More than a year after nature’s damaging blow to the peninsula, I continue my peripatetic existence, traveling back and forth between New York’s upstate and downstate counties. Peripatetic is really the right word, hearkening back to the wandering teachers of Greco-Roman times. Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess—if there’s an after-school program or SAT prep class in need of an instructor, I’ll travel…Thanks to those who have persistently inquired as to my whereabouts.
Still a mortgagee on a beach block house, I visit regularly and enjoy my family and friends on the Rock. It was great to see neighbors at the polls on election day, to savor those balmy August and September evenings at Rockaway Civic’s Beach Flix, and to shed some nostalgic tears seeing my daughter head off to her freshman year at SUNY Purchase.
I now have a little abode in Dutchess County in the shadow of the Fishkill Ridge, a place steeped in mostly forgotten, Revolutionary War history. Why, just this past week, over protests from preservationists, the Village of Fishkill allowed the demolition of the Jackson House, one of the original stagecoach hotels that dotted Route 9 between Albany and New York City. The village’s mayor said the beautiful structure was about to fall down and injure residents, which brought to mind what Mayor Giuliani said about the Neponsit Home over a decade ago. Hasn’t fallen down yet, has it?
This past weekend, it was a thrill to attend the rededication of the sanctuary of Breezy Point’s Christ Community Church, rebuilt by the steadfast and cheerful Jim Killoran and his Habitat for Humanity staff, plus numerous volunteers from all over the country. Although Jim hails from Westchester, he has truly dedicated his voluminous skills over the past year to helping out—from Breezy Point to Far Rockaway, plus places in between. Congratulations to Jim, Habitat, the church, and the entire community!
On Thursday, December 5, from 6-11 p.m., I will be at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club’s Holiday Boutique, selling and signing copies of Images of America: Rockaway Beach. I will be offering the book for $20 at this event. Admission to the event is free. There will be over 20 vendors, plus raffles and refreshments. BHYC is at 533 Beach 126th Street (at Beach Channel Drive).
On Friday, December 6, I also hope to make it for the Rockaway Theatre Company’s production of “Inspecting Carol,” the droll holiday comedy which is being staged from Dec. 6-15 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.). Tickets can be reserved at www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org.
Article and header photo copyright 2013, Vivian R. Carter.
Oy Vey Rockaway 