Have a Happy New Year to all my Bums. You all make life lots of fun. Happy 2012.

Peace and Love,

Jan   12/30/11

Happy 2012 to all my wonderful friends!

Best regards,

Jeff     12/27/11

A VERY VERY HAPPY HANUKAH, MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THE BEST OF NEW YEARS TO MY WONDERFUL BEACHBUM FAMILY. YOU ARE ALL TRULY LOVED AND RESPECTED.

THANK YOU,

PETE RUGGIERO    12/25/11

Grew up in Merrick. Every summer made the drive down Meadowbrook Parkway to go to Jones Beach. Great memories of salt water taffy and sunburn.

Hi Everybody;

Just wanted to reach out and say Happy Thanksgiving to all my dear Beach Bum FRIENDS. Please don't mind that I haven't joined Facebook, but I love you all, just the same. And Debbie Red; thank you especially for your kind words; Love You Too! To PTF, your are an inspiration and treasure to all of us! To Jeff and Shari and Gigi and Ginger and all of those that enable us to stay together and go on, year after year; thanks to all of you. Best Wishes to all!

Uncle Scotty    11/24/11

MY REASONS FOR THANKS THIS YEAR: I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, WIFE. But most of all I HAVE BEEN TOTALLY BLESSED TO KNOW WITHOUT, NAY DOUBT THE FINEST, TRUEST, FRIENDS, MY GREATLY BELOVED BEACHBUMS FAMILY. What you have given me in the 40 years I have known you is SOMETHING I NEVER BELIEVED COULD OR WOULD HAPPEN. MY GREAT LOVE AND RESPECT TO ALL OF YOU.

PEACE AND LOVE STAY HAPPY AND WELL.

PETE THE FREAK    11/21/11

GOBBLE,GOBBLE,GOBBLE, HAPPY TURKEYDAY EVERYONE.

ptf    11/21/11

I never hung out with "The Jones Beach Bums" but I went to Jones Beach as often as I could and truly miss it!

Patti Smith Robbins    11/21/11
hometown - New Hyde Park
currently living in Henderson, NV  

Came across your site while visiting Newsday. I grew up on L.I. and still reside here. Jones Beach played a big part in my life also back in the 60's and 70's. Graduated Farmingdale High School back in 72. Just wanted to say I've spent over 1 hour reviewing your site and it is amazing!! Not too many groups of anything survive 40 years!! You all have a lot to be proud of. The best to all of you and NEVER lose the Love!

Bill Torio    11/11/11
Mount Sinai, NY    

As the summer of 2011 comes to a close, I just wanted to say a very big thank you to everyone who attended the 40th reunion and the party. I truly believe we are all blessed by the unique and powerful friendship we all share and have shared for 40 years. This truly has been a summer of our lives!

Love and blessings to all!

Jeff    9/6/11

PS - Only six months until The Winter Party!

UNENDING GRATITUDE

I came to you a broken, scarred person.
You asked no questions, just invited me into your lives.
Your smiles, laughter and kindness have enriched me for 40 years.
My heart grows stronger eveytime I am with you.
Why I was so blessed to meet and keep you there is no answer.
OUR BOND IS FOR LIFE.

FOREVER AND ALWAYS, A FATHER, AND BROTHER,

PETE THE FREAK    9/5/11

The pictures from the 40th reunion are excellent. You make me proud to be a New Yorker and someone that hung out at Jones Beach. Peace.

John Bracco    9/1/11

Uncle Scotty this message is for you....we all had a GREAT time...we all LOVE YOU...now join Facebook to see us again :)

Love you, DebiRed    8/1/11

Yes Shari I was there for Bonnie's 16th birthday, remember you also. I'm sure you all had a great time at the reunion this past weekend. Can't wait to see the pictures.

Tammy Klein    8/1/11

I lived with a beach bum for many years (you know who you are). HAVE A GOOD TIME TODAY!!

Diane Gay    7/30/11

Just checked out the Newsday article......Here's wishing you all a great
day today. I know Tommy and Bobby (along with the others) are enjoying it all too!!!

Daria Rackovitch Buchanan Kowal    7/30/11

Great article in Newsday. Enjoy your get-together.

Unsigned    7/30/11

The article and pictures were great. Now, let's have a great reunion day!

Alan H. Cohn    7/30/11

Hi Bums,

I as not a bum but my sisters Bonnie and Debbie Klein are. I was too young, they wouldnt let me go hang out (only 2 yrs younger then Debbie not fair). But I did get to go to a party - I remember Uncle Scotty being so nice to me. I also had such a crush on "Mini Mole". 'Im sure he didn't know that lol. Oh yeah another party I was allowed to be at was Bonnie's birthday party and thats only because it was at my house. I come on this site all the time and look at all the pictures and read your posts. Very cool site.

Tammy Klein    7/29/11

Note from Shari: Thanks for the message, Tammy. And we must have met, because I remember Bonnie's birthday party - it was her "Sweet 16", and it was great fun!

LETS GET READY TO PARTY! LESS THAN 4 DAYS TO GO GETTING TOGETHER WITH THE BEST PEOPLE ON EARTH.

PEACE,

PETE THE FREAK    7/27/11

Jeff;

That could not have been said any better!

Uncle Scotty    7/18/11

Dear Friends –

In a little over two weeks from now, we will be gathering to celebrate 40 years of the friendship we have enjoyed since we were teenagers. This isn’t just a party. When I think about it, it’s really so amazing how unique the Jones Beach Bums are. No one today has a group of friends like this, who have survived as we have over time. We are celebrating the love we’ve shared for each other and continue to hold deeply for each other, as much today as we did in the early 70’s. Personally, I feel incredibly blessed at the age of 56 to have such wonderful people in my life! In reflecting the past 40 years, I think there are two main reasons why this group has remained as cohesive and resilient as it is: 1) the fact that we have no leaders within the group and 2) the fact our friendship has always been based on the very simple yet powerful idea that transcends any of the usual reasons people remain friends over such a long time: we hold each other as friends unconditionally as we always have held each other. It never mattered who we were or what we had, it always only mattered that we accepted each other without boundaries or preconditions. In other words, just be ourselves and accept every other self in the group, be free of pre-judgement and be part of the whole. Be here for each other, period. Forty years later, time has proven without any doubt that the Jones Beach Bums are a very rich whole that is far greater than the sum of its parts.

With that said, it is more important than ever to “come home” this year. None of us is getting any younger and time has a way of changing the paradigm of life suddenly without warning. Sadly, there are those dear friends who have gone on to the next world from this realm and simply can’t be here in person anymore. We’ve lost three beautiful friends in the past two years alone. Their memory will always live on in each of us and I am sure everyone will keep them and their loved ones close in our hearts as we gather to celebrate the incredible, fabulous richness that is the very essence of who the Jones Beach Bums are, and will always continue to be. If you can’t be here in person that day, for whatever reason, please know that you will be here in our thoughts, memories and hopes for whatever the future holds. We love you now as we loved you then, and will love you always. Thanks for being who you are to me and may God bless all of you!

Jeff    7/15/11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA, GOD BLESS THE USA.

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A SAFE FOURTH, SEE YA ALL IN 27 DAYS COUNTING TODAY. I HAVE GREAT LOVE AND RESPECT FOR YOU MY DEAR SWEET BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

PETE THE FREAK    7/4/11

First time I smoked weed was at Jones Beach 1973.

Bittare    6/12/11

WOW WE ARE GETTING CLOSE LET`S HEAR SOME EXCITEMENT, AND CHEERS FOR MR. JEFF.

GUESS WHO    6/12/11

Hello to everyone -

The first batch of the Jones Beach Bums 40th Reunion hats has already been sold out. For those of you interested, I am having 12 made at a time. The cost/price is exactly $17 each. If you want one or two mailed, please add $3 for the protective mailer and postage costs. Please contact me directly at: jeff@jeffcurtismusic.com to place an order. I will e-mail you a photo of the hat along with the address where to send the money. If you're attending the reunion, you can also pay in advance and pick up your hat upon arrival to our event.

Love to all, Jeff     5/18/11

Debbie Familette,

My name is Pete Ruggiero, the BUMS are having a reunion ON July 30th. If you want to attend you can contact me at karenpete425@yahoo.com.
I will give you information.

Pete Ruggiero    5/14/11

Hi, it's been a long time since I got together with the jbb! Wow! I would really like to see all u guys! I'm Debbie (Mancuso) Familette, sister of "Chris Mancuso " who is no longer with us in body, but with us in spririt . Chris passed 10/11/2001! Miss him a whole lot!

Debbie    5/10/11

I went to Jones Beach last weekend for the first time in a long time. It was like I never left! Long Live Jones Beach!

MBPriore    5/8/11

SOME REMEMBERED SOME DID NOT, YOU ARE ALL MY FAMILY AND I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL YOU ARE IN MY LIFE, JUST WISH I COULD SEE EVERYONE MORE OFTEN.

PTF    5/7/11

Ira, his family, loved ones and friends have lost a true gem of a person. I am so sad of the passing of Debbie, Ira's wife and friend. She was such a nice and wonderful person to spend time with. She will always be remembered in my heart for the laughs and fun times I had had with her.
A memorial candle has been lit to honor her in remembrance. This will signify that she was a light in our lives and we will continue on with the glimmering thoughts of seeing her once again and continue onto the next journey. We all come full circle in this life and the Bums will always be connected forever.

With much Love and admiration to you both,

Jan    4/15/11

As sadness comes upon us once again we must remember to hold each other tighter when next we meet and keep prayers in your heart for Ira and his family.

PTF    4/13/11

Hi All:

Beach Bum Billy Avdoulos here. I am restarting my old band and am looking for a 4th. Need someone who can play rhythm and back-up lead guitar who can also sing lead/harmonies (keyboards, too, would be a big plus). We are currently practicing in my No. Bay Shore basement on Sunday nights. I am looking to work professionally, hopefully by Summer. We are a Classic Rock band doing Zep, Floyd, Beatles, Who, James Gang, Dead, etc.. We are in mid50's with 30 yrs. experience. Anyone interested can email me at bavdoulos@optonline.net and I am also on Facebook. Thanks for reading and I am looking forward to the 40th reunion in July!

Bill Avdoulos    3/25/11

HELLO ALL MY BEACH FRIENDS,

SORRY WE MISSED THE LAST COUPLE GATHERINGS
First I was sick with pnemonuia, then both myself and my wife caught another bad sinus infection and bronchitis. Happy to say we are both feeling better, can not wait to see everyone in July. Stay well and happy and think SUMMER.

GREAT PEACE, AND MUCH LOVE,

PETE AND KAREN R.    3/23/11

Peter's Life Celebration:
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Village Pub in Lindenhurst
8:30 PM until the cows go home

There will be food and there are 3 bands lined up, plus an acoustic act to start the night.

Cynthia also put together a photo montage of Peter which will play in a loop all night.

Robbie    3/15/11

I just got great news...Alley Rosen's 3 beautiful cats were adopted into loving homes...thank you all for your efforts in trying to find a place for them.

Marilyn Brower    3/15/11

So torn about missing Alley's celebration of her life. Was thinking about you all, all day. We were friends from the time we were 17, and saw many changes in our lives along the way. We always knew when one was thinking of the other. She was one of my very good friends and I will miss her. She was always there for someone in need and had much love to give. Good-bye Alley my friend. Peace be with you.

Love Laurie     3/7/11
"Mama Pfeff" (Laurie Pfeffer)

THE MEMORIAL WAS SUCH A SUCCESS, ALLEY'S FAMILY WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE LOVE IN THE ROOM. On a sad note: I JUST GOT THE WORD THAT THE AUTOPSY RESULTS STATE ALLEY PASSED AWAY FROM MYOCARDITIS...WHICH IS AN INFECTION OF THE HEART MUSCLE...HEART ATTACK IN HER SLEEP. THE BURIEL SHOULD BE IN APRIL. I WILL CONFIRM THE DATE AND POST IT. PEACE TO EVERYONE.

Marilyn Brower    3/1/11

Hello JBBs,

Been getting lots of mail. Thinking more about networking on this site I have changed my thought and heart here it goes. We have always held each other in need. Times are tuff. My electrical company if folded from economy. I do what I can. If Big Bird needs help list his work.

Love Kim Davis    3/1/11

Just wanted to remind everyone about Alley's memorial/celebration... it's at the American Legion Hall...The sign on the bulding says PLAINVIEW HALL....it's just a few blocks up over the bridge (overpass) from the High School and before the firehouse... see you all tomorrow GW...

Unsigned    2/26/11

Peter's Life Celebration:
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Village Pub in Lindenhurst
8:30 PM until the cows go home

There will be food and there are 3 bands lined up, plus an acoustic act to start the night.

Cynthia also put together a photo montage of Peter which will play in a loop all night.

Robbie    2/9/11

The Rosen family is happy about the large response to the Celebration of Life for our dear Alley Rosen, and ask that those who are coming to Alley’s memorial be there by 1:00 PM. The event will go to 5:00 PM.

They plan to have someone speak – if anyone else would like to say something too that would be greatly appreciated. If you decide that you would like to speak, please contact Marilyn Hecht Brower at msbheart@optonline.net for organizational purposes. Alley’s dad, Richard, will be saying a few words, and Amy, Alley’s sister, will be reciting a poem. If anyone else would like to add to this, please feel free – the more the better.

There will be a food buffet and a cash bar. Also, Mean Gene and a few other band members will be performing, as well as whomever wants to bring their guitars to sing songs of yesteryear.

If for some reason you can't make it by 1:00, your presence is still desired, just be aware that the speaking may have begun so please come in quietly.

Thanks to everyone.

Marilyn Hecht Brower    2/3/11

The world will never be the same without Alley Rosen's beauty and her sweet, generous and unassuming personality. She was a devoted loving daughter, sister and aunt and she cherished her friends. During the heydey of the Jones Beach Bums there were many wonderful gatherings at her home and they are some of the fondest memories of my teenage-hood. I feel blessed to have had her as my friend. Alley was so modest she probably never realized how much she was loved and would be missed by everyone who knew her. I hope that at least now she knows.

Shari Friedman Fuller     2/3/11

We have gotten a great response for the memorial/celebration of life for Alley Rosen on February 27th Sunday at the American Legion Hall in Plainview....Just one more request....Alley's manecoon cat misses her so much and he is now at a shelter in Syosset..he is miserable and is in desperate need of a loving home...please if you know of anyone interested. You can facebook me at MarilynHechtBrower or contact the shelter at 516-677-5784, and mention the name Rosen...thanks guys so much you are all terrific. See you on the 27th...stay safe.

Marilyn Hecht Brower    2/2/11

ED,

Could you please contact Cheri De Baros Wilson, she lives in Lancaster, CA. She would like to know if there will be a memorial for PETE.

THANK YOU,

PTF    1/28/11

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who stepped up to help out after Peter Maher's untimely death. Tommy Dubas, Carol Espinosa ( Ercalano), Mikey Bones, and Joe Satriani were and are especially instrumental in dealing with the aftermath. If I've omitted anyone, please forgive me as no slight was intended. Things are still a bit unsettled out here. Thanks.

Ed ( Mr. Ed ) Liss     1/25/11

My deepest sympathies to Ali-Cat and Pete's families. God Bless you all.

Carol Brooklyn     1/23/11

Our friend columnist, Ed Lowe, has passed away. The Jones Beach Bums offer their condolences to the entire Lowe family.

Unsigned     1/20/11

Feeling so sad everyday about Pete's passing. God bless you Pete...

Joe Satriani     1/18/11

I LOVE YOU my free hippy idealistic dancer, with movement from the stars, and moon in your eyes. And the time we danced together when the sun set at big sur when we were one. I LOVE YOU ALLEY FOREVER

KENNY DOPPEL     1/16/11

Will be unable to attend [Alley's memorial]. Please extend our sympathies to Ali's family. She was drop-dead gorgeous, a talented actress, and utterly devoid of "attitude" - just a nice person to be around. I remember her from Nassau College as well as the beach.

Henry Cohen    1/14/11
York, PA
     

Jones Beach Bums are Forever, My Deepest Sympathy to all my friends families in their time of loss, my friends were and are just that, my friends, and the thrill of our escapades will continually go on and on and on and never be forgot -

Andy Bear     1/14/11

I have already spoken with Robbie about this and feel it is a great idea. Please, everyone feel free to give some thoughts and ideas. Thanks.

Danny     1/10/11

Fat man John Cobb won the Pie contest! Half way through #5 when done, second place was on the second one! See what a bunch of screaming beach bums can do to a guy. Won 12 pies....do not have to repeat what I said to the "Pie" man....laid down by the lake for 2 hours...could not move..another great memory.

Does anyone remember storming the WLIR 92.7 station during an electronics show??

John Cobb     1/10/11

Robbie,

This is a great idea let us know what we can do.

PEACE,

PETE AND KAREN R.     1/9/11

Hi All

This is the first time I am weighing in on this message board. In opening I just want everyone to know how lucky Donna and I have felt over the past 39+ years knowing each and everyone of you. We feel we truly have a special bond between us, as close to a family bond as possible without being family. With that being said I am thinking of throwing a fund raiser for Peter's daughter to help pay for his memorials expenses. Her friend Eric reached out to his Facebook friends and this is what he said:

This is Eric, writing on behalf of Peter, Valerie, and Tom Dubas. Thanks to all from the bottom of our hearts. Your warm wishes have made thus tragic event just a little less unbearable. If you know Peter's daughter Valerie as I do, you know that the apple didn't fall too far from the tree. She of course inherited her father's intense sense of pride and would never ask for what I can. Peter, unfortunately left no bank account or life insurance policy. There is NO money. If you can, please find it in your hearts to help her out. Make checks payable to Valerie Maher and please send to:
419 Main St #336
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5199
Again, thanks for your warm wishes and your help. There will be memorials for Peter on both the west and east coasts. We will keep you posted.   Peters friend, Tom Dubas

Thoughts ?

Robbie     1/8/11

Anonymous,

I remember pie eating contest, I was in it once, sorry do not recall who won it.

PETE THE FREAK     1/8/11

Rest In Peace Peter, See you on the other side.

Andy G     1/7/11

I have no words to express the loss we have all experienced through the past few years. I do know this... they would want us to carry on traditions, and keep the faith for the "Bums". They will always be in our thoughts, our smiles and in our hearts. They are a part of us and will carry on. My deepest condolences to the families and friends that have lost. Sadness.

Peace and Love to you all,

Jan     1/7/11

Hey, Does anybody remember the Nassau County Pie eating contest at Salisbury Park? AND does any one remember what fat cat won it?

Anonymous     1/7/11

My condolences to The Rosen Family. Aly was a good friend and kind soul. We are all diminished by her passing. I'm still in shock, it was only a few months ago we were all laughing and listening to music in Jeff's backyard. We really need to get some kind of memorial set up for all our friends who have left us.

On another note, let's make this year the best ever, everyone be careful and have a great New Year.

Andy G    1/6/11

Hey, hey,hey......John Cobb here, wishing you all a very Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the next reunion. Some have passed, but only from here, what we hold inside is still noisy and smells like beer! Hold those fond memories as they are the jewels that so many seek. Keep the love going and the messages.

John Cobb "King Chip"    1/6/11

Last night Pete Maher passed away in Huntington Beach, California, as the result of a massive heart attack. Pete was a good friend, a great father, and an incredibly talented musician. Words cannot express the sense of grief and loss that those close to him feel.

Ed ( Mr. Ed ) Liss    1/6/11

Sorry to say more bad news. My good friend and brother Peter Maher has passed on Monday evening, Jan. 4th. from what looks to be a heart attack. Peter was one of a kind. I first met Peter with Paul Lancaster back in 1971 when they both joined Tarsus with Joe Satriani, Steve Muller and myself. These were glorious days indeed. I will miss Peter very much. I love you my brother.

Danny    1/6/11

"Wheat Chip" John Cobb!...the Wheat Chips were the predecessor to the Bums. Long live Mid-Island Plaza!

Unsigned     1/6/11

I will miss Alison (Allie) very much. As a Plainview girl I watched her mature from a young teeny bopper into a beautiful, warm and sensitive young woman. I spoke to her last at one of Jeff's parties and she seemed to have beaten an intestinal illness. She was only in her 50's. I will miss her very much and condolences to her entire family. May she rest in peace and smile on us from heaven.

Alan (Leo) Cohn     1/6/11

Please everyone, take care of yourselves. Stay healthy - you are all loved and would be terribly missed. My heart is broken over the loss of Allie and Peter. There are so many songs left to be sung... God bless you all, my friends.

~ Alison xoxoxo     1/6/11

SUCH SAD NEWS TO START THE NEW YEAR. I WILL ALWAYS HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF ALI-CAT. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO AMY AND THE ENTIRE ROSEN FAMILY.

BOB BEECHEL     1/3/11

Wishing my friends blessings and all good things in 2011! It's more important than ever for everyone to be together this year.

Jeff    1/2/11

I can hardly believe it's time to say "goodbye" to sweet Ali Rosen. My memories of her go back almost 39 years, but to me, she will always be "forever young". With her casual beauty, her quick smile, and her contagious laugh, she was always fun to be around. Her loss leaves a big hole in my heart. I am grateful for her friendship over the years and the memories of her, which will live on. Condolences and prayers for Sister Amy, Brother Steve, and the rest of her family.

On a hopeful note, Best Wishes for a Happy & Healthy New Year to all my Beach Bum friends.

Uncle Scotty     1/1/11

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year To All! I haven't seen you guys in years.

Carol Brooklyn    1/1/11
welovejoyce@aol.com