Happy 2010 to all!

Jeff    1/1/10

Hey Beach Bums... A great 2010 to everyone. Let's make this year a good
one. Peace and Love to Everyone....Miss ya! Until the next reunion.

Jan    1/4/10

How about no more Anonymous messages?
Happy New Year to Everyone!

Uncle Scotty    1/5/10

I am deeply saddened to read of Fred Botway's passing. Fred's family does not know me, and I'm sure that none in your group does either. I got to know Fred 40 years ago, when we attended YMCA Camp Okanikon, in Medford Lakes, NJ. Fred was a hilarious companion and I know he's able from the great beyond to read these words, while wishing that we could once again sneak out at night to visit the adjoining YMCA girl's camp. 1970 was an adventurous year for everyone of our generation. At 15 years of age or so, Vietnam's military draft was only three years distant and College deferments were all that kept our camp counselors alive to lead us on two-week-long Appalachian Trail hikes that traversed New Jersey's, New York's and Pennsylvania's upland forests. Fred no doubt recalls camp life between hikes, too. Counselors managed our lake-side cabin like a college dorm. Log walls hung heavy with day-glo posters, various long-haired acquaintances came and went at all hours and an adjoining kitchen housed endless shelves of newly-released vinyl albums. We sang Santana and Frank Zappa along the trail, not Valerie Valara. "Oh, early every morning Daddy Dinky goes to work, selling lamps and chairs to San 'Berdino squares," still rings as a campfire sonnet through the long-forgotten canyons of my Mothers of Invention mind.
Here's to 'ya Fred!

M.G. Jamison    1/16/10
Wyoming    

There is a rumor going around that the Jones Beach Water Tower has been dismantled - not to worry, it's just a hoax.

Hope all my dear friends have a wonderful year!

Shari    1/19/10

I was Tommy Rakovich's old girlfriend can't believe he's gone. Such a
sweet soul.

Carol Carillo    1/20/10

Six more weeks until the winter party...!

Anonymous   1/24/10

HI BUM FRIENDS,

Does anyone know how to reach Ed Liss?

Please e me at karenpete425@yahoo.com.

Peace,

Pete the Freak    2/3/10

David Black was my sweetie for a time. He was so special. We hitched to Florida together to go to his Dad's and shared many an adventure along the way. I have a tender place in my heart for him and am sorry his life was so short.

Cheri de Barros Wilson    2/11/10
cheri_wilson@verizon.net

You all forgot...

Happy Birthday Sharyn.

There's a guy that plays 2 guitars at the same time in the walk way from Field 4. He's been there every year for at least 15 years. Does anyone know his name and/or where I can contact him?

Q43man    3/1/10

~~~~~~~~Tribute to Ronnie Lancaster~~~~~~~

It's hard to believe that on March 4, it will be the 1st year anniversary of Ronnie being in heaven. Let's all dedicate this years Beach Bum reunion in his memory. Perhaps a song, a funny thing he once said, or maybe just have a beer in his honor.

****Ronnie....we all miss you very much! ****

Theresa Pepe    3/3/10

Hello Hello Debbie showed me the way to this site. I am so happy to find friends and photos. Shout a hello Kim Davis Hi Scott you have done a great service for us all thank you.

Fondly Kim     3/6/10
Leohmann@Gmail.com

First time to the site, although many of the faces so familiar from Jeff's annual parties....the limitless love and devotion that you all show in these photos, this website....everything here, so beautifully put together and inspirational, even to someone from the outside looking in. God bless all of you, and know that you have a devoted and caring friend in me. Thanks to Jeff for introducint me to this world of the "Jones Beach Bums" - where love lives and grows and endures. My hat's off to each and every one of you. Thanks for the joy of sharing your pix, memories, and lives, even in the smallest parts, to someone who views it from the outside in.

My warmest regards and best wishes to all of you....each and everyone....here and now...always and forever......thanks

Greg Sweney    3/7/10

Special thanks to all who attended the winter party last night - we had
fun to the max!

Jeff    3/7/10

Thanks to Jeff for his generosity and hospitality in hosting this years winter party. Great food, great friends, and un-believable, best-ever music. It was nice seeing everyone who was able to make it. And judging from all the "flashes", there should be plenty of pictures, to follow.

Scotty    3/8/10

Please send pictures, I will put them on - wish I could have been there! Love, Shari

To the Jones Beach Bums:

OMG! I just found this site by accident and it rousted up images and memories of this special time in my life! I was a young Jones Beach bum in the days between 1970-1972. I was only in 7th grade but remember Bruce Bandler and some of the others but who knows the where-abouts of Jana Luber - Natsha Yermakov - they were honorary sweet lively bums during this time. I was a young Joanne and hung out with Randi, Linda, Jamie and Lori of Wantagh. We would all hang out with the JB bums and then of course Salsbury Park (AKA Eisenhower was our other home. We would hitch or ride our bikes there - hung out with "Prof" (Walter Carney) and the other guys from Wyandanch/Syosset/ etc - great days, just great. There are so many I remember by face, but not name except some of these names are ringing a vague bell. Some of those days were a bit foggy due to well, you all know. Those were the days! You guys were all an awesome part of my life on Jones Beach, field 4 center on that boardwalk, with the concession stand and the stairs and over to the right, there you all were....amazing.

Signed,
Joanne from Wantagh    3/9/10

Somebody left a navy blue, wool, hooded, Croft and Burrows coat at my
house last week at the party. I haven't heard from anyone so I don't know
whose it is.

Jeff     3/13/10

Hi All,

I was wondering, any of you remember Nan Grodin from Seaford? Has anyone heard from her? Just curious.

Anonymous     3/17/10

Can anyone help me find Claude Lafollette from Wantaugh 1970s? I lost
contact with him in 73. I lived in South Bellmore 1969-74. Am joining JBB
and hope to reconnect with more friends from those good old days.

Al Rhodes     3/18/10
garhodes54@verizon.net

To Anonymous,

I have info about Nan Groden. If you want send me an email, with your name and email address and I will tell you what I know.

Peace,

PETE THE FREAK    3/20/10
karenpete425@yahoo.com

I sincerely regret to inform you all of the passing of my friend and former band mate, Richie Macaluso. He died erly this morning after a very short bout with cancer. His funeral will be held in Port Saint Lucie Florida where he lived for the last 25-30 years. Rest in peace my old friend.

Love,
Ira    3/21/10

HI my beach family,

Thank you to all that wished me a happy birthday. All you other people I have a problem, I STILL LOVE YA!!!

PEACE ALWAYS,

PETE THE FREAK

Words can not express how I feel with the passing of Bobby. I only hope that I will be able to make a service on Monday. I am away until Monday after 11...........hoping and praying that I can make it to share my respect and love for to his wonderful family!

Judi Rackovitch    6/12/10

My deepest sympathy. My heart and soul are with you and his family and friends. Please tell them for me. Thanks.

Lots of Love,

Howie Stoller    6/12/10

How sad to lose such a wonderful man. My condolences to Lynn and Melissa, brother Dave and the entire Vanderhall family. For the Jones Beach Bums, Bobby was family too. We were all privileged and fortunate to have known him and shared so many wonderful times together. To me he was a gentle giant, a kind and soft-spoken man, quick to smile, the kind of person you were proud to call a friend. Bobby will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace, my Friend...

Uncle Scotty     6/12/10

FOR MY BEACH FAMILY,

We have lost a truly wonderful friend, and family member, with the passing of Bobby. He was more like a son and brother to me and although my heart has another break in it, I am extremely grateful to have had him as long as we did.

When we meet again, we should all hold each other tighter and longer than usual. I can be contacted at karenpete425@yahoo.com, if anyone needs to express their thoughts on our friend`s passing.

LOVE FROM MY HEART AND SOUL TO ALL

PETE THE FREAK    6/14/10

I was so sad to hear of Bobby's passing. My deepest sympathy to Melissa & Lynn Vanderhall and their family in this very sad time. Please know that I feel the The Jones Beach Bums are family and will hold you close to our hearts always and forever.

Peace and Love,
Jan    6/14/10

Rest in Peace Bobby Vanderhall. You were a great guy. We won't forget you!

Jeff    6/15/10

I can not put into words the sadness I feel with the passing of my dear friend Bobby. I will miss his smile. I will miss his kindness. I will miss his honesty. I will miss his love of life and family. I have thirty-eight years of wonderful memories to cherish for all my days. I was blessed to have him as my friend. Now Dave and Tommy get to renew their friendship with him. He will make Heaven a better place, just as he made Earth a better place. Anyone who knew Bobby and could call him a friend knows a nicer man didn't exist. We were all fortunate to have him as part of our lives.

Unsigned    6/22/10

I spotted this retail shop recently near the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville. The "Mole Hole" store brought back memories of our own "Mole" and "Mini-Mole", digging up Jones Beach in the 1970's.

Uncle Scotty    6/28/10

              

Two weeks until we all meet again! Looking forward to welcoming everyone for our annual summer party!

Jeff    7/17/10

Hi All. I worked at JBCC 1970-1974. Looking to see if anyone from the old days goes on this site.

Tim Regan    7/26/10

Well, I wasn't a beach bum, but I was a "park bum" and remember a lot of you folks. It has been fun and sad to read through these posts. It's really cool that your group has hung together for so long and I will definitely be looking in on this site from time to time. I still live here and go to the park sometimes, but, you know, just some old guy.

Jay Reilly    7/26/10

To Q43man:

I see the man with the 2 guitars a few nights a week..he is incredible but I've never spoken with him. I will ask him during the week for contact info.

Unsigned    7/31/10

Did anyone take pics of playing Winky Dink, like group shots? What a trip that was, who ever thought of it in the first place? Thanks, keep me posted.

David Diamondstein    7/31/10

Was walking on the boardwalk yesterday and was thinking about Tommy (my brother), Bobby, Bob, and Ronnie. Those I knew and loved from the Beach Bums. I asked my Mom to write her thoughts , feelings and memories about what she remembers about the group, but nothing has come back as of yet. Shari, I know you were looking for stories, feelings, thoughts and experiences with the bums, are you still? If so, I'd love to share my little bit with whoever is writing the story. I can be contacted at judirocks10@aol.com.

Tommy Rackovitch's baby sister (as he called me :)

Judi    8/1/10

What a great party Jeff had last night. Good friends and great musicians. I can't thank Jeff enough for all his hard work and passion he puts into this event twice each year. We had a great time, great weather and most of all a gathering of great friends and music. Jeff you are a dear friend and soul, never change!

Love ya,

Jan    8/1/10

Big thanks to everyone who attended the party last night - you all helped make it the special evening it is for all of us! Happy 39th year!

Love,

Jeff     8/1/10

Hi all

As far as the 40th goes... I say why mess with a good thing, can't make a better party anywhere else. Also, some can't afford a cruise, others don't want to camp, Lido means nothing... let's keep it at Jeff's and each pay a certain price, maybe $20 each, and get a bench dedicated to us on the boardwalk. Let's leave a legacy.

Ginger     8/1/10

The reunion this year was GREAT!!! It was really good to see everyone having a good time and getting caught up. And the surprise arrival of Steve Gillman and Friends was the best. We all had a great time playing and singing all the old tunes and getting caught up. Jeff deserves a lot of credit for hosting these bashes each year so HOLLAAAAAAA!!! Let's see who else we can find for next year's reunion, I know there are a ton of people out there we haven't seen in years, so get out the yearbooks and the old phone books and start lookin lol.

Peace all,

Andy G    8/1/10

After going through all the photos and doing some revised counting, it turns out that there were 72 people present Saturday night, including myself. Thanks again to everyone who came - what a great night!

Jeff     8/3/10

Hey guys, its Ginger, I had the idea of keeping the party at Jeff's but have us all make a donation for a bench on the Boardwalk dedicated to the bums. Well I have another idea... can someone at the next reunion make a CD of the music, compile it, put together the best songs of the night and sell it with profits going towards the bench? What an album it would make!!
The talent at that party was incredible. To quote Jan, it was truly a "musical orgasm", lol, and I am sure it would sell like hotcakes.

Keep rockin guys!!

Ginger    8/4/10

BTW if you haven't been to Field 4 in a few years or haven't noticed, each bench along the 2 mile Boardwalk has a little plaque that is engraved. Many say things like, "in memory of my dad Herman who found his love at the beach". I believe it costs $3000, which sounds like a lot, but together we can easily do it, especially if at the next party people bring guests and we ask for donations at the door. The bench could read something like, "In honor of the Jones Beach Bums and in memory of those who rock forever in their hearts" jingle jingle...Ginger

I am making one statement about what we should do for the FORTY YEAR REUNION. We should start a fund that would be used to get as many of our group together as possible. Many we have not seen in years, and we are not getting younger.

WITH GREAT LOVE AND HAPPINESS

PETE THE FREAK    8/6/10

In 1972, 73, 74 I was known as Lurch. My most happy memorable experiences in my early life were at the hundred plus parties @ the Hirchfield Hilton. WOW I really miss you guys.

Lurch    8/6/10

Lurch (AKA Duane) is now on the Directory and would like to hear from some old friends! ~Shari

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Paula, my back yard neighbor, who had joined us for a couple of parties, including this year's on July 31. She died peacefully in her sleep at home on Friday, August 6. She told me more than once how welcome everyone always made her feel whenever she was with us.

Jeff    8/9/10

Pictured left to right: Paula Metesh (Jeff's backyard neighbor),
Ali Rosen, Debbie "Red" Salino
Photo taken at reunion on Saturday, July 31, 2010.
Paula passed away in her sleep this past Friday, August 6, at age 54.

Jeff    8/9/10

Hi Everyone,

So nice to see so many old friends and new friends at Jeff's 2010 summer party. Thanks to Jeff and all the musicians for a great night!

On a real sad note; so sorry to hear about the loss of Jeff's neighbor, Paula, only a few days later. Our hearts and our condolences go out to her family. Jeff said, "She told me more than once how welcome everyone always made her feel whenever she was with us". That's always been what the Beach Bums were all about, and we should all feel a little proud that we're still spreading some love in this world.

I can't believe that we are coming up on our 40-year reunion. Thanks to Shari and this amazing website, the spirit of the Jones Beach Bums is still inspiring us to remember, to savor, and occasionally, to share new experiences with each other.

Month by month, our old friends rediscover us; sometimes by old friends making the effort to locate them, and sometimes, by complete accident. I'm thrilled every time someone comes back to us. Welcome back Lurch!

I've given a lot of thought to how I would like to see us celebrate next summer's big reunion, and I keep coming back to our biggest reunion ever, back in 1991, at Lido Beach. To refresh your memory, go to the tab for Photos. Instead of looking under 1991 (the big one), go down to "Additional Photo Galleries". Then go to "Additional 1991 Photos", and click on that. By the time I got done looking through those pictures, my eyes were a little teary. It's amazing, but we had one Pretty Cool Gathering, that year. Paul's got the right idea with his pick for theme-song, "Do It Again" by the Beach Boys. Let's do it again!!! For 2011, a daytime party at Lido Beach would be just one part of a sizzling hot "Reunion Weekend". That still leaves Saturday night and Sunday to plan, with more fun for everyone. However we choose to celebrate this milestone, let's please dedicate it to all of those we have lost along the way.

That's the way I see it...

Peace,
Uncle Scotty   8/11/10

OK I've spoken with the 2 guitar man twice, he's not allowed to give contact info while playing, he looked here and saw your message and is dying to know who you are. He said he would leave a message here as soon as he can. Also, I saw Robbie and Donna on the boardwalk tonight to see the Stones tribute band perform at the bandshell and a great idea popped up. What if the bums performed in the bandshell on the day of the 40th!!! It's always empty there in the daytime! Who do we need to talk to to get permission?? Maybe the bench person!!

Ginger    8/27/10

Has anyone ever been in touch with Natasha?? I remember her green crutches...

Ginger    8/28/10

I remember Natasha, from Merrick. I have googled her, but have been unable to find anything, I think her last name was Yermakov, or something along those lines. Maybe Pete or Dave Title has some info in the old phone books...

Unsigned    8/30/10

Oops, forgot to add my name, lol. And didn't Paul Lancaster go out with Natasha back in the day? Maybe he would remember her last name...

Andy G    8/30/10

I send my regards and best wishes to Paula's family. I' m sorry to see her go, we had so much fun the nite of the 29th. Now to answer the Natasha question: Yes, her last name was "Yermakov", but she is impossible to find. The last I heard she was in Arizona, but that was 30 years ago, almost a lifetime. Now the reunion bandshell idea - I made that suggestion some time ago. I think it's great. We can get who we want to play and rule the beach. The CD idea is great too. I think we should do the CD to help fund the " I can't get there" fund. As we get older we reminisce more, and who knows how many years any of us have left, especially Pete. So I say local and fly in everybody else to camp in the woods near the Nassau Coliseum.

Paul    9/3/10

Paul - Was her mom's name Helga? Did her mom have some sort of United Nations job? Did she have a brother named Andrei?

Jeff    9/6/10

TO MY FORMER FRIEND, PAUL.

I INTEND TO BE AROUND A LOT LONGER, NICE JAB AT AN OLD MAN WHO DOES NOT LOOK OR ACT MY AGE. LOL LOL

PEACE MY BROTHER,

PETE THE FREAK    9/10/10

I grew up in East Meadow. Actually, Jungle Jim & I went to the same grade school, and when I changed schools to St. Raphaels in 69 actually went to school with Robbie Indovino. And when in 1997 or so, visiting Jungle Jim he told me there was nothing ever going to happen with the bums. I did talk to Robbie. Jimmy told me to not ever come back and knock on his door again. So, when I came back in the spring, summer, fall and winter of 2004 to 05, I didn't contact anybody. One, because I didn't have access to a computer, and two because Jungle Jim had said to not bother. Oh well, I'm bothering now. How did Rack die? I am on disability now, and don't think I'll ever be coming back to L.I. again except via email. You can always see my face on Facebook.com.

Lurch (AKA Duane Melis)    9/18/10

Hi everyone, it looks like the last reunion was a lot of fun... sorry I missed it. I relocated to Tempe, Az and can be reached on FB or at harlan11@yahoo.com.

Natasha Yermakov. I think you're correct about the UN connection. I believe her brother's name was Nick. He is an SF author with Simon Hawke as a nom de plume. He lives in Tucson. I'll ask around about her at an SF con I'm going to next month. Perhaps he'll be there.... it's pretty big.
Missing you guys....

Love,

Harlan    9/18/10

Ok folks, I just e-mailed Simon and Shuster book publishers to see if they could get a message to Natasha Yermakovs brother Nicholas. Possibly they will pass along the message for us. Harlan, I hope you find him at the convention. Hope everyone had a great summer.

Peace, Andy G    9/21/10

I've LOST my facebook account, probably for awhile, so if anybody was tryin'... E me.

Lurch (AKA Duane)    10/5/10

Is there a cruise in the works? That would be great.

John Bracco    10/5/10
Bay Shore NY    

Hey John - A cruise is one of the options that was discussed for the 40th anniversary reunion. While nothing has been finalized, there are some of us who think that not everyone would be able to participate - either because of finances, family commitments and or employment commitments.

Jeff    10/7/10   

What to do for our 40th reunion was the hot topic at Jeff's party last summer - and boy was it a lively discussion! The pros and cons of 2-day parties at Lido beach, a full day event at Jeff's, camping out near the beach and 4-7 day cruises were all vigorously debated, with no clear majority agreement.

Unfortunately, the reality is this - there is no single option that everyone would be able to participate in, for one or more of the reasons Jeff has mentioned. It is my feeling that Jeff should continue his plans for a special party at his house - his parties are always great - and if there are enough of us interested in doing a cruise, we should try to plan one as well. Cruises are more expensive than going to a party, but perhaps those of us who live far away would be more likely to fly over to the east coast for a special event like that. Certainly the flight would be more cost effective if the event being flown to was more than one or two days.

Those of you who have taken a cruise know how perfect that environment would be for a reunion, what a fabulous time we would have. In fact, it would probably come closest to feeling like we were back in the old days (without the illegal stuff, of course), because when you are on a cruise you are in a sense like a kid, you have absolutely no responsibilities except having fun. (The food is pretty good too.) And those of you haven't ever taken a cruise may not realize how inexpensive (for a vacation) they can be (everything is included except soda and alcohol). In addition, we could perhaps get a group discount.

If you have thoughts about the 40th reunion, please email me or send messages to this board and weigh in with your opinions. We would especially love to hear from those of you who were not at the 39th reunion!

Shari    10/8/10

Shari,

I like what you said about the cruise, I have only 2 objections. The first is money we are really strapped and have our 25TH Anniversary the following year. The second is my job does not allow me to change vacation from the set time they have for summer and winter shutdown.

PETE RUGGIREO    10/12/10

Just asking - where would the cruise be leaving from? Shari, if you send out another email, let people know that there are rooms on the cruises that can sometimes cost as low as 50 dollars a night.. a good meal in the city costs more!! Of course the rooms are in the bottom of the boat and don't have windows, but who's staying in their rooms?!!

Donna Malech    10/12/10

From Shari: While there are cruises that leave out of NY, the ones that sail from ports in Florida have the best prices. For that reason and for the fact that New Yorkers are close to Jeff's house (plus if you are coming from the west coast there is little difference between flying into NY or Florida), I would suggest Florida. And yes, there are rooms that can be gotten for as little as $50 a day. When it comes to vacations, cruises can be among the less expensive!

I just thought I'd mention that I work for a company that sells cruises - including group cruises. If you guys need info let me know and I'll hook you up with one of our people - they'll give you the best price you can get anywhere and depending on the size of the group there would probably be some ship board credits or something thrown in.

Fran    10/13/10

From Shari: Wow Fran, that is GREAT to hear! And just think - if we stopped at a port with a beach, we could play winkydink! :-)

Hi Shari

I for one would be more inclined to a cruise, as if I attend with my husband, it would be more fun for him as he would virtually know no one, and a cruise entertains all. Also there is the possibility of getting girlfriends, like Debbie Mancuso and Patti Hieronymus to do a reunion cruise solo as it has been close to 30 yrs since I have seen patti and close to 10 since I have seen Debbie...............1 in Florida (me) 1 in LI (Deb) who loves cruises and Patti who is in Colorado. I am not adverse to contributing to a fund that would help others attend although I am not sure how that would work etc. I do thank you for all your hard work with this and keeping everyone connected. For me to attend on Long Island would ultimately cost more than a cruise I am sure when you figure the all inclusiveness of cruises, and with the economy there are some bargains out there especially for group rates etc. Please keep me posted as I am very interested in this and excited that it is still a possibility

Love Judie     10/14/10

Regarding the 40th Reunion, I started out believing that a repeat of 1991 at Lido Beach would be the best way to celebrate. After talking to Jeff, and being a guest of his so many times, I've given a lot of thought to his offer to host the reunion. I know that a party at Jeff's house would be a great venue for a meaningful and memorable reunion. I also know from talking to Shari & Larry, Laurie & Steve, Robbie & Donna and others, that a cruise would be a great way to celebrate this milestone of a reunion. Personally, I've never been on a cruise, but it sounds like a lot of fun. The problem it seems, is trying to choose one or the other, for our reunion. There are so many factors that each person must deal with, including financial limits, vacation periods, family obligations, general time constraints, and, most importantly, geographic factors. It is amazing how the Jones Beach Bums have spread out, all over America.

I propose that we do both - a party at Jeffs AND a reunion cruise. Let each Beach Bum attend that which works best for them. We should not schedule them to overlap, so the option to attend both events is also available for those that wish to. I say let's get started planning both events, and not lose another day. Photos and videos from both events should make it to our website so that the quality and meaningfulness of this noteworthy occasion is multiplied by two, instead of divided in half. Let's set up two different committees that will work simultaneously to get the word out, give people a choice of which event works best for them, and determine who, and how many, will be attending each. Let's stay true to our humble "roots" of being "bums", and not forget those less fortunate financially. We can set up a discreet, assistance plan to help those that might need a little help.

I'd love to hear your ideas...

Uncle Scotty    10/14/10

PS - If more Beach Bums attend the reunion because there are two choices then would have attended if there had only been one, we'll know it was a success.

Scotty,

You are so PC as always, the calm in the middle of the storm. I think that "you can't please all of the people all of the time". It is easier for some people to do the cruise and others to meet at Jeff's. That is fact...organize both and let people choose what works best for them. Perfect! Now lets play!!!

Debbie Kilgore   10/15/10

Sir Scotty,

I absolutely agree! Let there be a great blast at Jeff’s and those who would like to attend a cruise should do so. Keep things simple and love to all,

Bob Berman ;)    10/16/10

Hey Scotty - Thanks so very much for your eloquent and kind words - it means a lot to me. I am ready and willing. One point I wanted to mention is the idea of doing the party at the end or the beginning of the cruise (assuming it sails from NY and the date works with Saturday July 30). This wouldn't be overlap, it would be consecutive and allow for the possibility of some folks attending both events and maximizing the overall gathering. It could serve in a way as a "bon voyage" or "welcome back" to the cruisers. Anyways, I am already looking forward to OUR reunion next year, wherever and however it happens!
Best to you and family,

Jeff    10/17/10

The Beach Bums on a cruise? How sad. How very, very sad.

Ed (Mr. Ed) Liss    10/18/10

In a perfect world, for our special 40th reunion we would have one gathering and everyone would be there. In a perfect world, it would take place at the beach, the park, and/or a party, and no one would have to do any work for it, it would organize itself, like our gatherings always seemed to in the old days.

Unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world, as we have all grown to realize, and in order for us to celebrate our life-long friendships there will have to be some compromises made. Which I believe - knowing our loving spirits - will get done, and we will have a blast (and perhaps two or three). What has surprised and disturbed me about a few of the messages via email and on the message board is this sense of "judgment". What I believe the Jones Beach Bums were rebelling against was not the luxuries of life, it was all about not conforming to the expectations of our parents and of society. We were rebelling about being put into "boxes" or "roles", about being expected to be exactly like our parent's generation with no individual freedom of expression. (And we certainly did not want to be judged for that!)

Otherwise, we would have joined the cliques in our high schools! But we didn't, and we were welcomed into the Jones Beach Bums instead. The cliques in high school were all about being the same - if you didn't conform, you weren't allowed in. The Jones Beach Bums were all about recognizing our individual and beautiful spirits - it didn't matter whether we were large or small, had long or short hair, were into drugs and sex, if we came from a rich family or we were dirt poor, what our skin color was - none of that mattered, because we were all accepted for who we were inside. As a result, we were joyous and free, and we loved being together. To say that "we are not cruise bums" or that "having plaques is a sign of conformity", makes me ask - since when did we have a decree that we all had to follow? Using that logic, one could also say we are "Long Island Bums", NOT "Ohio Bums" or "Arizona Bums" or "North Carolina Bums", etc., and it was wrong of some of us to grow up and move away!

So let's all remember the spirit of the Jones Beach Bums - such a special group that not only were we pictured in Newsday back in 1972, but we have stayed in contact and kept our bonds so well over the 39 years since that we have been written about several times since. BTW, John Hanc, the author of "the History of Jones Beach", has told me that if there is ever a second edition printed he will include us in his book. How many high school cliques can make a claim like that?

We are special because of our big hearts and inclusiveness - so let's all put aside the unnecessary negativity, move on, and plan our events!

Shari     10/18/10

I WILL SEE WHO I SEE AND NOT WHO IS NOT WHERE I AM.
WISH WE ALL COULD MAKE PEACE.

Unsigned    10/19/10    (I have a feeling this is from Pete the Freak)

Is anybody interested in the "Trump" problem? According to the news today, he feels that the parts of the old park that he hasn't already demolished are a "rat infested dump". I'm afraid that he wants to demolish all of it and rebuild in his own image! I wasn't a beach bum - a Salisbury Park bum, I guess, but I have always loved Jones Beach and would sure hate to see it all glossed and glitzed over by Mr. Trump.

J Reilly    10/20/10

Hello fellow Bums,

I was waiting for everyone to get everything out of their system before I responded. I know I have not been able to attend the last few parties but I have been a Bum a long time. I have read them all. I like all the ideas but which ones make sense the most. It all depends on where you live and how much you have that you can put towards getting yourself where ever the reunion will be. I am sure this is different for everybody. I don't think getting away from our roots is a good idea. That is something that should never happen because that is who we are. It is not like it was, we are scattered all over. We should all get together where it is the easiest place for us to gather that would be the cheapest so more Bums could attend. I am sure there are a lot of people who would like to come that can't afford it. The people who would also like to go on a cruise together can also do that. Ginger I applaud everything you have done in the past especially how hard you always work for your fellow Bums. The last thing I would like to add is maybe we can put together some kinda fund that we all can contribute a little bit to to help some of our fellow Bums make it to the reunion. I am sure we all would like to see them and I am sure they would love to be there.

My thoughts whether you like them or not lol

Mitch
"Mini Mole"    10/20/10

Sorry to bring bad news so close to a holiday, Cheri De Barros Wilson`s husband passed away (on Nov. 17th). If you want send her a message on facebook. God keep all of you safe, I HAVE GREAT LOVE FOR YOU ALL.

PETER RUGGIERO    11/23/10

HI ALL MY BEACH FAMILY,

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING, AND REMEMBER YOU CAN GET ANYTHING YOU WANT AT ALICE`S RESTAURANT, EXCEPTIN ALICE.

PEACE,

PETE THE FREAK AND HIS WONDERFUL WIFE KAREN     11/23/10

PS I WILL DO ALICE`S RESTAURANT AT THE REUNION.

I WILL HO HO HO!!! A LOT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON,

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING SUCH GOOD FRIENDS.

PTF    12/3/10

I'll be at the reunion to hear Pete do Alice's Restaurant.

Love you all,
Susan Barberis Phillips    12/5/10

Wishing all my dear friends the very best of this season - may your
holidays be filled with blessings!

Jeff    12/6/10

Yahooo, another bum found, John Cobb is alive and well, he should be signing up on the site soon.

Andy G    12/8/10

To all, very sad news, ALLEY ROSEN has passed. She passed 12/13/2010. I know a lot of you loved her and are going to miss her. AS I will miss her so very much. MSG from swerdman221@hotmail.com

Jeff Swerdling    12/16/10

Oh my goodness. She always was such a ray of smiley sunshine, an enthusiastic singer, winky dinkess extraordinaire and a poster girl for overalls with beautiful long hair. What did she pass away from?

Thank you for letting us know.

Randi    12/17/20

RIP Alley - blessings of love, peace and hope to your family and friends.

Unsigned    12/17/10

Merry Christmas everyone. Anyone for a New Years Day outing to the beach lol.

Andy G.    12/27/10

HO HO HO, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY

VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. TO MY FABULOUS BEACH BUM FAMILY.

PEACE, GREAT LOVE, AND ENORMOUS RESPECT, TO ALL.

PETE THE FREAK    12/27/10

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season! Stay warm and be well! xoxo

Alison :)   12/28/10

Happy Holidays to all of the Bums.

John Bracco    12/29/10

How very sad to hear of Ali's passing... Prayers go out to her family. I will always remember her smile. Rest in peace on distant shores, my friend.

Unsigned    12/29/10

FOR ALI,

I AM SO SAD, A SADNESS SO DEEP NO TEARS

WILL COME. MAY PEACE BE GRANTED TO YOU

A TRULY BEAUTIFUL PERSON, AWESOME FRIEND.

PRAYERS TO HER FAMILY.

PETE THE FREAK    12/31/10

Happy Healthy New year to all of you!

Love,
Debby (Munchkin)     12/31/10

P.S. Sorry to hear about Allie and my heart goes out to her family and friends.

The downside of longevity is the suffering from the losses of those who don't. Ali, I didn't know you as well as everyone else, but when you showed up, a smile always came to me.

Perry    12/31/10

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

xoxoxoxo

Mama Pfeff    12/31/10

Sorry to hear of Ali's passing. We lost some really good ones this past year. I wish you all peace, love and good health in coming year. Let's all try and make this year's 40th reunion a special one.

Danny    12/31/10