Around the Park
By Joyce Peters

HAPPENINGS OVER THE FOURTH—

Saturday was the hectic day with something for everyone. For the gourmands, the Firehouse Bar-B-Que kicked off at noon. After a short interruption for a sea rescue that turned out just fine (the missing man found swimming laterally to the beach couldn’t understand the fuss), the eating continued unabated with burgers, hot dogs, clams on the half-shell, corn and watermelon, spiced with patriotic music and a Tommy Byrnes rendition of “God Bless America.” You had to be in it to win it and over 50 took prizes home. The TV and the bike were both won by one year old Nate Samson—thanks to grandma Noreen Pillitteri’s largesse. Eileen Murray walked away with the DVD and kid at heart Peter Greenberg won the Big Apple Circus tickets. The 50/50 winner was Ben Eschmann –not yet two, daddy Ed signed off on the ticket…

Sports addicts chose between watching Portugal beat England in the World Cup on TV or live beach or field action. The Annual Volley-ball tournament, renamed “The International,” drew 25 players from; Fair Harbor, Seaview, Ocean Bay Park, Westchester, Rockland County, Manhattan and Marlboro, Mass. (Bob Adler’s 13-year-old grandson Brenden made the semi-finals with Bob beaming). Six teams played for six hours and after this exhausting and grueling day, the winning team consisted of Danny Sussman, Edwin Medrano, Javier, and Arnold Kotzen. Trophies donated by Jay Cummings.…

The softball field was never empty–the youngsters played in the morning and the Over-Under crew at 11 a.m. Judd Kramer, hitting to right field, was deprived of a homer when Randy Ditata made a diving catch of the fly ball. Rick lost his homer to Chris, the younger Beermann, playing short center—he speared the hard-hit line drive. Ed Micallef and Lefty Mike fared better, each hitting a home run.…

Music lovers walked to F street to hear “ Stanley’s Washboard Kings”—eight musicians including Vince Giordano on a beautiful brass bass. The group entertained the beach crowd with jazz and ragtime oldies from Joan Brown’s deck (Joan and Stan King organized this happening)…

FULL HOUSES FOR THE FOURTH—

You can bet they were with near perfect weather for the four-day weekend. Oona Sullivan’s houseful included Jennifer & Donall Winter, his mom, Pat & Ben Haimowitz and John Krall... At the Raicovich’s with Gene and Eric were Jill Selver and John Dempsey… Gwen and Cliff Cobb at the Schankweiler’s… Elaine and John Collins at the Greenberger’s… Sherry Klein with the Marks… Sharon and Mark Horowitz at the Schechter’s… At the Siegel’s with Pete and Tara were Hannah Rieke and the Sagas– Hiroki, Aika and Maximilian…

CANDLES TO—

Julie Roberts (7/7), Brooke Trent & Bob Adler (7/8), Cindy Seebeck & Lisa Lewin Conway (7/9), Wendi Schechter & Lou Barish (7/12), Carolyn Godfried Kahn, Bonnie Zucker & Mitzi Bender (7/13)… And on 7/11 to Beth and Stu Sugerman for their anniversary…