The Rockaway Times
NEW AOH FORMS Continued from Page 15 Fifteen members are required to form a new AOH Division, which Manning says they already have in time for their inaugural meeting on Thursday, February 22. Among some of the members are Dowdell’s own sons, firefighter James Dowdell, and army veteran, Patrick Dowdell. “I’ve been a member of the AOH since I was a teenager. My dad and I signed up when I turned the minimum age of 16 and my father was very involved in the group,” Patrick Dowdell said. The son of the late firefighter believes his father would be honored by having a group in his name. “He would love it. He was obviously a proud Irish Catholic and fireman, and he was proud to be a resident of Breezy and to raise his family there. The fact that the group is all about charity and is something positive for the community is something he’d be happy that we’d be
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 involved in. It’s pretty cool to have it named in his honor because those are the things he stood for. He was about sacrifice and helping others and that’s the goal of the AOH in general,” Dowdell said. AOH Division 4’s first meeting will be held at the Breezy Point Catholic Club (204-10 Rockaway Point Blvd) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 22. NY State AOH President, Timothy McSweeney, and AOH National Director Liam McNabb, will be making the trip from Albany for the official swearing-in ceremony. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to attend. The AOH revolves around the principles of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. Members must be males, 16 and up, who are practicing Roman Catholics of Irish birth or descent and U.S. citizens. If you’re interested, but cannot attend the first meeting, contact John Manning at queenscountyaohpres@gmail. com or 917-589-0047.
Thanks for the memories! T. Trotta
Memory Lane Dear Editor: I enjoyed looking at the old picture of Curley’s Hotel in your Feb. 15, 2018 issue of The Rockaway Times. Growing up I heard many stories of the great Curley’s as both my mother and grandmother worked there in the late 1940’s and early 50’s. Mom’s family hailed from the Upper West Side, but during the summer months they rented a room in a house on St. Mark’s Place (which I don’t believe is around anymore either). Mom used to tell me of the many happy summers she spent working at the hotel as a “locker girl” where she assisted beach-goers who would rent a locker for the day.
Gun Control Dear Editor: After another school shooting, it is encouraging to see young people getting involved in the issue of gun control. Some gun owners say protect the Second Amendment at all costs and any kind of regulation is a slippery slope. The First Amendment has a regulation we can all agree on. You cannot yell ‘Fire!” in a crowded theater just because you have a right to free speech. And if you spread lies you can be sued for libel or slander, and saying you have freedom of speech is not an excuse. There are limits to the First Amendment. There should be limits on the Second. There should be background checks. You shouldn’t have an arsenal unless you can make the case why it’s needed. Maybe the law enforcement failed to follow up on tips in Florida but that doesn’t mean controls are useless. Some people say give guns to teachers. Well, not to the teachers I had! William L. Riley
CURRAN’S SUPERIOR MEATS Where service is an obsession
' m X x Find Out About The Rockaway Beach Civic Association
At Bungalow Bar Thursday, March 1 7:30 p.m.
WE ARE NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR OUR CURRAN'S FAMOUS BRAND CORNED BEEF FOR THE ROCKAWAY ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE, MARCH 3rd. Our Corned Beef is all Natural & Brined to perfection right on the premises. Supply is limited. Please order early. WE ALSO CARRY A FULL LINE OF IRISH PRODUCTS JUST FOR YOU!
FRESH FISH FRIDAY EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL EASTER SUNDAY 239 Beach 116th Street Belle Harbor, NY 11694 718-634-7408 • 718-634-6363
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