The man, the myth, the legend…

Bay Ridge lost another treasure, David Forsyth, a Bay Ridge icon who brought a smile to everyone he met and always left them laughing... he will be sorely missed. David passed away on Friday, August 7. He was an actors actor, and once starred off-Broadway with Brian Dennehy. He told countless anecdotes, my favorite being the sidewalk encounter he had with Dustin Hoffman. Forsyth was a charter member of Narrows Community Theater and served as their first president from 1971-1973. David was very proud of NCT and well he should be. He was in dozens of productions over the years, and more recently he would always bring the house down before the show even started when he introduced the plays at St. Patrick’s. His wake was a testament to his dedication to his family and friends and the art of performing that he loved so much. Hundreds of mourners, most with their own special remembrance of David were there to share these wonderful stories. His ‘last’ performance, at St. Patrick’s Church for his funeral mass, was to a full house. Father Gerard Sauer gave the homily in true theater-style jargon and began with a joke, in honor of the lead actor. “He loved a good joke.” said Father Gerard; and we loved hearing them, especially from him.

Theatre in the ‘not so rough’…

Last week I went to see a reading of a brand new play that took place at the distinguished Manhattan Theatre Club. Written by local theater maven Michael Coluccio (pictured here at reading), who founded Sts. Simon and Jude Theater in Gravesend, it is a play dealing with priests, seminarians, laymen and plain old regular folk, all looking for some sort of redemption. During this initial reading, Michael was able to secure some of his talented friends from various other Broadway shows to perform. The story is topical and very well written. This was the first full reading of his play called Ordained, and is the first step in the process of getting this play to a theatre near you. You will definitely be hearing more about this very soon.

Matt Long Enters and Completes Lake Placid Ironman

New York City Firefighter Matthew Long was part of the 2009 Ironman Lake Placid Triathalon which took place on Sunday July 26. That means Matt swam 2.4 miles in Mirror Lake, biked 112 miles through the Adirondack Mountains, and ran the 26.2 miles through those same mountains. Matt entered this Ironman, his second, with his group, the I Will Foundation, with fellow Bay Ridge-ite Jonathan Rohl who entered for the first time. Matt’s first Ironman was in 2005, before his near-death injury when he was struck by a bus in Manhattan during the illegal NYC transit strike. At the time of that injury, Matt was given a one percent chance of survival. Since that time, and after many pints of blood, numerous surgeries and strenuous physical therapy, Matt has run a NYC Marathon in 2008 and now, competed in an Ironman Triathalon. This is an amazing story of heart, and determination, and hope. Matthew Long is an inspiration to all who know him, and especially those who don’t, who he has touched through his wonderful foundation with his courage, and his incredible strength of character. Congratulations to you Matt, and your I Will Foundation, and to all who competed in this most arduous event. For more information check www.iwillfoundation.com

Congratulations JR…

My friend and Bay Ridge runner Jonathan Rohl (seen here with Matt Long) was part of the I Will Foundation entourage that competed with Matt in his quest for the Ironman Triathalon in Lake Placid on July 26. It was JR’s first attempt at this swimming, biking and running endurance test of strength and stamina, and he passed with flying colors. His time was 11:06 and he was 244th out of the 2,258 that started the event. Jonathan is a graduate of prestigious Regis High School and the University of Scranton, graduating with degrees in International Language/Business in 2001. He can be seen running through the streets of Bay Ridge in preparation for the NYC Marathon in November and the Boston Marathon in April. During last years Boston Marathon, JR had his best marathon time to date, 2:57, which to me is absolutely incredible. Nicely done, buddy…

Sometime on Friday, I caught the HBO series “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” already in progress and was watching a story about former Oakland Raider Barret Robbins and his battle with a bipolar disorder. The next segment on the show was about a young lacrosse player and the malignant brain tumor that was detected by her doctor at the tender age of nine. It was a story I knew all to well, after meeting this feisty teenager last year at Poly Prep. The story goes like this… Jaclyn Murphy was diagnosed and had that brain tumor removed on March 30, 2004. Chemotherapy and radiation followed the operation because the tumor they removed was malignant and life threatening. Each day on their way to the treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan, they passed a poster on the wall depicting a women’s lacrosse team, and her dad, Denis Murphy, pointed to that image and said to his daughter, “that’s going to be you one day.” Little did either of them know, that Jaclyn’s lacrosse coach had a friend who coached the Northwestern University’s women’s college squad and had told her all about Jaclyn and her condition. Within days, Jaclyn had all sorts of Northwestern Lacrosse gear and autographed pictures and sticks from the entire team. Jaclyn had her dad drive her to a game when the team came to the east coast to play at Johns Hopkins in Maryland. Dad did, and an incredible relationship had begun. Jaclyn attended as many games as she could and was in the stands when the team won their first NCAA Championship in 2004. They have won every year since. She is quite the ‘good luck charm’. The foundation she and her dad have started is called Friends of Jaclyn, and is all about love, support and friendship. So far, they have over 100 college sports teams covering 17 different sports and one high school lacrosse team (Poly Preps Girls). They pair off recently diagnosed pediatric brain tumor patients and a school sports program. That team “adopts” the child and the results are extraordinary. That is how I met this amazing young lady; her and her dad were introducing the Poly team to their ‘adopted younger sister’, Lily Langbein. It was one of the most incredible moments I have ever witnessed. I got to chat with Jaclyn, whose courage, relentless spirit and joy for life are an inspiration to those who know her. She is captivating, and her enthusiasm is contagious. The Poly team, the only high school program thus far, is coached by Anni Zukauskas, who says of her team, “I have a very special team here at Poly Prep, and they have gone above and beyond to become a part of this foundation.” This charitable organization was created to raise public awareness about pediatric brain tumors. Funds are used to offset medical expenses for children who are diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer and donations are made to other charities specifically related to pediatric brain cancer. For more information on this wonderful foundation go to www.friendsofjaclyn.org

Brooklyn Little Leaguer Cops Championship

Leave it to a Brooklyn kid to secure the win for his Staten Island Little League summer team. 13-year-old pitcher Justin Pedone of Dyker Heights pitched the last three innings and saved the deciding game for his Great Kills team against West Shore to cop best-of-three Babe Ruth League District 7 All-Star series championship.
In the early innings with Dave Murray pitching for Great Kills, the team had a four run lead; but by the fourth inning they had seen their lead dwindle down to a single run. That brought in Pedrone, who proceeded to face nine West Shore batters, striking out five and getting two to pop out and two to ground out. The last inning, protecting a 5-3 lead, Pedone got the first batter to pop out to the infield; struck out batter number two for his 5th K and induced the third batter to hit a hard ground ball to second where Nick Cannatella, with a great stop and throw, ended the game with a perfect play.
This Great Kills team moves on to compete in the New York State Tournament where they will play Westchester in a game this Friday at 8:15 p.m. at South Shore.

Remembering Rosemarie…

Bay Ridge lost one of its ‘treasures’ on July 17, 2009, and her name was Rosemarie O’Keefe. Rosemarie, in the words of Senator Marty Golden, was a woman who stood as a giant in her community and who accomplished great things for Bay Ridge. Golden also stated, “I am grateful to have had the privilege of working with Rosemarie O’Keefe for many years towards the betterment of our community. Be it cleanups on our avenues or in our parks, or fighting against crime or graffiti, or working on issues related to our community’s zoning, Roe was everywhere and did everything for the good of the neighborhood.” Community leader Arlene Keating said, “Rosemarie had been a constant supporter of many Bay Ridge events for years, including the Ragamuffin Parade and the BRCC as well as many, many more. Truly loyal to the Bay Ridge community that she loved and protected so dearly. Everything she touched and advocated for she did with fervor and class. She was a friend to many and will be missed by all.” Councilman Vincent Gentile had this to say about O’Keefe, “Certainly this community mourns the passing of Rosemarie O’Keefe. We may not have been from the same party but we were on the same page about what was right and what was good and what was in the best interest for our community and the city. We really lost a friend.” Bay Ridge Community Council President Andrew Windsor said, "Rosemarie O'Keefe was an integral and important part of our community, working tirelessly on behalf of others. Her presence and dedication in and to Bay Ridge and the surrounding areas will be missed". Her funeral on Monday at St. Anselm’s Church was well attended by Bay Ridge and beyond. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Mayor Rudy Guliani were both in attendance, with Bloomberg calling O’Keefe “bigger than life” and a person the city will miss dearly.

A Conversation with J. J. Franco

J.J. Franco is the starting shortstop and a right-handed pitcher for the Poly Prep Blue Devils. He has been at Poly since 5th grade; played for the Junior Varsity (JV) baseball team as an eighth-grader and the Varsity since he was a freshman. As a freshman and a sophomore, J.J. was voted to the First Team All-League. He was also named co-most improved player as a sophomore. The Blue Devils went 52-3 his first two years and were NYSAISAA Champs in both 2007-08. This year, as a junior, J.J. was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the New York State Sportswriters Association. His dad is John Franco, legendary left-handed relief pitcher for the New York Mets, who also played for the St. John’s Redmen, and Lafayette High School. J.J. was in Atlanta last week, playing in a tournament, but was able to answer a few questions.
JJ, you're the starting shortstop and pitcher for Poly, do you do anything different to prepare for your next start as a pitcher?
In preparation for my next start, I try to listen to my dad's advice. I play a nice, slow game of long toss, stretch out longer and slow myself down. As a shortstop I'm always running around everywhere, but as a pitcher I need to remain composed and stay within myself on the mound.

Can you give me some highlights from last season?
If I had to choose some highlights, I would choose our victory over Horace Mann when we came back from a 10-run deficit and ‘mercy ruled’ them. Another would be the Telecommunications game. I pitched a complete game shut out with 10 Ks and Richie Carbone hit the game winning base hit in the bottom of the 7th.

You have played for a lot of teams during your young career, how do you rank Coach Matt Roventini and his staff?
Coach Roves and his staff are definitely one of the best there is. As a baseball player, you dream of playing for coaches like them. They are very laid back and believe in letting us play the game. They stay true to the old ways of playing baseball and respect the game. But, if you need a kick in the rear, they are not afraid to do that.

What needs to be accomplished next year (your last) at Poly for it to be a truly successful season?
Win the championship. Every year we set that as our goal. Anything else that happens during the year is just a bonus that reflects our hard work.

Your favorite highlight of old Shea Stadium?
My favorite highlight is when the Mets beat the Cardinals in 2000 to advance to the World Series. What made it truly special was seeing them do a victory lap around the field and seeing my dad lifted up on one of his teammates shoulders. Then after, all the families had the privilege to partake in the post game celebration. Of course I wasn't spraying and drinking champagne like everyone else, but Garret Zeile (Todd's son) and I were running around with glasses of water and throwing them on the players.

Lastly, what are you doing this summer baseball-wise?
I've been to a couple of tournaments so far. One in Troy, New York, about a week ago and I'm currently in Atlanta for a tournament with my summer team, the Richmond County Baseball Club. I also attended a baseball prospect camp at Stanford University and got the opportunity to play in front of 50+ coaches from colleges I'm interested in going to. In August I'm going to the East Coast Professional Baseball Tournament in Lakeland to play with the Angel's East Coast scout team and after that I plan on attending the Headfirst Showcase in Richmond, Virginia.

Busy summer. We wish you all the best and congratulations on your 2009 MVP.

Just my opinion…

I was told the other day that Sen. Marty Golden had requested a traffic study along Shore Road between 90th Street and Third Avenue by the Department of Transportation. My suggestion is that the good Senator just tell the Head Knucklehead of the DOT to pull up a beach chair and sit on my corner for fifteen minutes, any weekday, and I am sure he would find a way to slow down the traffic well before the planned study results are released in September.

Congrats to Poly Baseball…

Members of Poly Prep’s Varsity Baseball Team were recently announced as winners of the New York State Sportswriters Association Awards. Junior starting shortstop J. J. Franco (r) received the Player of the Year Award for his division and junior first baseman Richie Carbone (l) was named 3rd Team All-League. Both players also pitch for the Blue Devils and both are wearing #6 in honor of retired baseball Coach Harlow Parker. Head Coach Matt Roventini (behind w/bat) was named Coach of the Year. Franco’s dad is none other than Met great John Franco who retired in 2005.

A ‘Million’ to one… Last Saturday I went to see my friend Andrew Samaha and his incredibly talented band, A Million Years, on the main stage at the Knitting Factory. The band, Andrew on bass, Keith Madden, vocals and lead guitar, Andrew Vanette on drums and Nick Werber on guitar and vocals, was great. You can check out their music on their website at
www.myspace.com/amillionyearsmusic

Memorial Day Parade and Concert… The oldest continually running Memorial Day Parade in the country marched through our own Third Avenue on Monday. To me, it was the best and largest parade in a long time. The ceremony at John Paul Jones Park (aka Cannonball Park) was a beautiful affair. Next, at around 2:30 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, the talented InterSchool Orchestra of New York (ISO) under the direction of equally talented Brian Worsdale performed a marvelous musical tribute to Brooklyn and war veterans alike. Maestro Marty Markowitz led the musical celebration by conducting The Liberty Bell by John Phillip Sousa to thunderous applause.

Poly Heads into Championship Game Wednesday

For the Poly Prep Blue Devils, who ended their season with an overall 18-2 record and a 14-0 Ivy League record claiming the number one seed in the NYSAISAA Tournament, their first playoff game was in the quarterfinals against Columbia Prep on Saturday, May 16. Freshman Matt Caposio took the mound against a tough Lion team, which they beat, 6-4. “We didn’t play our best game of the year, but we got the job done.” said junior first baseman/left-handed pitcher Richie Carbone. The win enabled Poly to take on Rye Country Day in Sunday’s semi-final game. “Now,” exclaimed Carbone, “this one was a thriller.” Taking the hill for Poly on this oh so important contest, was none other than the junior shortstop/right-handed pitching phenom, J. J. Franco. “This kid pitched a gem,” said senior starting leftfielder, Max Warner, “he was unstoppable today.” This was a classic pitching duel, where it all came down to base running. Franco pitched a two-hit complete game shutout striking out nine, and won 1-0 thanks to the deft base running of first baseman Carbone. “A lot of things needed to fall into place,” said Warner, “the best thing about our season so far has been the way we as a team have stepped up.” This 22-player squad, to a man, has played a part in the success of this baseball season. Starters, like senior catcher Francis Torres, one of the team leaders along with Warner, lead by example, day in and day out. Players, like fellow seniors Tom Laurendi and Pete Sciolto, are taking advantage of their opportunities and stepping up. Juniors Zack Marciano and Chesley Ratliff and sophomores Marley Randazzo and Joe Calabrese are more examples. These kids just play hard, and never seem to “push the panic button” too early. Warner told me once, after a particular come-from-behind victory, “No reason to panic, we’ve been down before. We had one bad inning that we needed to get out of our system.” So they did. They now find themselves back where they belong, in another championship game. The team will play Berkely Carroll in the championship game on Wednesday at Columbia University with Richie Carbone scheduled to pitch.

On May 2 the Cobblestones Girls Softball team, who had their ‘day in the sun’ during the 1980s, had a reunion of sorts in New Jersey. The girls were always referred to by the umpires as the ‘Kings Cuties’ because of their relationship to Kings Tavern on Ft. Hamilton Pkwy prior to the Cobblestones sponsorship. The Girls are (top) Joanne Pensebene/Scollo, Jeannie Tepedino/Ford, Nicole Lanigan/Muccigrosso, Paula Dileo, Margaret Monahan, Mary Ann Reilly/Nemeth, Kerry Kane/Borst, Trisa Pensabene/Glynn (bottom) Michelle Lanigan/Menken, Jamie Checkett/McLaughlin, Linda Jensen/Olsen and Janice Nersten/Ward.

The Telecommunication Girls Varsity Softball Team is 14-0 in PSAL and have captured this year’s division championship crown. Manager Justin Mendes said their last game against Brooklyn Studios was won by a score of 8-7 in the last inning of play due to an error. Their last regular season game is tonight, Thursday, on their home field at 97th Street and Shore Road against another 14-0 squad, Boys and Girls, at 4 p.m. The team consists of two freshmen, Tyiana Catalino, Magaly Chabran; two sophomores, Vianca Ramirez, Sasha Trejo; four juniors, Stacy Aquino, Jennifer Clavell, Idalia Herrera, Elizabeth Vargas, and eight seniors, Samantha Castro, Bianca Diaz, Tayla Johnson, Stephanie Martino, Giselle Martucci, Samantha Perez, Amy Polanco, Joanna Rodriguez, and Head Coach Glenn McCartney.

A Playwright Grows in Brooklyn

BrooklynOne Theater Has a New Hit

Last Friday and Saturday at St. John’s Church in Bay Ridge, BrooklynOne Theater, under the direction of Artistic Director Anthony Marino, hosted their first young playwriting event and it was a smash. The kids were between the ages of 10-16 years old, both authors and actors. The winning wordsmiths are pictured here with Councilman Vincent Gentile. Pictured with director Marino and stage manager Dylan Kaye are Alexandra Capellini, Nicholas Bravata, Alexandria Ferrantelli, Margot Cole, America Casallas. Joe Barone, Daniel Petric, Ed Rodriguez, Michael Borst. Krista Borst, Rosanna Corrado, Edel Gannon, Jimmy Alexander and band members Florgent Agolli, Will Fisher and Arian Selmani.
For more information on BrooklynOne see www.brooklynone.org

Save Our Libraries

I don’t know about you, but I have a library card and am a proud user of it. My branch, the Fort Hamilton Branch has been closed for some time and doesn’t plan on reopening until spring of 2010, so I am forced to use the 72nd Street Branch. It’s a longer walk, which will do me some good health-wise, but that’s not why I am writing. It seems our Mayor feels we need to cut funds to our library system here in NYC that would eliminate both employees and hours (and possibly days) of service. That is not acceptable. Councilman Vincent Gentile has remarked “The newest rounds of proposed cuts, in addition to the cuts already endured during the last year and a half, if they all come to fruition, then we’re looking at the absolute end to six-day service and we would probably be looking at something in the realm of four to five-day service at our libraries and that would be a shame.”
Councilman Gentile has set up an electronic petition on his website so everyone has the opportunity to show their concerns over these proposed cuts and support our libraries. His website is www.vincentgentile.blogspot.com
Over at the Dyker Beach Branch on Tuesday, Carlo Scissura, community leader whose official day job is Chief of Staff to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and Christina Tettonis organized a fundraiser through the Support Our Shelves campaign. Scissura and Tettonis are both trustees of the Brooklyn Public Library and had “adopted” the branch and led, along with members of the Brooklyn Public Library like Dionne Mack-Harvin and City of New York Counselor Anthony Crowell who is the chairman of the board for the BPL, the fundraising event which brought in half of their proposed $8000 goal. They have until the end of May to achieve that goal. “Thank you all for coming tonight,” Scissura told the standing-room only crowd, “this shows your concern for a vital community institution. Where children come to study, seniors come to read, immigrants come to learn our language. It’s so important for our community.”
To make your voice heard and pledge a donation you can contact Aron Bukspan, a director of BPL, at 718-230-2718 or at a.bukspan@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Xaverian Honors Reggie and Neil…

The Xaverian Joe DiMaggio Awards Night Gala was held on Tuesday, May 5th at the Sheraton Towers in Manhattan and the honorees were Reggie Jackson and Neil Young. To a full house of alumni, students, families and friends of the prestigious Bay Ridge high school, MC Jim Ryan announced the honorees. Neil was a ‘no-show’. Former Yankee slugger, Reggie Jackson, stands with Senator Marty Golden at the Xaverian Joe DiMaggio Awards Night where Mr. October (Jackson) was an honoree. Reggie also posed with the Xaverian Student Government who were in attendance

Two reviews for the price of one… This past weekend I saw P.S./I.S. 180’s Guys and Dolls and Leon M. Goldstein High School’s The Wizard of Oz and enjoyed them both. Joe Barone (Sky Masterson), America Casallas (Sarah Brown), Jimmy Alexander (Nathan Detroit) and Nicole Albanese (Miss Adelaide) were splendid in their title roles, and Eddie Rodriguez (Benny Southstreet) and Daniel Petric (Rusty Charlie) brought comic relief to the Damon Runyon story. Haley-Jo Kenny was a delight to watch and listen to as Dorothy in a quite unusual rendition of The Wizard of Oz. The evening was fun-filled and interesting, with all of my favorite songs from the original movie done to perfection. This production also included some songs from the Broadway play The Wiz. Kudos to D’Anna McAuliffe (Scarecrow), Ian Petersen (Tinman), Jessica Cartusciello (Lion), and a very humorous Chase Meyerson (Toto and the Wizard) for their wonderful portrayals. Mr. Meyerson’s post-production Q&A on Saturday with the audience and cast members was brilliant. Kudos also to both directors, Anthony Marino and Stephen Ryan, both faculty members, and their staffs. Ryan had a hilarious cameo as a tree in a scene he penned himself. All in all, and even with the wizard looking very much like SpongeBob Squarepants in a scene or two, it was two nights of wonderful and interesting theater.

3 on 3 Tourney… Xaverian High School held their 8th Annual Three on Three Basketball Tournament on Saturday… this tournament benefits the Richard Caggiano ’94, Jude Safi ’94 and Robert Tipaldi ’94 9/11 Memorial Scholarship Funds at Xaverian. Eight teams played, the Green Team (Kevin Cochrane, Joseph Izzo '01 and John Larsen '01) and the Red Team (Mike Norris, Alan Fredricksen and Brian Bernardi '12) are pictured here. Basketball started early at 10 a.m followed by a barbeque in the lot. Organized by Ed Mayrose ’79, it was special event once again. My favorites are the ‘Grill Boys’ who man the BBQ pit, Robert Oliva Jr., Tommy Turito, Hiram Pirot and Anthony DiBenedetto.

Tournament Today...

Heading over to Xaverian High School’s 8th Annual Three on Three Basketball Tournament today for a little hoop action… this tournament benefits the Richard Caggiano ’94, Jude Safi ’94 and Robert Tipaldi ’94 9/11 Memorial Scholarship Funds at Xaverian.  As you may or may not know, Richard, Jude and Robert were best friends, members of the Class of 1994 and worked together at Cantor Fitzgerald. I’ll have photos later in the day…

Swine Flu hits Brooklyn U.S.A.

At lunch time yesterday, Good Shepherd in Marine Park closed and parents were picking up their  children... today they closed Bishop Kearney High School... stayed tuned...

Xaverian Awards Gala Next Week

On Tuesday, May 5, 2009, the Xaverian High School's 2009 Joe DiMaggio Awards Gala will take place at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers in New York City. 6:00 pm Cocktail Hour, with a 7:30 pm Dinner, Award Ceremony & Silent Auction with Master of Ceremonies, Jim Ryan, Legendary Television Reporter and Anchorman.
2009 Joe DiMaggio Award will honor the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Neil Young, his lovely wife, Pegi and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Reggie Jackson.
For more information see www.xaverian.org

Ft. Hamilton Students Perform 'Rent'This Weekend

If there was ever a ‘must-see’ high school production, Fort Hamilton’s Rent is it. Not since Xaverian’s 2004 Les Miserable and Ridge Chorale’s 2008 Fame, has a theater production had this many talented school kids on one stage.
Rent is a rock opera based on Puccini’s La Boheme and tells the story of a group of young artists and musicians and their struggle to survive in our city — dealing with problems of creativity, poverty, drugs and AIDS. It is a powerful piece and in the hands of these fine actors it keeps all of its impact.
With cast members Michael Squiteri (Mark), Nicole Alexeva (Maureen), Dylan Nagler (Roger), Jennifer Arias (Mimi), Tyler Van Brussel (Tom Collins) and Mark Diaz (Angel), these kids rock the house. The entire ensemble, more than 30 actors, is a joy to watch and listen to. The band, made up of faculty and students, were right on target. The energy generated by this group of actors was amazing and was only matched by their singing. Musical highlights for me were Tango Maureen and La Vie Boheme in Act I, Seasons of Love brought tears to my eyes, Without You was incredible and I’ll Cover You so emotionally charged you could feel the pain of each character. If you are a fan of live theater, you are not going to want to miss this chance to see a group of this talent put on a show of this caliber.
Performance dates for Rent are Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 3 at 2 .pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Baseball and AARP… On Friday, June 26th at 7 p.m. and Thursday, August 20th at 7 p.m. the Staten Island Yankees will welcome all AARP members. Tickets are $10 & $16 (for all you can eat) + Yankee caps and PlayBall game program. Please call the box office at (718) 313-1336 to order your tickets. On Sunday, July 19th at 5 p.m., the Brooklyn Cyclones will also welcome all AARP members to KeySpan Park in Coney Island. AARP members can call Joyce Huang (718 382-2619) with their AARP numbers and purchase tickets at a discounted price of $12 with a credit card, over the phone and each member will also receive a Cyclones hat. Limited tickets!

‘A Playwright Grows in Brooklyn’ Kids Edition… Set for May 15 and 16 at St. John’s Church in Bay Ridge. BrooklynOne Theater, under the direction of Anthony Marino, will host this inaugural event using playwrights between the ages of 10-16 years of age. The winning authors were announced last week. They are Alexandra Capellini, Nicholas Bravata, Alexandria Ferrantelli, Margot Cole, and America Casallas. There stories will be told by a cast of young actors, including Joe Barone, Michael and Krista Borst, Rosanna Corrado, Ed Rodriguez and Jimmy Alexander, among others. The Greenhouse Band, Florgent Agolli on drums, Will Fisher on lead guitar and Arian Selmani on bass guitar, all 12 years old, are scheduled to open up the evening. This is a free event. St. John's is located at 461 99th Street and the shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information see www.brooklynone.org

Father Joe Fitzgerald

Way to go, Father Fitz… My friend and former St. Patrick’s parishioner Joseph Fitzgerald, who now has a flock of his own as the Associate Pastor of St. Kilian Parish out in Farmingdale, Long Island, organized a men’s conference on Saturday that was very well attended. Close to 1000 gathered at Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville where Fr. Joe and the Rockville Centre Diocese had a great line-up of New York legends and heroes; former Giant Mark Bavaro, St. John’s Lou Carnesseca and NYPD Detective Steven McDonald all spoke to the crowd. Father Fitz is a hero/legend of mine, taking his Ithaca team to a DIII Championship as their quarterback in ’91 and representing the U.S. in Team Handball (along with his brother, Thomas) during the ‘96 Olympics in Atlanta, and now, as a spiritual leader with a huge following of his own. We are truly blessed to have this young man as a role model…