sea- ple legend DUNKIRK-1940. Although I could hardly believe my coast. Some were flat bottomed inland craft that had never been eyes, I thought back to those early dark days of World War Two. to sea but were ideal for loading troops off the beaches. Operation A little background; when Nazi Germany invaded Poland in Dynamo, May 26th to June 4th, 1940 was to go down in history as September 1939 the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was sent to the greatest sea borne rescue of all time which turned a military the aid of the French, Dutch and Belgian armies. Germany invad- disaster into a heroic drama of epic proportions. Nine days that ed Belgium and the Netherlands on May 10, 1940 and attacked changed the course of history. This armada was to become known
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 19 as “The Little Ships of Dunkirk.” to consign such a noble ship The saga of private boat owner to such an ignominious end. s rescuing beleaguered English The newspaper Daily Mail soldiers is dramatized in the film successfully campaigned to “Mrs. Miniver” with Greer Garson save her. In 1985 the Medway and Walter Pidgeon. Queen Society was formed. Speaking to the English people Reconstruction finally began on June 4th, 1940 the great war- in 2009. On November 18th, time leader Winston Churchill 2013 the rebuilt Medway gave his historic “We Shall Fight Queen arrived at her home on the Beaches” speech. Faced port at Gillingham Pier on the with imminent invasion he defi- River Medway. antly hurled the challenge to the enemy- “WE SHALL DEFEND In the spring of 1965 forty three Little Ships made the crossing OUR ISLAND-WE SHALL NEVER SURRENDER.” back to Dunkirk with support from the Royal Navy and RNLI (ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE BOAT INSTITUTION)* The BBC provided Some notable boats: radio and television coverage. While reviewing press coverage Tamzine-a fifteen foot fishing boat which is now housed at the after the event several Little Ship owners agreed to form an Imperial War Museum. association. More than one hundred of the “Little Ships are Royal Daffodil: A cross channel excursion ship rescued ninety five members of the association. hundred in seven trips. A bomb penetrated two decks blowing an The Return to Dunkirk has been repeated in 1975, 1980, underwater hole, but she made port. 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. Michael Stephens: A forty Six Foot RNLI “WE SHALL DEFEND The Association has received an official lifeboat –rammed twice by a British MTB invitation from the Mayor of Dunkirk (Motor Torpedo Boat) but made it back to return to Dunkirk in May 2015 to under her own power. OUR ISLAND-WE SHALL commemorate the 75th anniversary of Isle of Man Steam Packet Company: Operation Dynamo. It is expected that Eight Company boats served in the evac- NEVER SURRENDER.” 50 Little Ships escorted by the RNLI uation which was considered their finest and the Royal Navy will take part in the hour. It was also their blackest day as -Winston Churchhill Return. three ships were lost in one day. In the early morning hours of August Medway Queen: The Paddle Steamer 19th, 1989 Marchioness was run down Medway Queen was built in 1924 in Troon, Scotland for ser- and sunk in the River Thames by the Dredge Bowbelle with vice on the River Medway and the Thames Estuary. In 1938 heavy loss of life. her boilers were converted from coal to oil fired and she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy as an armed minesweeper. She REST IN PEACE was now HMS Medway Queen. She participated in Operation Bob Doxsee Dynamo and her first return trip coincided with an air raid. After shooting down an enemy plane she rescued all the passengers *The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is one of several and crew of a sister ship sunk in the raid with no loss of life. charities that save lives at sea around the British Isles (Great Dangerously overloaded she made it safely into harbor. On her Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) as well seventh and last trip another ship directly behind her blew up. as on some inland waterways. Founded in 1824 as the National The explosion drove the other ship forward and destroyed one Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, the RNLI of Medway Queens paddles. Long overdue she was presumed was granted Royal Charter in 1860 and is a charity in the UK and lost but limped back into port. During Operation dynamo she Republic of Ireland. Queen Elizabeth II is Patron. The RNLI oper- shot down three enemy planes, fought off twenty air attacks, ates 444 lifeboats (332 at 236 lifeboat stations, 112 in the relief made seven crossings and rescued seven thousand men. On fleet). Crews rescued on average 23 people a day in 2013. Most September 8th, 1963 she set out on a voyage to a ship breaking lifeboat crew members are unpaid volunteers. The Institution has yard in Belgium. When the owner of the yard discovered that saved 140,000 lives since its foundation, at a cost of more than he was to break up The Heroine of Dunkirk he flatly refused 600 lives lost in service.
20 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 Pumpkin Walk 2015 2nd annual Salt Air Café Pumpkin carving contest this year’s winner was Mairead O’Sullivan
22 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 Poetry Corner Christopher Brian To Cousin On an airplane flight from Texas at his Mother’s Wake you, your Mom & Dad (but not the pilot I thought your family next to godliness- or even his airplane crew,) a clean sweep- buttermilk house, garage and yard- landed in the middle of everyone such care for things, even flowers: borders of our at the Firehouse stop with folks America - the middle classic plot. Parkside to Mineola --even two French poodles- We hold these things for mostly they are not. Collette& Finn barking welcome, too-- Aunt Helen’s lemon cake when the caravan surren- while waiting for you… dered summer to calendars marked by social rule. Marybeth’s ice cream, Aggie’s babyfood, At clan gatherings, they sang. Your father, an English JoJo Apple customers applauding - convert, rendered Danny Boy, your mother, the maven Sung’s PO mail -our box of best wishes housewife, winked, swaying to tootle, You Lika me, everyone Parkside to Mineola kisses-- Marie? we’ve been waiting, waiting, waiting…WAITING we giggled at innocence -she sang off-key Above for guess who? National Geographics a laundry line of Encyclopedic ‘The lady pediatrician who sings to babies magazines and Life saved for history? Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, & Cousins too- Farewells blur like faith in a simple time like us in the sun, the moon, day tides, night stars awaiting the wake of their fierce line. news for a Hooray- & POINT LOOKOUT cheer Christopher Brian dear Christopher Brian IS HERE! -Claire Curtin Point Lookout’s Poet Laureate
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 23 PASSAGES A look at a Point Lookout resident that we lost. Pause to remember those who have left us.
GINNY ANN 2-15-1954 12-21-2011
Dear Liam, Kane and Dylan,
Your grandmother was a maitre de for women. A menu created in her mother’s kitchen on Lynbrook Avenue.
You live there now, and you too, reap the fruits of her life.
There is her passion like cherries red and ripe: and then the juicy tidbits that always became a story. Photo credit by Shannon Llewellyn-Culkin Irish laughter smelling like Corn Beef brisket prepared by Vinny and served by Ginny who made sure the beer was cold and the soda bread was hot. A memory all made in a pot from her heart and the kitchen where you now live.
Liam, her lips smiled on the day you were born, and everyone can see her reflection in your eyes, now blue like the sea where she used to clam on boats that still speak of how the ‘bay rat’ was soft tough and cool.
Grandsons, your grandmother was progress. A Susan B Anthony ‘coin’who protested and marched down streets for Queens. Perched on an engine she announced her intention for equality.
“Give me the nozzle boys. At last it is my turn!” By Dory Edwards
24 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 Photo credit bycredit Photo F rank B rown
The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 25 TUNNEL TO TOWERS
26 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016 The Community Outlook -Winter 2016 | Volume 69 - www.communityoutlook.org | 27 28 | www.communityoutlook.org - Volume 69 | The Community Outlook - Winter 2016