I take great joy in coming to this site, but reading this particular page sends warm waves of wonderful emotions through me. Every single one of you passed through my life via my basement. I think that basement was a portal to a magical universe inhabited by the sweetest and the strangest group of people I will ever meet. I swear, at any hour, day or night, there'd be a knock-knock on my basement window. It was an endless procession of people that I still hold precious to this day. Every time I use my basement these days, if I pause to listen, I can still hear the echoes of all your laughter. The magic of 6 and 12 string guitars. The harmonies of many voices singing. The bewildering conversations of soooo many illegal smiles. We all found our family of friends with each other that we did not find in our own towns and schools. This may have been the most extended family in Long Island history! The unbridled joy that was shared by this group was truly addicting. We came together en masse wherever and whenever we could! Field Four, Eisenhower, MADD, the Planting Fields, the Hirschfeld "Hilton", even to parties on a little fricking island in the middle of the bay. We found the base of support in each other to experiment (damn did we experiment!) with life and love, with music and magic, with fantasy and frisbees. You all will always be my family and are always welcome here in my Colorado basement. I dearly love you all.

And I keep my old analog Bums Book handy for whenever the server goes down.

Dave Title    5/13/04

Love,

Carol (formerly Ercolono) Espinoza    5/18/04

I HAVE LOVED ALL OF YOU SINCE MY FIRST TIME SEEING ALL OF YOU. YOU HAVE ENRICHED MY LIFE.

Hi everyone,

Wish I could give you all a big hug. I am the oldest member. Knowing you has always brought me great happiness. Please come to a reunion as always all are welcome.

Your Friend,

Pete the Freak    5/18/04

Keep mutating!

Harlan Sparer    6/14/04

Hi.. I'm an old friend of Danny Calvagna's. I've been trying to find him for 15-20 years, and just found this board through google. Danny, if it's really you (go Islanders, go Little Buster), then please get in touch. My # is 512-795-2225, or email me at paindoc54@msn.com.

NEAL    6/15/04

Dear Shari:
Thank you for creating this beautiful site. It is hard to describe the feelings that moved through my soul as I gazed upon all the innocent and familiar faces of my youth. From time to time I cannot help but recall some of the more wondrous moments I shared with many near and dear Bums. I was terribly saddened to hear of the death of Fred Botway. We were once sweethearts a long time ago. There are people I would love to reconnect with. I am forever grateful for the experiences I shared with everyone. We are all so fortunate to have grown up during such a unique and loving time. I am currently attending medical school (better late than never.) What a change from 1971!
Hi Mole! Hi Uncle Scotty!

Gaby    6/28/04

One of my very favorite Beach Bum memories is an early one - New Year's Eve, 1971. Howie Weinstein had a party, and just about everyone was crammed into his ranch house in East Meadow. Unfortunately Joanne was sick, so to cheer her up most of us took turns on the telephone wishing her a Happy New Year. Later on, we crowded into Howie's living room, sitting and lying all over the floor to await the new year. (Funny how these days people always stand at a party.) Then, the best part - after we finished cheering the first few moments of 1972, someone gave a little speech about how important the Beach Bums were to him. I think it was Uncle Scotty, wasn't it? Then, one by one, many of the rest of us shared similar sentiments. My heart was so full that I felt compelled to stand up and speak of how I felt, not an easy task because I was rather shy at the time (you all helped me get over that!).

It was my very first New Year's Eves spent with friends, and to this day it holds a very special place in my heart. Thank you all for being there for me when I needed you so badly.

This website was a labor of love; I may have put it together, but all of you created it.

Shari (Friedman) Fuller    9/7/04

Winky Dink, Winky Dink, OK, I know it was really an excuse to wrestle with the boys (and boy did we wrestle) and I'm not 100% sure, but I think this is how we played....What I remember is that we sat in 2 giant circles with either boys or girls on the outside. The inside circle had one empty space. The person who was "it" had to indiscreetly wink at someone w/o anyone knowing who and that person had to try to get to the empty space while the boy/girl behind them had to try to stop them. And so it goes... Not sure if that's right, but what I am sure is that I loved every day I spent at the beach and Salisbury park and HAD and Funky Times and who knows where else all those years ago. Nowadays, sometimes I go to field 4 and stand on top of the stairs and just smile...as I remember...long ago...and so far away...and I am so thankful, that fate and an amazing coincidence brought me back. :)

Ginger Bonner    9/11/04

Hi Jones Beach Bums!

I'm a friend of Ginger Labensky who lives in Memphis TN. Three years ago after losing my husband and baby grandson in a auto accident, Ginger invited me to visit her. She took me to the twin towers and many places around them. On my last Sunday with her she took me to the beach where all you guys had hung out, and this is where she found you again after so many years. We had a wonderful time that Sunday dancing to every song. When I got home, it wasn't long until 9/11.

It's 3 years to the day 9/11/2004 today. When I got home from work and checked my email, Ginger had this web sight waiting for me. I wasn't with you in the 70's, but looking at the pics and the music I felt as if I were, because I was doing the same things all of you were except in Memphis near Elvis, the king of rock and roll. This web sight is a great idea. God works in many ways. He will wind you around in many directions and then put you back in some of the same places with the ones you love the most. There are always many blessings in our lives because of how God works. God Bless all of you Jones Beach Bums, and now I want to come to one of your reunions!

Peace,

Judy Smith     9/11/04

PS - I have to find out from Ginger how to play winky dink ????? lol

Well I figured it was about time I posted something so here goes. First I would like to send my LOVE to all of the JBB's as you all in some way have had a huge impact on my life. Pete who used to live with me under my elevated bed :), Thank you for being there in the good and bad times, electric as well as grounded times - I will always have a special place in my heart for you as well as the rest of the Bums. As I reflect on some of the times we spent together, who remembers the time I had the party when they were doing construction in the neighborhood and every one was playing on the cement pipes that were supposed to go into the ground, and Jimmy Sarene, I think that's how it is spelled, fell and split his head open, and came back in and didn't even know what happened, were we high or what, hehe. I also remember Howie's New Years party, as well as several others, but who remembers going to the beach in the morning and being the first swimmers of the year at Jones Beach? Those were the days that will always stand out. God parties, protests, demonstrations, peace marches, NPAC, for those who don't remember NPAC = National Peace Action Coalition, driving to Washington DC with Paul and Ronnie, Oh god what fun we had! Summer was Party Time and we all had some, didn't we? Party @ Jungle Jims house, Jeff Kjelgrins, My House AKA The Hirschfield Hilton, Dave Title's Basement, Uncle Scotty's, god there were so many I can't remember them all. There were just so many great, Great times, Funky Times and who remembers the name of the bar across the street? Memories just flood into my head so massive that I just sit here in amazement, giggling to myself and sometimes laugh out loud. My kids are like, what's so funny Dad? And how do you explain, to a child, the life we had together when there is so much hate and death in there world as opposed to the Love in ours. God I am getting teary eyed thinking about it. How can we turn back time? One Bum will figure that out I HOPE!! Oh what a glorious day that will be. In Closing I would like to say there are so many memories that I hold dear to my heart and so many people that I also hold dear to my heart, I just want to say I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!

Peace, Love and Happiness to all

Scott Hirschfield    9/16/04

Besides the parties at the Hirschfelds...his mother was always home, so I wasn't lying to my folks... the parties at various homes in Plainview, many first crushes to singing at the beach, riding our bikes from Wantagh to Salisbury Park, to first hearing the song "Lean On Me" which was playing on a radio at the beach the day we heard that John O died and the first time I saw teenage boys cry.

A lot of learning and lot of growing up and lot of good memories. I was never a Girl Scout or a Camp Fire Girl, but I am proud to say I was a Beach Bum.

I made only the first reunion, but now that I know about the annual reunion, I will be there next summer.

This site is wonderful & thank you for making it. Now I am off to see what pictures that I have from then.

Randi Crovets    9/19/04

Wow! What a blast from the past. My friend, Arleen, called me to tell me to check out this website. Great to see people from the old alma mater (Plainview High) and reminisce about Jones Beach and Salisbury Park. The odd thing is WE practically LIVED at Jones Beach that whole summer of '71, with a whole different crowd, (Field 4 of course!), but we don't ever remember running into you guys (Joanne and Shari). You obviously did a much better job of keeping up with each other. That's great. I only live about 2 1/2 hrs away from Jones beach, and we still get down there and take the kids every so often. Maybe we'll see you there at one of your reunions. I'd love to hear from anyone else from the old days that runs across this website.

Your old classmate,

Victoria (Wragge) Rolfe    10/20/04
Hapihomemaker@aol.com

I too was told about this site by Arleen last night, unfortunately my computer is messed up and I had to wait to borrow my son's when he got home from college tonight!! I enjoyed looking through all the pictures posted here and seeing some of the people we were friends with, Donna, Joanne, Amy, Debbie, etc. way back when!!! Like Vicki said, we too lived at Jones Beach and Salisbury Park, I can remember hanging with some of the crowd. Arleen and I went to some of the parties too, but not sure who's they were. But what I can recall, was anytime we did hang with you we had a great time!! As the song goes, those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end!! If only that were true!! I still live here on Long Island, and I still go to Jones Beach a lot. I wonder if the bike path was there when we were heading there would we have ever hitched!! Something you rarely see today. Not the same world it use to be. Would love to hear from some of you, if the reunion is on for this coming year maybe I will too happen by!!! Great job on getting this site together.

Patty (Schneider) Collins    10/20/04

Hi everyone. This is Lois Teer (now Lois Teer-Lowery). Don't know if any of you remember me. I used to come to the beach and park with Maureen Dugan, Joanne Harris, Sue Algore, Diane and Ellen Gillen, and probably more people I'm forgetting about. Yeah, I'm the one with the "stutter" (this is the best trait anyone will probably remember me for) !!! I can't believe I found out about this website. I attended the 1991 reunion. The one with the Chicago tank top on in one of the pictures. Maureen Dugan is now Maureen Brand living in Oyster Bay with husband Jim and 13 year old daughter Sarah. Diane Gillen is now Diane Gillen-Philp living in Orlando with husband Russ. Joanne Harris is now Joanne Bentson living in East Meadow with husband Jim and 13 year old daughter Krista. I've lost track of Sue Algore. Ellen Gillen is Ellen Fortner now living (and just moved) in Orlando with husband Walter. They have 5 kids, 1 married, and a granddaughter on the way. As for me. I'm living in Hollywood, Florida with my husband of 5 years, Bob, and a cocketiel, blue head pionus parrot, a sun conure parrot, and a 5 year old female rottie named Rosie. We have no children together, but Bob has two daughters, 4 grandchildren . . . which I guess makes me a grandmother by proxy! Shari, thanks so much for the website. It has brought back SO MANY MEMORIES. My e-mail address is llowery@bellsouth.net. Again, thank you and miss YOU ALL !

Lois Teer    11/1/04

Hello to all of Tommy's friends and loved ones: I'm so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I regret that I will be unable to attend Tommy's memorial service, as I am currently in Medical School and have exams on that day.

Love and Peace,

Gabrielle    11/6/04

Dear Beach Bums,

I am Tom's older sister Daria.....I cannot tell you how much it meant to me and my family to have the availability of this web site over this very sad weekend. Tommy was loved so much by you all and it was so wonderful for my parents to have his friends there yesterday. Thank you for the obit......I know he was proud to be in the company of you all and I know that you will all keep him in your hearts. Please don't forget my parents.......they can be reached at this address:

Harriet and Gene Rackovtich
68555 Route 48
Greenpost, NY 11944

Thanks again.........

Dari Kowal   dkowal1279@juno.com    11/9/04

Hi, this is Kim Worko (AKA:Kim Rackovitch). Just wanted to say thanks to all who came to say goodbye to my brother Tommy. You guys were his greatest joy and comfort. As soon as he headed out the door on those summer mornings, we knew he was heading out to his second home. This website is beautiful. Pictures of Tommy and Dave Vanderhall (in beach and party category) are really wonderful!

Thank You -

Kim     11/10/04

I cried this morning when I checked our website and learned of the passing of my old friend, Tommy Rackovitch. Though it's been a long time since we last saw each other, I have such warm memories of the many experiences we shared. On a cold day in early 1971, at Jones Beach; Bruce Bandler and I met Paul & Ronnie Lancaster and Tommy Rackovitch: the coming together of Uniondale & Plainview and the beginning of the Jones Beach Bums. This chance encounter was the beginning of such an important and influential time in so many of our lives. Tommy was a limitless source of excitement, passion for living, and enthusiasm and was always one of the most popular Bums. He introduced us to all his friends including the Vanderhals. Tommy loved the Beach Bums, and we all loved him. In June '72, Tommy and I hitchhiked all the way out to the Colorado Rockies together. (Mr. & Mrs. Rackovitch intrusted me to monitor his medicine and I was so grateful to them for their blessing for our trip) We camped in the mountains (and ran into Scotty Weiss) with hundreds of hippies from the Rainbow Family Of Living Light, who still exist today. There were other adventures we shared as fellow Montreal Maniacs. Tommy was one of the most sincere, trustworthy, decent people I have ever met, and I will never forget him. My condolences to his parents and family. May he rest in peace.

Uncle Scotty Roth    11/12/04

Shari, thank you again, so much, for this website. Let's ALL continue to reach out to our old friends to help make as many as possible aware of it.

Hey everyone, I just signed on and heard about Tommy, I can't believe he's gone. Remember Tune-In, what a great person he was. My condolences to his family. The next reunion won't be the same. Remember when you look up next time, to say hello to all our departed friends.

Peace, Andy     11/17/04

I was so saddened to hear about Tommy. He was like my brother - we fought and hugged. He made me laugh when we were together, and we told each other everything. I always knew he had my back. To those who knew him, they truly saw his spirit and his courage.

Be at Peace, Tommy.

Pete the Freak     11/17/04

This is Donna (Keenan) Rackovitch...Tom's Oldest sister.. I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful cards and letters from all of u who knew my brother Tom. He will surely be missed...but knowing he had all of u wonderful people in his life and to have met some of u makes a whole world of differences. This web site brought tears of happiness to know he was a member of this wonderful group of people. If ever u visit Greenport Long island, please stop in his parents store and let them know that u were a friend!!! Store is - Silver Linings...423 Main street...Greenport... NY...11944...

Once again..Thank You for being u...

Donna (Keenan) Rackovitch    11/19/04

The youngest of six kids in the Rackovitch family. I was lucky enough to follow Tommy in JR. high and HS. Not a hard act to follow???? Yea right. He was my big brother and I was his little sister. He teased the heck outta me, but I always said "man he's good looking, if he weren't my brother"! Smile. You all brought us back to happier days that Tommy had. He loved all of you as he loved his family. And yea, Tommy always had ur back! Big hugs to each and everyone of you!

Judi Rackovitch    11/21/04

It has taken me some time to write this because I didn't know what to say. I still don't. I have known Tommy most of my life and I loved him as a brother. Tommy and I went to school and hung out together. Tommy and I helped form the Bums together. We had a lot of great times and sad times together. Tommy was a good friend and I will miss him greatly. There will be an empty place in my heart without him.

My condolences to his family.

P.S. It's just a shame that all the good people leave us too soon.

Ronnie Lancaster    11/24/04

Just found out about this site from Pete Maher. Glad to hear that everyone is still getting together. I'm living in Arizona, working on live shows, films, and commercials. No kids, but have had alot of adventures and done alot of travelling. Can be reached at P.O. Box 2829, Scottsdale, Arizona 85252

Mr. Ed [Ed Liss]    12/02/04

It's that time again. I wanted to wish everyone the happiest of holidays.
May you and your's always enjoy good health and the love of those closest
to you. Peace and long life to all.

Andy G.    12/15/04

Hi All,
I was just thinking about the last time I spent Christmas with the bums. My 16th birthday present was an airline ticket to New York so I could hang out with the best people I have ever known. About 7 car loads of us left Tune-In to go out christmas caroling. It was snowing out and I remember being in a convertible and having so much fun singing and freezing my butt off.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

Love Ya's,

Munchkin    12/19/04

I sent an email a while back to Shari thanking her for this website. It's great to see and hear that everyone is still keeping in touch. You all probably don't remember me. I'm the one who came to the beach with Sue Algore, Maureen Dugan, Joanne Harris. Yes, and I'm the one who studdered (Lois Teer . . . now Lois Teer-Lowery)! Living in Hollywood, FL with my husband of 5 years, three birds, and 1 dog. The last time I sent a message, I sent the wrong email address. The correct one is loislowery@bellsouth.net. CAIO !

Lois    1/9/05

HI!

I'm Pamm, Ed Liss' sister. When we were on the phone tonight, he told me about this site. He's totally computer illiterate so I thought I'd join up and let him know what's happening with y'all.

Pamm    1/10/05

HELLO TO ALL THE BEACH BUMS..THIS IS DONNA..TOM RACKOVITCH'S OLDEST SISTER. JUST A NOTE THAT TOM NOW HAS HIS FIRST OFFICIAL JOB IN HEAVEN~~ HE WILL BE WATCHING OVER HIS NIECE..LEAH KEEAN..WHO JUST RETURNED TO IRAQ FOR HER SECOND TOUR. (FEB.1ST) SO ANYONE WHO PRAYS MAKE ALL PRAYERS DIRECTED TO TOM ....I AM SURE HE IS LISTENING....GOSH I MISS HIM. PLEASE LET US KNOW WHEN THE NEXT PARTY IS, AS I KNOW JUDI, KIM AND I WOULD LOVE TO ATTEND.

REGARDS,

DONNA   2/2/05

Hi everyone! I first came to this site a few months ago and was very grateful for it. It brought out memories of very good times. I sat and looked through the pictures with my daughter Lisa (24 years old) and she couldn't believe what hippies we all were. I raised the cookie cutter joc. It was fun sharing that time of my life with her. Well I've been married 28 years in May - had 3 children - my oldest is 26 (today 2/5) and a cop - yes, I raised a cop. My daughter graduated college in 02 and is the Athletic Trainer at our local highschool and going to school full time to become a cardiologist. My youngest is 19 and a sophmore in college - studying engineering - he is also an emt. And for me, I am very excited to tell you all that I graduated college in Aug 04 and became a Registered Nurse. The kid who never opened a book in high school got a degree!!! I hope you all have a wonderful 2005. If anyone has seen or heard from June Savile (?on spelling) or Cathy Pomerico (again spelling) please send them my way.

Thanks,

Jean (Laguzzi) Osuch - jospoon2003@yahoo.com    2/5/05

I was only with you guys for a short time, I read the article in Newsday and it brought back memories. I remember playing winky dink. I remember Howie Weinstein (red hair) and the Lancaster brothers. I think one of them worked at Orbach's with me. And Hi to Lois!! and Joanne I will contact you to go out to dinner soon.

Donna (Jahn) Moodie    2/12/05

Hi to Ronnie Lancaster, Paul Lancaster, Steve Gillman (where the %^&* are U) and all the other great people I grew up with. These were the best of times and the wildest of times. I always think of them fondly.

Really nice site. If you ever need anything artistically, to contribute to the cause... contact me.   Guitar Lady     artcovers.com    Keep Smilin...

All the best...

Janet Perlow (Jan)      2/22/05

Yes... I still play musak...

The Bums. Unbelievable. This site has brought back some wonderful memories. Some are a bit hazy... but not my memories of Tommy, Bonnie, Dave, Dave and Fred. Though I haven't thought of them in many years, they are imprinted in my mind as they were back in the 70's: sweet, fun, rowdy and full of life. So sad to discover this site and then immediately be reminded that life is fleeting.

It will be interesting to read about the many paths all of us have gone down.

Peace - Don Morrell    3/6/05

Hi, my name is Cindy Deitchman. I know Gigi Farley, Paul & Ron Landcaster, Fred and Andrea Botway, and I'm sure more but I need to have my memory refreshed. My e-mail is tanzonite1@yahoo.com

Cindy Deitchman   3/20/05

Hi Bums, So....I made plans and will be at the reunion this year with my 14 yr old daughter Aurora. She's curious about my teenage yrs. I'm sure she'll have an eyefull and an earful!!!

I'm just finishing up 24 songs for a new Sci Fi Comedy Western Musical I cowrote with one of my pals in Sedona. Its called "Cowboys and Aliens."

I've been practicing Wholistic Non Force Chiropractic for the last 25 yrs, the last 15 in beautiful Sedona, AZ.

I have a 4 month old granddaughter named Coral who I am the foster parent of....cute, but certainly causes a reality shift!

I'm looking forward to seeing you on the 31st. Who knows, maybe Captain Pollack and the Magic Lepers could have a reunion concert at this rate!

Keep Mutating!

Harlan    3/24/05

Judi, Donna, Daria, Kim,

I am so sorry to hear about Tommy, please give my love to them. It's been a long time but I still think about you guys.

Erik    3/28/05

Daria here, Tom's sister.....I know that you knew Tom but I do not
remember you.....e-mail me at dkowal1279@juno.com

Daria     4/26/05

PS - It have been a great sorce of pleasure to know that Tom had such great friends and people who cared so much for him.

Mike Westman    6/28/05

The beginning days, not quite fitting in with the people in town. Looking for something else. Knowing there was more out there. Ronnie and I decided to go to Jones beach. Field 3, because that's where the bus stopped. We meet Tommy Rack on the bus. Being kids we didn't have money, but we had thumbs.

What can you say? Young, sun and pretty girls in bathing suits. What more would ya want? Well, more friends! That's when we meet the Plainview boys, Bruce and Scott. Together we were like " the Boys of Summer". Hanging out with the Tambourine Girl. Walking all the way to the concession stand just to find out you didn't have enough money. That's when Ronnie started panhandling. Bruce caught him one day and said, "You're a bum, Ronnie. No! You're a Jones Beach bum!" You know the rest.

So, Tommy Rack was out exploring the different beaches. He came back one day and said, "Hey! Ya wouldn't believe what I found. Babes all over the place and ya don't have to walk far to get something to eat". After much discussion we decided to go and met Baby Huey. You know the rest.

However, the Park - Eisenhower or Salisbury, what ever you called it - this was our place at night in the summer. The musicians, the singers everybody wanted to join or just be a part of it. Never has a generation had so much in common. The people we would meet, the Wheat Chip tribe, the Bellmore gang, the Levittown girls, Wantagh gang, Seaford and who could forget the United Mutations. We would throw "May Day Festivals" at the Park and meet even more people. I tellin' ya, it was huge. The fall was great too. Play'in football with the Hofstra football team, or was it a pro arena football team, whatever. It was great! Remember " Dave Shores"? We would grub money and buy French fries and hot chocolate. We drove the poor manger crazy! The park is where we learned to play 'dink'. The Cinnamon twins introduced it one day, and we've been playing it ever since.

Then the parties...I can feel everybody's mind just thinking about their experience of a party. The " Hirschfield Hilton" was the most infamous. However, there was the Mitch Rich party which was an weekender, but Mitch wasn't even there. He decided that he wanted to hitch hike across America, and he did it in 3 days. Then panhandled the money to fly back. Dave Title had a few to remember. But it was also a time some of us were getting worried. The influx of people, the being watched by the police (and some thought the FBI). Some of us just didn't want the bums to lose that innocence. The fact is, we were growing up before our own eyes, and we still wanted to live in Neverland. I'll leave that there.

There are so many things I've left out, because I forgot them (I hear ya Robbie). Nevertheless, to use a more - dare I say it - more modern phase: "Its all good".

Paul Lancaster    7/30/05

What a great reunion!!

First the beach, and then Mitch's house, just awesome!

We shared old memories and made new ones. It was one of the nicest days I've had in a long time.

Thanks so much to Shari and Gigi for helping to organize it and run the E-vites. And thank you so much to Mitch, Patty, and Caitlyn for sharing their beautiful home with us.

We were honored by the presence of Daria and Kim (Rackovitch) who helped us remember and keep Tommy's spirit close to our hearts.

The memorial candle Mitch lit at night to help remember all our dear friends was especially touching.

Today, August 1st, my sister Bonnie would have turned 49.

The beauty of the Bums (now), is that we don't just look at the past, but we accept that we're not 18 anymore, and we live for the present and the future.

We're already starting to plan for next years reunion. Up till now, we always refer to the '91 reunion as the Big One. But next year, 2006, is 35 years! That should be the Real Big One. Let's start hearing some ideas and geting some volunteers to start putting something together. We've already had ideas about a 3-day weekend centered around a hotel-environment. Or we could go back to Pt. Lookout (is that right?) where we were in '91.

Have a great rest of the summer!

Love from Uncle Scotty & Claire (Aunt Clara)   8/1/05

Robbie, how are you buddy?
Great site Keep up the memories...

Joey P     8/2/05

Hey everyone...

I don't know any of you, but would love to get in touch with my cousin Danny Calvagna. The last time I saw him was at Salsbury listening to the Good Rats/Blood Sweat/Tears.

Cheers,

Ross Calvagna    8/8/05
rac24@tampabay.rr.com

Hi Shari...I am not a Jones Beach Bum, nor have I ever been. My maiden name is Carol Frigo, and I'm a life-long resident of Long Island...born and raised in Deer Park on Long Island. From the looks of things, I'm about 5 years or so younger than you and your dear friends. My sister, on the other hand, could have fit right in with you and your friends. Her name is Sue and she's almost 49. When I see the JBBs, they remind me of the people I looked up to when I was a kid. For your information, I'm 45 years young!

As an avid fan of Ed Lowe, I came across you and your friends through the two articles he wrote about people he met who happen to belong to the JBBs in their youth. I loved the story of the friends meeting in NY and going to the beach on the very same day as one of the reunions. It's the kind of stuff that makes you believe in a power stronger than "luck", right? It was a great story, and Ed Lowe was the perfect person to tell it.

I've been reading your website for quite a while now. I love the photos and the opening page with the lighthouse, telling the tale of all the people without a specific direction in life; the ones that were a little "left of center" (if you will) that became life-long friends by hanging out at the beach. I'm married and living in Lindenhurst now, and I know all the places where you've spent your youth. Although I became more familiar with Nassau County in my 30's, I ate lunch all the time in Eisenhower Park and watched the kids hang out...they still play guitar and sun bathe, but their hair is significantly shorter! The '70s were such a different time...in many ways it was easier to be a teenager then than it is now, don't you think?

I did spot someone I know in your photos. I believe I saw Erica Newman in the 2001 photos, and we went to school together. That's about as close as I get to being a JBB. I just love reading about you and your friends, and I can certainly do that as an outsider, too. It's great to have someone (this means you!) archive the information and house the photos. I have a lot of friends who live very far away now, and I love to see their photos and hear about their lives during that holiday-card time of year!

May I wish you much success with your website, and hope you continue your reunions!

Regards,

Carol Pizzingrillo     8/18/05

Hi All,

It was great seeing everyone at the reunion. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to Mitch's house for the evening festivities. I am looking forward to
next year's BIG 35 year reunion. Peace & Love to all.

Mike Westman    8/22/05

I just wanted to let everyone know that Ed Liss is recovering from surgery and could probably use some good wishes from his old friends. I believe his address is listed in the directory. The report that I have from Peter Chelsea (Mahar) is that he is doing fine, though I've yet to speak to him myself.

Ed, Pete and I had a "mini-reunion" here on the west coast; even went to see Joe (Satriani) together. It is a trip to see my "big brothers" again after all these years. It's amazing that our connection is still the same and we have picked up our friendships as if barely any time had passed.

Anyone who knew me well knows I had a very "vagrant" life as a teen - my mom moving us from town to town pretty much every year or so, which made sustaining friendships challenging at best. I lost touch with Ed when he ran off to join a carnival (quite funny that I actually know someone that did that!!) and Peter when I finally moved away from New York in 1977. By 1978 I had pretty much lost touch with everyone I knew from Long Island and have lived all these years sort of like a person with no country. (Don't get me wrong - my life has turned out amazingly well despite it's unfortunate beginning, but I have always regretted not having those old, dear friends to reminisce with.)

I have thanked Shari privately for this, but I will say publicly that her putting this site up was such a tremendous act of love and kindness. She is truly the Guardian Angel of all us Bums far and near. I know how much it has meant to Ed, Peter & I to reconnect, as we were (are) really like family.

Anyway, I WAY digress. The upshot is that I consider it a great gift born of this website for us to have reconnected in a time when friends are needed so.

Please send Ed a card or note. I know he will give me a hard time for doing this, but I truly think he would love to hear from any and all of you.

Love,

Carol (Ercolono) Espinoza    9/20/05

Looking for Mike Chapnick.

Becky   9/24/05

HELLO BEACH BUMS...

THIS IS TOM'S OLDEST SISTER DONNA (RACKOVITCH) KEENAN.
WHAT I NEED IS A FAVOR.
TOM'S FAMILY IS READY TO HAVE HIS TOMBSTONE ENGRAVED, WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A PICTURE OF THE JONES BEACH PENCIL BUT WE NEED A CLEAR PICTURE...DOES ANYONE HAVE ONE AVAILABLE?
I TRIED... SEARCHED CAN NOT FIND ONE.
IF ANYONE HAS A GOOD CLEAR PICTURE, IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
PLEASE SEND TO DONNAYAYA51@ HOTMAIL... MANY THANKS

Hello bums... Tom's sister here once again..I need to know how to post a
picture of Tom's gravestone..it is really cool. we were able to have a
picture of the jones beach pencil on the granite...just have no idea how
to post it so u may see it.. please email Donnayaya51@hotmail.com... ty
and happy holidays

12/4/05

Click here to see Tommy's gravestone.

Shari    12/5/05

Sharyn...I can't thank you enough for the site...nice job...Happy Holidays
to all !! Be safe...

Donna ( Rackovitch)   12/5/05

Hey there all you wonderfully crazy people!

I just finished school and thought being a beach-bum would be a pretty fun experience, browsing around on the net I found your site. I must say this is the coolest thing I've seen in a long time. I hope my buddies and I will still be as tight as you all still seem to be when we start getting grey and old. I love this.. thank you, really needed to see something like this!

"mag jul vriendskap altyd opreg bly"
liefde en vrede - love and peace

Elmien Grobler
South Africa    12/14/05

Merry ChristmaHannaKwanzaRamadanakah to everybody!

Dave Title   12/14/05

Just a special thank you to Shari and all the wonderful Jones Beach Bums. What great memories, great people, wonderful women, fantastic parties, great drugs. We were innocent, young, idealistic and loving. Maybe it was the chemistry, maybe the times, the era, the weather, beautiful Long Island. The Beach, the Planting Fields, Eisenhower park, playing Frisbee, hitchhiking, playing guitar, doing the "winky dink". Wow, and I miss it! Many of you write much better than I do - how about writing a book about the Jones Beach Bums? Many of us could write a chapter. Some like Paul, Uncle Scotty, Bruce, Shari could write the entire book. What do you think? I can't wait for the next reunion! I love all of you and consider many of you my closest friends.

Leo (Alan Cohn)    12/18/05

Just a quick note to wish a joyous Holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year to all my dear Beach Bum friends and their families!

Love from

Uncle Scotty    12/23/05

To all my beach bum friends,

"Happy New Year". May you know that you are all forever in my heart and my soul.

Love,

Mama Pfeff (Laurie)    1/8/06

The best summer of my teenage years, I was 16 and hitch hiking all over with Bruce Bandler and Laurie Pfeiffer (sorry if I misspelled Lauries last name). Bruce used his hitching sign with a page for each frequently visited location, and a few innuendoes for the mean people who wouldn't pick us up. (I thought this sign should be bronzed.) Pete the Freak, who made everyone he met feel welcome. Anyway - thanks to all of you for the best summer of my teenage life!

Michele    1/17/06

Hello to all of the Beach Bums.

I came upon your website once before, just surfing the Internet. I returned this time to enjoy it once again. I live in Oklahoma, but I have been to Jones Beach once in July of 2000. I am about the same age as the Bums, 49 now. I grew up in the same "hippie era" and would have gone to the beach too.

We had a place called Memorial Park in Oklahoma City, where I hung out in the early 1970's. That park will always be a part of who I am, and I will always be just an ole hippie at heart.

I love your website photos, it is like taking a trip back in time. LOL. I enjoy your website very much and would have loved to have been a Beach Bum too.

Peace and Love Always, from:

the Groovy Granny,

Joan   1/21/06

Dear Beach Bums and Family(s),

I hope everyone is getting through the Winter all right (you Southern Bums can skip this part) - I know we'll all be happy when Spring is here again. I've been talking to Shari, Robbie, and others about the fact that we trace our "history" together of a 'band of friends' back to 1971. Now different people met us at different times, but if you ever (even remotely) considered yourself a Beach Bum (even if you wouldn't admit that in PUBLIC), then you are a proud member of a proud group of FRIENDS that turns 35 years old this year, 2006. Though we all finally grew up, we can always be proud of what we all created. We welcomed everyone; we laughed and partied together, and at times, you know, we all cried together. We hitchhiked and sang and played and bonded together. We were more then friends, we became a "band of brothers & sisters" that attracted people by including everyone as equals, and just caring about each other. All we asked of each other was to be KIND.

That was then and this is now. If you can still smile when you think of how it was, then it was all worth it. This website is something we never could have imagined, and it is a true gift. So many of you have traveled far from Long Island, yet through this site we can still connect periodically with each other.

We look forward to our reunion each summer. There has been talk of trying to make a weekend out of it, or a short Cruise-To-Nowhere, or taking over part of a nice local Hotel, and other ideas. But the reality is this would take a LOT of planning and some very dedicated organizers, like back in '91. If any group of people want to try to put something together that would be awesome. I'd love to hear what people think, and if you think we could still pull it off for this summer.

I would just like to repeat what I told Shari, and that is what a thrill I feel each time I check the DIRECTORY, and see another long, lost Bum has come HOME, at least to OUR website (Cindy Gregg, I'm thinking of you). For our 35th year, let's just 'go crazy' (reminds me of Tommy) trying to reach out, track-down, SEARCH, or whatever you want to call it; find our long-lost Beach Bum friends. If we could only notify them of our website, the rest is up to them. My goal is that they will join the directory, and just say HELLO here on the message board. Jungle Jim, you have my Bum's Book, so we'll have to work together. Let's all get started, trying to re-unite the tribe, even if it's only for a Moment in Cyberspace; (whatever happened to Space-Cadet, Rowdy-Mike?)

Peace and Love to all of you and yours, from me and mine!

Uncle Scotty    3/13/06

weekend away sounds awesome!!!... would it be the last weekend in july, when we usually get together?... need a heads up on which weekend you're planning on....

donna m.   3/17/06

I just had a "flashback" memory of a Scott Hershfield party in like
November. Of course everyone I am certain remembers that food was always hard to come by at these parties that used to house 20-30 overnight guests. Scott and I had an epiphany that we would go duck hunting on some island not far from his house. We got on his skiff in the back yard and drove to the island. Pulled the boat up to ensure that it didn't float away while we were being the great hunters. Of course, as was typical in those days, not too well thought out plan. We bagged no ducks, but the island bagged us - in freezing damp November cold, the tide went out. We and the boat were marooned on this island. The boat was so far on land that we couldn't come close to pushing it back to the water. We were freezing for 4-5 hours before the water level got to a point where we could get the boat back in the water and drive back to the house. That made the bakery around the corner early in the morning a much better plan. Eggs & toast & french toast for ummmm . . . 25 sound good?

Howie "Surf's Up"    3/19/06

I like Scott's idea of a 35th reunion, but realistically it could be difficult to organize & get confirmations for a weekend event... Too many different schedules and financial considerations for such a diverse group. Perhaps a park day at a State Park in Suffolk or Nassau that accepts group reservations. It could be an organized contributory meal or catered. What did Jimmy and Pete do to organize at the beach? If enough people are interested, I will try to get info on availability at some locations. Any ideas for the P.M.? I am interested in hearing other ideas... it's already March!

Irene    3/21/06

Does anyone remember "Roberta"?
Well, Roberta & I used to Hitch from Wantagh to be with you guys. It was SOOOOO much fun !!!! I miss those days. I'm trying to get Roberta to come with me to the next Reunion.

Julie    3/29/06

Yes Julie, I definitately remember Roberta and I think I remember you too! Those days were so much fun.
It would be fantastic if you both came to the reunion...please do!

Shari    4/1/06

Hey all, think Irene's idea is a great one. We all used to hang out at "THE PARK" lol. Why not a big BBQ somewhere?. There are a lot of parks all over long island. and Julie, Hi , i remember roberta and you, hope to see you at the next reunion.
Hugs to all. Peace.

Me    4/2/06

HI BEACH BUMS MY NAME IS JEANNIE OHLRICH. MY BROTHER WAS JOHNNY OHLRICH HE WAS A BEACH BUM. I LOVE THE OLD PHOTO IF ANYONE HAS ANY MORE I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM.

MY E-MAIL - JOHLRICH@ARKWIN.COM

THANKS    4/3/06

Hi everyone!

As far as I'm concerned, the only place the Jones Beach Bums reunion should be held is the one and only Jones Beach. Of course, I'm definitely up for something in addition to that, but the atmosphere of being where we used to be, with the people we used to be with, is what adds to the amazing nostalgic feeling and memories in my head on the last Sat in July! See you all then!

Ginger    4/9/06

Hey peeps :)

I agree with Ginger, it's only once a year so lets keep it a "Beach Bums" thing. How about a bbq after at "the Park", really make it like old times, lol. That was the order back then, right - 1)Beach, 2)Park 3)Party at the Hirshfield Hilton. :) How about it Scotty, open up the Hilton for a night, lol. (Anyone still have Gas Mask :))

Peace all,

Andy G    5/7/06

Just curious, has anyone heard from Little Ritchie Hayes? We need to track down some more of the gang. I've tried but have had no luck. Maybe if we all get on it, someone will have some success. Oh yeah, where are the Cinnamin Bros? And lets not forget Millie B. She was in San Diego many years ago. Andy Fienstien (mirror man), Ronnie Gladstone - let's get to work gang.

Peace,
Andy G    5/16/06

Roberta Potraka (daughter of the lively Sophie from the Plainedge Potraka's) lives in Florida now. She has been married for many years and loving her life in FLA. She sent me an e-mail as she found me on Classmates.com. (she listed herself as a freind at several neighboring schools so that she could do searches) (but I no longer have her e-mail address).

Randi    5/20/06

Hi everyone, this is roberta friedland (potraker.) I had email from shari fuller at classmates.com and she said she saw my name on this message board. so I emailed her back and thought I would check this out. this website is amazing and brings back so many wonderful memories. unfortunately we lost my lovely and wonderful sophie 2 years ago. and I live in florida and never go to the beach. ironic huh? maybe I'll be able to get to a reunion some time.

Chow for now,

Roberta   5/23/06

Hi Everyone! Time to get moving on making plans to come to the Reunion at the beach this year!

I sent an Evite invitation to all the email addresses I could find. If you notice that anyone is missing please feel free to contact me to send them an Evite. Virginiaduff@aol.com is best email for this.

Looking forward to all the fun!

Gigi   5/29/06

Looking forward to seeing everyone, fun in the sun, songs by the sea, an evening with old and dear friends!

Laurie (Grasshopper) Wills    6/20/06

Hope to see every one of you lovable lunatics at the 2006 Reunion.
I haven't seen ya'll since the 1991 reunion!

Dave Title     7/16/06

Hey all,
Looking forward to the the reunion and seeing everybody. I will be in N.Y. on this monday and may need a ride. Anyone out by Northport? By the way Andy, Mike Chapnick just found me again and I am waiting to hear back from him to see where he's at.

DEBBY (MUNCHKIN) LORBER   7/23/06

To my OLD buddy Andy G. This is a flash from the past, it's Mike Chapnick. I only found out about the web site today, I found Debby Lorber on my classmates and emailed her my phone#. She called we spoke and here I am. I am still married to Suzie 30 years, 4 kids - 31, 28, 26, 11 (the last is God's Joke on me), 4 grandkids - 6, 5, 2, 7 mo's. I would love to hear from you. By the way I'm in Port Richey, Florida.

Love ya!

Mike Chapnick    7/23/06

Hi All,

Ira Weiss here. I was never a full fledged Beach Bum, I was always on the fringe. I was used to hang out with Andy Gay, Quin Werthauer, Jeff Kjellgren, Aly Rosen, Ken Doppel (I was the last keyboard player in Molly Bloom), Mike Chapnick, Fred Botway, Ronnie and Joanne Lancaster. Laurie Pjeffer was my sister in law for a long time. I was at many of the parties and hung out at the park and Middle Earth a little, but never at the beach. Anyway, every year I plan to go to the reunion and something always comes up. This year, once again, my band was booked to play at a block party, so I could not make it to the beach.

Fortunately, Jeff was gracious enough to host an after-party which I was able to get to around midnight. It was wonderful to see people that I hadn't seen for about 30 years. I had a great time visiting and making music until around 3:30 AM.

Thank you Jeff!!! It was wonderful!!!

Love to All,

Ira     8/1/06

I got to the site quite accidentally. I googled John and meant to google Mike Ohlrich. Seeing the photo of John on your site brought back some good childhood memories. I met John by hanging out with his brother Mike. I met the Ohlrich family in the fall of 1970. Mike and I were in junior high and John was in HS. They lived not far from me, walking distant four blocks or so. It was great living in East Meadow. Seemed like there were neighbor kids all over, where small to large groups near and far could get together and have some fun or play ball. The beach-going started for me in the summer of '71. Summers were fun and special. Walk to Wantagh Parkway and put out your thumb. There was always someone going to the beach. There were even drivers that drove like a taxi service...just requesting donations for the toll. That was the summer that I went out boating with them. They had a 1958 Thompson. All wood. It was my first time water skiing. I remember boating to the first bridge (Wantagh Parkway) and Mike went ashore and dove off the bridge from the roadway, as we were listening to Simon and Garfunkle's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." I never did get to see the hydroplane boat that they were building in the garage float in the water. Then there was the time we spent the night on a marsh island by Zack's Bay. We called it Rat Island. I don't think that was the name, however there were rats there. Things that I do recall of John's house were his little sister. I don't remember her name. Nor do I remember his older brother's name. Though I remember to not touch his reel to reel tape recorder, tapes or records. They had a small dog and a rabbit in the back yard. John and Mike had a room together. They had a bumper pool table with a card table board for the top of it. Oh Hell was the popular game. 21 and poker (3card) were regular games too. That's where many parties were then and that was were I had seen John last before he had went out on June 2, 1972. The parties were then over, but the beach still had me.

I had a lot of fun just hanging at Jones Beach and to this day I still measure the good years by the tan I get on the tops of my feet.

George Holzmann    8/4/06

Hi Bums, Missed you guys this year....couldn't do the reunion....I hear it was great. I was going through my poetry (over 250 of them) and wanted to share this one.

Jones Beach Bums
July 20, 2004

Coconut oil blaring as loud as the radios
perfect and imperfect bodies alike
baring their skin but not their souls

While we are huddled together
with guitars and dope and jeans
blaring our indifference to their schemes
singing Rock and Roll to their irritation
restlessly absorbed in our indignation
thinking ourselves to be the Woodstock Nation
awash in a cloud of marihuana smoke
bumming spare change as if we were dead broke

We had something to say
as we look back
with our pot bellies and our somewhat broken family
hoping somewhere in that cloud of confusion
we planted some good seeds

Love and Peace,

Harlan    9/22/06

Robbie, please see what you can find out about someone named Nina Marie.

Please send me a letter with any info.

Peter Ruggiero
385 Allview Ave.
Brewster, NY 10509

Pete    10/26/06

Has anyone considered a winter reunion On Long Island? It gets awfully lonely, cold and dreary over the winter. A cold beer, guitars and old friends sounds wonderful. What do you think?

Alan (Leo) Cohn    12/5/06

To Andy, Jeff and any one else that knows me ( Mike Chapnick) and my wife Suzie, this is just to let you know that Suzie passed away on Nov. 24, 2006. She was happy that I was able to talk to you guys after so long apart, and we started making plans to come to the next reunion.

To all who read this, Have very Happy Holidays, and a safe and Happy New Year's.

With all of God's Love and Blessings to You and Yours,

Pastor Mike Chapnick    12/19/06

Mike,

I am so sorry to hear about Suzie. Don't forget to lean on your
friends, brother.

Peace,

Andy    1/25/07

Hey All,

Just found this and was amazed at some of the names (and faces) - wow! Not sure if any of you will remember me (I was one of the original Wheat
Chips and Bums too)
Most knew me as IGGY.
I'll check back soon.

TJ (IGGY) Cormier    3/9/07

Hey all, I'm siting here with my Mom, Mrs. Rackovitch, and we're surfing through the site. Mom says she feels so gratetful that Tommy had all of you! She says those years Tommy had with all of you I'm sure were some of the happiest of his life. And when she thinks about all of you in those glorious summer days, she will always feel that you all and Tommy will always be "forever Young". Dad wants to know how we can buy a few of those great 2006 T-shirts ?

Judi Rackovitch    3/18/07
judirocks10@aol.com

Hi everyone! Just thought I'd share my great news with you - I am the grand prize winner of the "Meet and Greet MeatLoaf" package!! I am a major fan, so winning this contest is by far my wildest dream!! Since the show is in NY, my best friend from Memphis, whom I haven't seen, is being flown in with her daughter. (A lot of you met them when we"bumped" into the reunion in '91.) We will stay at the Grand Hyatt with limo, 2 nights, and we'll be in the front row!! I am soooo excited, and just wanted to share it with all of you!!

Rock and roll dreams come true!!

Keep Rockin',

Ginger    3/18/07

Hi All,

I was wondering of anyone has heard from Nan Groden (her maiden name). She was from Seaford. We used to date back in the old days. I know she attended Goucher college in MD and became a doctor, I believe her married name was Lohr. If anyone talks please let her know I'd like to say hi.

Thanks!

Mike Westman    5/3/07

Hi Beach Bums,

I'm writing you just to let you know that I've written the first history of Jones Beach. It's just out now, already getting good reviews. I invite you to check out the website for more info--and I hope you might consider joining me at one of my upcoming speaking engagements about the history of Jones Beach.

FYI the books is titled "Jones Beach: An Illustrated History" by John Hanc. Publisher: Globe Pequot Press.
www.jonesbeachmemories.com

It's always nice to meet people who know and love the beach, the way you guys obviously do!

Thanks,

John Hanc    5/6/07

Hi Everybody!

I'm reaching out to everyone I know about a situation I'm in. After MeatLoaf got an ear infection and the concert was postponed till July (still can't wait though), I found out that they sold the land where my trailer is in Syosset. Which means I'm facing losing my home, and I am devastated. It's been featured on Eyewitness News 12 and the Times, so far. Anyway, here's my question - does anyone have any connections whatsoever to any officials in the Town of Oyster Bay, or civil right's attornies...80 families are getting evicted...you never know...any advice on this matter, please e-mail me.

Thanks!

Ginger    5/13/07

HI THERE BEACH BUMS,

I ATTENDED 2005 & 2006 REUNIONS. LOOKING FORWARD TO 2007!

REMEMBERING MY PAST: PAUL & RONNIE LANDCASTER, ALICE-MARY GRUNINGER, GIGI & SCOTTY. FRED BOTWAY, AND HIS SISTER ANDREA. I'M NOT SURE IF I KNOW MIKE CHAPNICK, BUT I LIVE IN PORT RICHEY, FLA TOO! ( IN THE WINTER)

I GREW UP IN NORTH BELLMORE, BELLMORE RD & JERUSALEM AVE. DORIS AVE. I HAD PARTIES IN MY BASEMENT. LOTS OF BLACK LIGHT POSTERS. JONES BEACH PLAYING WINKY DINK, LOVED IT!! I WONDER WHY? WRESTLING BOYS! THEN TO EISENHOWER PARK, WATCHING CONCERTS, OR JUST HANGING OUT...

TO BE CONTINUED AS MY MEMORIES GET SPARKED.
PLEASE HELP ME SPARK THEM! MY E-MAIL: TANZONITE1@YAHOO.COM

CINDY DEITCHMAN    5/14/07

P.S. IF U NEED TO SEE A BEFORE PIC, I SUBMITTED ONE. SO CHECK IT OUT, AND IF U REMEMBER ME, LET ME KNOW.

I can't wait to see the Newsday article by John Hanc. The Jones Beach Bums website reminds me of the piercing illuminating beacon of a LIGHTHOUSE that is always shining brightly, day and night, and which is capable of being seen by wandering Internet travelers such as John Hanc and sometimes even by 'Long-Lost Bums' who just happen to "Google" the words "Jones Beach". It is so much fun to see the Bums evolving and growing again in new and unexpected ways.

Uncle Scotty    5/20/07

Hi. I just found the website. I remember a lot of good times at Eisenhower Park and Jones Beach. I remember hanging out with Mitch the Prabbi, Danny Calvagna, Joe Satriani, Steve Muller, Laurie Pfeffer.

Mike Verow    5/22/07

sign up for the directory and email me.

I didn't hang out with you guys, but I do remember seeing all of you there when I was a kid with my family. By 1977 ( when I was 13 ) our bunch were there!

God I love taking my kids there and driving them crazy with stories of my past at Jones Beach. Not all of it. :-)

I still go there for lunch on my motorcycle almost everyday (weather permitting). I also take Ocean Parkway home every night to start my evenings. It just makes me feel good...the smell of it calms me down while crossing the bridges.

Joe Mulligan     5/26/07

I read the article in the paper today, then went to this website. I went through the pictures, and saw lots of familiar faces. I probably know people more from Salisbury Park and playing music than from the beach itself, never was much of a beach person. I graduated East Meadow HS in '73. Definitely remember Dave Mucci and Scott Weiss , and I remember jamming with Don Morrell a few times. I'm in the middle of renovating my basement and my old photos are boxed, but I'll dig them out asap and send you some. Bet you'll be getting some response from the article.

Great job on the website.

Jeff Goldstein    5/26/07

My sister Debbie & my best friends Kerrie, Mary, June, & Nancy hung out at Central Mall every single day! We would hitch to the beach and use our $1.20 Rt bus fare to buy 2 packs of cigarettes. I remember Andy playing his guitar, and us all having a major crush on him. Does anyone remember Louie from East Meadow, who used to play Bob Dylan songs with his guitar and harmonica? Crash the lifeguard? Grubbing for money? Eisenhower Park's Battle of the Bands and 4th of Julys there?

For me it all started in the "Summer of 71".

Bernadette (Bernie) Urbano-Baker   5/27/07

Hi. I am Michael Davitt, a '74 Massapequa grad. Jeff and Jon Ellis, Bruce Fifield and I used to spend a lot of time at West End II. We did a lot of bodysurfing with the Churchill fins in the summers of '75 and '76. I recall watching the World Trade Centers go up in the distance on those beautiful, clear days. Once I saw the Concord fly over... awesome sights and sounds.
I recall the name, "East Coast Bodysurfing Association" was used to refer to the guys who hung out at that beach. Anyone out there remember that name... those summers?
I'm in Raleigh for the past fourteen years. I know Sharyn Fuller. I'll be in Europe for the next seven weeks, but will be up in NY late July and August. My best to you all. Love Jones Beach.

Mike Davitt    5/27/07
mtdavitt@nc.rr.com

The cool thing is that the beach can have such a deep meaning, a different meaning to everybody....long after the beach bums had scattered away from field 4. It was the place I would also go to, especially in the fall. It was always such a great place to come to for prayer, reflection, to work out whatever was confusing me. I remember bringing my kids there when they were little. I think we were so lucky and blessed to have been able to have the beach be part of our lives!

Alison (Turner) Flanagan    5/28/07

It's been a long time coming. I follow the web site and all the additions but for so many years have been so busy and so have not written. The years following the 1991 reunion I worked as a computer programmer; then had two children, now 7 and 10, and changed careers. We moved a couple of times and are now in Sandpoint, Idaho. I am a Waldorf teacher, teaching second grade this year. Each year I move with my class up through the grades until eighth grade, so next year I will be teaching third grade with the same class. Waldorf teaching is a calling as much as it is a vocation and reflects my passionate pursuit of life. Life is good and life is full. It's great to read the messages and perhaps someday I'll make it back east for another reunion.

Take care,

Michael (Mike) Seifert   5/28/07

Hey Bums,

Sorry I will miss the reunion this year. I wanted to share one of my favorite goofy bum stories. We used to spare change it at the concession stand. A bunch of us from United Mutations (including myself, Scot Weiss, and Mark Kross) took a bunch of the money we bummed at the concession stand with us the next day to the toll plaza for Field 4 at the Wantagh Parkway. We pulled up to the toll attendant and told him we were paying for the next 5 cars. He was incredulous and couldn't understand why. We pulled over and watched the expressions on the untrusting NY'ers who couldn't get why some grungy hippies in a banged up mutation wagon were paying for their tolls. It was some great theater!

Love,

Harlan Sparer     5/31/07

Hi Everyone, Shari...I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your hard work with this website. I can't believe the memories and feelings it can evoke. I enjoy checking in and getting the updates from all who participate.

The last reunion I went to was 1991, and I look forward to this year's. I hope to see you all there. I grew up in Plainview, and have great memories of hanging out with all the Bums.

Mara (Swerdling) Schoenberg    6/3/07

My name is Marc Kantrowitz, and I worked at Jones Beach from 1969-1976.

I would like to get a Jones Beach Alumni Association up and running.
If you worked at the beach, please contact me:
Bobcats1972@comcast.net

Hope to hear from you!

Marc    6/6/07

I saw the Newsday article & had to check out the site. I was surprised and
touched to see the memorial for David Black, my "child" husband. I still
think of him & it was so nice to see that other people remember him too.

Karen Michelini    6/7/07

I've been keeping up with the JBB site and goings on.... looks like it's been a busy few months. My mother actually made a comment about the recent article... she reminded me that I got arrested for playing guitar on the beach and she had to come down and get me out of "jail". Apparently, Scott Weiss organized a protest and the little JBB Police shack was surrounded. Heh. I completely forgot about that.

Peace - Don Morrell    6/9/07

OMG!! I spent the 14th, 15th and 16th year of my life hitching down Wantagh Pkwy to hang with everyone...me and my friends Dave and Pete were probably the youngest, but you welcomed us with open arms...I remember playing guitar and having a great time every single day....and then night at Salisbury Park....especially a place we used to call "Hash Hill"........thanks for this website!!

Al    7/10/07

Just stumbled onto this web site. WOW, what great and vast friendships. Reminds me of times I had in the late 70s & 80s. Sites like this make me LOVE living in the USA! Going to look up some old friends before its too late.
God Bless
Live Free!

ED    7/24/07

As I was speaking to a Levittown friend who realized that he met me at "Salisbury" Park and not Jones Beach (for those of you who do not know, we were Jones Beach Bums by day and were on top of the hill - some called it Hash Hill - at Salisbury Park to watch the free concerts, really Opera or Ethnic music nights), he mentioned a group of teens that were a pre-cursor to the Bums. Does anyone remember the Wheat Chips? All I
remember is that two of them were twins from Hicksville and/or Plainview,
one named Kenny and that some of us hung out at Mid-Island Plaza too?

Randi C.   7/28/07

Hi Shari, I just wanted to tell you that you are doing a great job with the site. So many of us remember those times as some of the best of our lives, with some of the best people we have ever known. I have been all over the world as a musician and have always told the stories of being a Bum, and so many of the people I talk to I tell them to just go to the site. I want to tell you how impressed they are with our history. You are solely responsible for the good vibrations we still give off through the site. Thank you.

Danny    8/2/07

Hi All,
Sorry I couldn't be at the re-union this year but I was there in spirit. I thought by now I would get to read about what a great time you all had and I am looking forward to seeing the pictures! Hope you all had a great time and that Karen and Pete didn't go home as red as lobsters.
Love ya's!

Debby Lorber (Munchkin)    8/6/07

Mark Kross again...
just to help you remember me:
I just found a picture of me - in the Park... last picture scrolling to the right. I'm the guy having his hair fondled. No idea who the other two are. Anybody know?

Mark (Sweetkeys)   9/6/07

Note to Mark....Dave Mucci (aka Big Bird) and Scott Weiss! ~Shari

Wow! (or as we used to say, "Wowie Zowie").

Mark Kross here ("Sweetkeys" in the Magic Lepers). I was just googling myself (admit it - you've all done it) and ran across Harlan's story about the Wantagh Parkway. I had no idea this site existed. Reading through brought up some names from the past:
Dave Title - it was your house I found myself the first night I fell in with the bums... I remember playing"bullshit" at the top of our lungs on your front porch
Andy Bear, in the Mutations (I think he drew a picture in my JFK yearbook)
Fred Botway, etc, etc.

I'll have to see when the next reunion is.. who knows if I can make it. These days I'm a jazz musician and educator in Boston - been here a looong time.

And... to keep the record straight:
The name of the band was The Magic Lepers (named for Scot Weiss - where is he? - and his skin rash we called leprosy). The second year we had the band we changed the name to "The New and Improved Son of the Magic Lepers, with FT 490, Orchestra and Chorus". It was never Captain Pollack and the Magic Lepers.
Personnel:
Scot "the Leper" Weiss - vocals
Harlan "Golden Lips" Sparer - vocals
Mark "Sweetkeys" Kross - Farfisa organ
Jeff "Uncle Cheeseburger" Pollack - guitar
Jan "The Skunk Brothers and Tick" Sasson - guitar
Steve "The Straight Man of the Group" - alto and soprano sax
Glenn "Kneecaps" Kurlander - tenor sax
Larry "The Lung" Davis - drums
Tony "Toenails" Velardi - drums, but then road manager
I think we had some occasional girl singers (and Andy Bear) but I'm not sure. I remember the Stony Brook gig that never happened. And our auspicious debut at the Calhoun HS "Rap and Rec", where we needed a police escort to get out alive.

Such fond memories of my Bumhood - I was recently at the beach (and found out who Jones was), and I was thinking about those days. I seem to recall we hung out by the boardwalk but never went in the water... is this possible?

Of course, when we weren't at the beach, we were at the Planting Fields, no?
Does anybody remember Officer Foley, NCPD's finest?
If anybody remembers me, give a shout.

Later

'Keys    9/6/07

Mark Kross again...
just to help you remember me:
I just found a picture of me - in the Park... last picture scrolling to the right. I'm the guy having his hair fondled. No idea who the other two are. Anybody know?

Mark (Sweetkeys)   9/6/07

Note to Mark....Dave Mucci (aka Big Bird) and Scott Weiss! ~Shari

Hey Randi,

I remember the Wheat Chips. John Cobb from Hicksville was King Wheat Chip.

Don't remember much more. Long time ago. He married a rich girl and moved to Brookville. Go figure :)

Mitch (Mini-Mole)    9/1//07

I just saw this message that someone was looking for Danny Calvagna. Well, I'm looking for his wife Kathy, who I grew up with, and I have also been trying to find her for over 20 years.

I grew up in Forest Hills, Queens so I don't know any of you, but maybe there is someone that knows Kathy as well?

Jeannie    9/23/07

Jeannie,

You didn't give me a way to respond back to you. My email is dc_tarsus@yahoo.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

While I am here - Hey to all my Bum brothers and sisters.
Hope you are all well.

Peace,

Danny   9/26/07

I grew up with Dave Beechel, and all of the Beechels. I would love to
get in touch with Robert, Debbie, Donna and Mom (Dottie).

If anyone has any info, please pass it on to them... I would love to hear from them - Thank you.

Respectfully,

Chris Fischer  11/14/07
cfe144@yahoo.com

Shari - here is some good news - Larry & I got married.

Randi Crovets   11/26/07

Shari - I haven't visited the website in awhile so I didn't know you were
going to be on "Buy Me". Imagine my surprise when I turned on HGTV and
there you were!! You did such a great job. They should give you your own
show. :)

Fran (Diamondstein) Schuler    11/27/07

Dear Bums,

Tommy Rackovitch's "little sister" (he so fondly called me) Judi here with a few comments. Since Tommy passed away I try my best to read your website as often as I remember, which (honestly) is not as often as I would like because it always, without fail, makes me smile. After Tommy's funeral I was able to connect with Bob Beechill (I call him Beach), but lost his number and do not know where he lives, so if anyone has connected with him and/or knows how to reach him, please let me know!

Here is something for you to get a visual on - every morning when I drive over the Long Beach bridge to get to the Wantagh Parkway, I say say out loud (depending on how pretty the day is, I might say it pretty loud), "MORNING TOMMY".
Thought you all would appreciate that!

Have a beautiful and Blessed holiday, and I hope to one day get to one of your reunions........Hi to the Vanderhalls and Lancasters.............!

Hugs,

Judi (Tommy's baby sister)    12/9/07

Randi,

OMG!!! I can't tell you how happy I am for both of you. Good luck and
future blessings.

Paul   12/18/07

HI JUDI,

GOOD MORNING TOMMY!

the Lancasters    12/18/07

Wishing all of you and your loved ones a Very Happy Holiday Season.

Love,

Ptr
Peter Chelsea (Maher)    12/22/07

Wishing all the Jones Beachs Bums and their families a Happy Happy Christmas and a Merry Merry New Year

Love Daria (another Tom sister)   12/22/07

RANDI,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE,

ROBERTA     12/14/07

Wishing you all a very Happy and healthy New Year. To all that don't know
yet I am back in New York and living in Huntington.

Love to all

Danny    12/29/07

Hi ya all!

Ally, Andy, Ira, Jeff, man o man it's been a long time.
My sister told me about this site, tonight I looked at it for the first time.
Very cool.  Brought back a flood of warm summer memories and much more.

With Love

Kenny Doppel    1/5/08

Sad News!

I received a phone call from my college roommate, Yas, this afternoon. I was stunned and profoundly saddened to learn of the untimely passing of our suite-mate and dear friend, Bob Devine. To those of you that traveled up to New Paltz and visited me back in the '70s, I'm sure you'll remember Bob (he was big, 6'5"), partying with us, and playing guitar long and deep into the night. Those were fun times for sure, and 'we thought they'd never end'. Like us, Bob too eventually settled down, but he never stopped pursuing his great love for, and study of music. He was truly a gifted musician! Like our dear friend, Tommy Rackovitch, Bob also suffered with the hardships of epilepsy, and this 'may' have been a factor. I don't know. But I do know he will be sorely missed, and not easily forgotten.

Wherever Bob Devine is tonight, I know he's still "playing in the
band".  R.I.P.

Uncle Scotty    1/16/08

Where is Andy Bear?.... A. Bear is Everywhere!

I have you all with me right here, and am wishing you the best. I died and broke some records in defripulation, but I'm back and loving it. Stonybrook was in Tents, Jeff Pollack isn't losing his Recall of The Magic Lepers. Jones Beach Bums are forever. Andrew Feinstein (Mirror Man). Wheat Chips, Road Trips, Sunshine, waves of Guitars bursting the Night..for now Hor deourve -

Andy The Bear   2/1/08

Note to Andy - Please send your contact info to us! Click on Sign-up, or send an email to shari@jonesbeachbums.com. Great to hear from you! Love, Shari

Hey Mirror Man, Mirror Man here, LOL.
We need your contact info man, and your piano playin.
I would love to see you at the next reunion, brother.

Peace,

Andy (The Mauler) Gay    2/6/08

Mirror man for the name and mirror aviators we wore on the same day.
Ditto.

Andy The Bear  2/8/08

DOES ANYONE HAVE ENID PESSAH'S PHONE NUMBER?

Anonymous    2/10/08

Answer to Anonymous:
Perhaps, but no personal info is going to posted on the public domain of this website. Please sign-up, identify yourself and your email address will be forwarded to Enid. Hope this helps!
Shari

Uncle Scotty, This is Mickey Wolk, Janet Wolk's Brother. I was in Dr. Mengs course in New Paltz. Do you have Enid's Pessahs e-mail address?
Regards, Mickey

Shari, I signed up but did not get password yet. I will be there for the reunion in July and so will my sister Janet.

Mickey Wolk  2/10/08

Mickey, I am so sorry but for some reason I did not get your sign-up! There is apparently something wrong with that page, and I am in the process of looking into it. In the meantime, please write me at shari@jonesbeachbums.com and I will be happy to help you. Look forward to seeing you and Janet in July! ~Shari

Hey Mirror Man...

Yes Andy Bear, we need your music trivia and presence at the next reunion or gathering.
Hey Andy and Jeff - see ya soon. Hope you are doing good.

Peace and Love,

Jan (aka Guitar Lady)   2/18/08  
Hey, how'd I get that name, it used to be Space Lady...

Hey, whatever happened to Baby Huey? We should invite him to the reunion.

Mr. Ed    2/20/08

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MEMORIES, ALTHOUGH I DON'T HAVE MANY SINCE I LIVED IN THE 70'S!

Randi Klaire-Jefferson    2/22/08

Janet (stop sign) is alive and well. She is a nurse and lives in MS.

Her brother,

Mickey    2/24/08

Dear Bob,

You have touched our family's heart with the beautiful picture of Tommy. My mother and I got teary eyed for Tom, but it was great to see your work... we wish to thank you.

Tom's mother and sister Donna    2/24/08

Shari,

Your show was Great!!!
Kudos to you and yours on a job well done!

A bunch of us watched your real estate show last night on cable, and ranked it one of the best done so far. We can't wait for the next one to be filmed.

Peace and Love,
Jan and friends    3/18/08

Hey everyone,

I just stopped in to give a shout out to all and try to get to the next reunion. Also don't know if anybody knows who Becky is that was looking for me back in 9/24/05. I know it was a long time ago, but if any one knows please post a note for me. Thanks.

With all God's Love and Blessing to all of you and yours!

Mike Chapnick    5/7/08

Note to Mike: Did you receive your Evite to the reunion? If not, please write me at shari@jonesbeachbums.com. Hope to see you in July! ~Shari

Dear John Hanc;

I want to start by thanking you for honoring Jones Beach the way you have in your book and articles. You have given words to the memories and emotions of those of us fortunate enough to have experienced Jones Beach ourselves, and have gone far to explain it to those who haven't had that wonderful opportunity. And of course, thank you so much to Sharyn (Shari) Fuller who has overcome the near 'gravitational' effects of TIME to bring the Jones Beach Bums back to life with her wonderful website. She has harnessed a very special part of the Internet to bring old friends back together, from across the country and across the years. For the two of you to have met was a wonderful and significant occurrence!

It is noteworthy that you have now embarked on studying Jones Beach from the perspective of time, or 'generational' time. For like life itself, those of us that know (and love) Jones Beach experience it differently over the decades of our lifetimes. The best way to discover Jones Beach (as you & I were fortunate to do) is as a child. For as a child, we go to a place that is near to our homes and schools, yet unlike anything in our everyday life. We experience this awesome environment with the warmth and reassurance of our loving families. At Jones Beach we are awed by what we see and experience, and never do we shake the urge to return to the beach. As children, the unique feeling we got walking barefoot through the soft sand. The inconceivable ocean that stretches all the way to the horizon, and then to who knows where. The noise and power of the surf as it breaks on the shore. The cold water that quickly feels good. The gentle sway of the surf that makes us weak-kneed as it sucks on our toes, as our parents lovingly held our little hands. And as we get older, the sheer thrill of actually playing in the surf and getting knocked down by the waves. We saw suntanned bodies everywhere, revealing more skin to us then our young eyes could comprehend. Before us was sand and water as far as you could see, with a huge sky that just enhanced the flatness and immensity of the scene. It is a scene that every child should be fortunate to view and experience, for we realize at once what a wild and beautiful world we live in. By experiencing it first with our family, we experience something that is so much bigger and more powerful then anything we have ever experienced, but with the gentleness, comfort, and reassurance of our loved ones. When you turn to leave Jones Beach at the end of the day, one thing is certain; you can never really leave Jones Beach, for a part of it will always be with you.

On one lucky day in early 1971, a chance encounter took place that would change my life, and that of many others too. My dear friend, Bruce Bandler (also from Plainview), and I were fortunate to be at Jones Beach one day and we met a like-minded trio from Uniondale - the brothers, Paul & Ronnie Lancaster, and (the late) Tommy Rackovitch. The excitement and magnetism between the five of us was instantaneous. The friendships that we started that day lasted for decades, through exhilarating times and times of unimaginable sadness. We became like a family, and our family grew. We brought our respective friends from our respective towns to meet each other, and hang out together. In no time at all our new 'beach-family' was making new friends at the beach. The circle started to grow bigger, and soon we counted among our friends people from many towns. At that point, we knew that we had created something bigger then anyone one of us, because we could now have friends from any school on Long Island, instead of just our own schools. We confidently adjusted to our new social awakening, and felt good knowing that we suddenly had a clean slate, and a chance to get to know others that had no preconceived ideas or prejudices about us. We had broken free of the cliques and social groups we had disliked in our own schools, and were now free to become the type of people we WANTED to be, instead of the people we were EXPECTED to be. This was very empowering to us. It gave us a level of excitement and confidence that was contagious, and attracted more and more and more people to our group. For my friends and me, Jones Beach became the stage that our adolescence played out on.

Jones Beach had become our teenage paradise. We had "winky-dink" games, guitar sing-a-longs, kissing and flirting, "mole-holes", Frisbees and always the best thing of all - our friends. Jones Beach was now all about friends; old friends and new friends, people you wish to be friends with, and even their friends. Talk was of girlfriends and boyfriends, high times, and broken hearts. We sang Teenager in Love, Love the One You're With, Alice's Restaurant, Stairway to Heaven, and The Last Kiss, to name a few. When you're a teenager at Jones Beach, someone could take the waves and the seagulls away, and you probably wouldn't even notice.

We soon added another venue, Eisenhower Park, as a place to meet even more people and share with them what had become "The Jones Beach Bums". An annual People's Festival, held each year on May 1st at Eisenhower Park, was advertised by word of mouth and printed flyers to as many schools as we could find people willing to spread the word. By day it was the beach, by night it was people's houses or the park. What it was though, was always FUN. It was good clean fun, if you didn't count the smoke and the beer, which came a little later. We were good kids, fortunate to be living in good times. We hitchhiked everywhere, we spread happiness and friendship, music, and play. We had long hair and looked like hippies, yet more than anything we were welcoming, friendly, and happy. Amazingly our numbers grew to over 300 from a long list of towns on Long Island.

I don't know how the Jones Beach Bums went from getting together every day at the beach to getting together every year for a reunion. But "time-flies", and it was time to grow up. For some it was college, for some the service, others went off to work, moved out of state, or started families; and tragically, some of our dear friends, never made it past that time.

Fast forward again, and my life's journey took me to New Paltz College for 4 years, and then a series of longer and longer hitchhiking journeys and adventures that eventually covered 48 states (along with Michael Seifert) and the Trans-Canada Highway. My love of the road, of people and places, was stronger than my college diploma as I substituted my hitchhiking thumb for a CDL license. I became a trucker, even as I married and raised a Long Island family of my own. The pounding of the surf at Jones beach faded further and further into my memories. The realities of working my ass off, trying to make a living, raising a family and caring for loved ones became the daily reality. Though a little envious, I could easily empathize with the new generation of young people that spent their summers soaking up the sun and playing at the beach as I had. I knew how fortunate I had been and knew that I must work now, even as they must play.

And so it was, for many years. That was until some very clever "old" Beach Bum friends, including Robbie Indovino, Jimmy Bonczek and Pete Ruggiero (I'm sorry if I'm leaving any one out here) took it upon themselves, to organize a series of reunions. (Later Shari would take this to a whole new level with her incredible website).

A Jones Beach Bum reunion is not like a High School reunion. It's definitely not held indoors. Nobody walks around trying to play up their accomplishments or highlight their economic status. A Beach Bum reunion is a throwback to simpler times, to friendships, to feelings, to reconnecting, to seeing and giggling about how we've grown, to learning about each others families or parents. It's about reliving the past, comparing where we are now, how we got there, and where we dream of being by the next reunion. Again our family has grown, but now with spouses and kids and extended family, all welcome, as always.

Most important to our reunion (and the one thing we won't compromise about) is that it must be at our beloved Jones Beach, rain or shine. For however Mother Nature serves it up that day, that's the way we'll take it, because that's just the way it is at Jones Beach. To return to Jones Beach for one day is to return to peace and tranquility for many days.

Fast forward from the day the Bums began in 1971. It is now 2008, and I'm now a 54 year old 'kid'. I haven't been to Jones Beach since last July's reunion, and I probably won't be there until this July's reunion. But my life is changing. I have finally given up the trucking life and traded it in for a brand new career. I'm now a licensed a commercial realtor, loving my new job, and rediscovering life and my family all over again. I'm also rediscovering Long Island. Which brings me back full circle, because with that comes the desire (and the ability) to rediscover Jones Beach. I hope to go back there more frequently now, and in the coming years. I look forward to walking and hopefully jogging along the shore as I used to. I look forward to the serenity of the seagulls reclaiming the sand at the end of a long hot summer day. I look forward to the vastness, beauty, power, and timelessness of Jones Beach. And I look forward of course to sharing all this with my wife and some good, 'old' friends that just might be from the ranks of the Jones Beach Bums!

Thank you, so much, John, for inspiring these memories and thoughts, and for all your enthusiasm, love, and caring, for all things, Jones Beach!

All the Best,

Scott Roth (Uncle Scotty)    6/11/08

Scotty -

Well said, well put.

Danny Calvagna    6/12/08

Check out this picture taken during a recent Air show! What a cool shot.

Anonymous     6/14/08

(click to enlarge)

Aerial view of our meeting place by the stairs of Field 4
Picture had to be changed to a sketch to avoid copyright infringement

Isn't it amazing how some people get their panties in a knot over the most trivial of things?

Love you,

Paul    6/17/08

Scotty, you put a lump in my throat and a smile in my heart. We have alot to be thankful for. Thank you for being you, my friend and brother.

Ron Lancaster    6/18/08

Hey - can't make the party, as I'll be up in Woodstock, VT at "Jazz Camp" (yeah they have that too).

If anyone's interested in hearing any of the music I've been doing these past years (since the Magic Lepers broke up...), feel free to check out: www.myspace.com/markkrossmusic. Just for a taste.

Later...

MK    6/20/08

This is from Tom's Mom.....

To all those who know and still love the Beach Bums...Tom's birthday looms near and tho he won't be here to celebrate in person his family has chosen the 4th of July to have a bang up loving picnic in his honor. While our familly continues to grow, grandchildren, great grandchildren, new engagements, weddings, as families do, the new members and the old ones still love and miss Tom.

I know in his heart the Beach Bums were his alter family and tho he loved us deeply he really enjoyed his Beach Bums family.

Hope all of you have a safe and fun-fillled holday with your families. And remember Life is Short, love one another and live it !!!!!

Harriet Rackovitch and Daria Kowal    7/3/08

To Ginger Bonner....saw you in Newsday this morning...how are you...think
of you, miss you, love you...

Barbara (Nippy)    7/12/08

It was great seeing all the pictures, I saw the article in Newsday, just wanted to say hi. I went to the first reunion, and did not realize it kept going.

Lisa (Schafer)    7/12/08
originally from Wantagh    

Was too young in '71 ...carried on tradition in '74-'77....Winky Dink, partying all day and all night at the park by the lake...remember one hell of a party Grand Ave by the train station, hundreds of friends...7 guys or something to that effect lived in the house...maybe greatest party I ever attended. Loved the beach then, still do...what memories...wasted, falling asleep by the women's bathroom...under the boardwalk...Bad Company in concert...memory a little shot these days, but I was there, and had a ball...great website...thanks for the creation.

Richard Vitagliano (Herc)     7/13/08

Hello Jones Beach Bums.

I'm a former JB lifeguard and have made an award winning documentary called "Jones Beach Boys." There are women in it also. It chronicles some of the beach history, but also lifeguards who have been there 30, 40, 50, and in the case of one extrordinary character, 64 years. Possibly you know some of them. It might be a fun addition to your video library. You can go to my website and follow your way in to the video. Thank you.

Ron Colby     7/14/08
www.artistsconfederacy.com

Hi Shari,

Summer of '71 or '72 I met my good friend Bill Avdoulos right there off the boardwalk, Field 4. He always had a guitar in his hand & we were always singing - "coming into Jones Beach from over the toll riding in a station wagon." I didn't get to know you guys too well, we were younger, but I do remember someone's house in East Meadow & singing on the stairs Frank Zappa, "We're only in it for the money" & "Live at the Fillmore". Bill went out with Howard Weinstein's younger sister Eileen, & I did eventualy get to be good friends with Janet Perlow & Don Morell, who very forcefully made me his lead singer in his band Machine in '74. So nice to be reliving this time period. Take care...

Tony    7/18/08 (originally sent 2/08, but misplaced - sorry Tony!)

Big thanks to all who came to the party last night - you all made the night as special as it was and I really enjoyed seeing everyone!

Wishing you all health, happiness and success in the year ahead!

Love,

Jeff    7/27/08

PS - Hope to see everyone on Saturday, March 7, 2009 for the winter party!

To Barbara (nippy)

What a great surprise!!! Please email me and tell me how the hell you've been!     nyboots@aol.com

Ginger    7/27/08    

It was great getting together with "old friends" (only kidding) yesterday, for a day at the beach and a night time party at Jeff's. Thanks again to Shari and everyone who organized the E-vites and reminders. Of course, thanks again to Jeff for his hospitality and his generosity. The live music last night by Dennis, Andy, Jan, Ira, and Greg (did I leave anyone out?) was like a soundtrack to our very own movie. Like fine wine, our musicians just keep getting better. A special thank-you to all of Jeff's great neighbors for letting us relax, have some fun, and enjoy our music until the wee hours. Also, welcome back to Micky Wolk, Lisa Schaefer, and Bob Berman.

If everybody could just think of ONE person who used to hang with us, then reach out, do everything you can think of to locate that person, and tell them to check out our website. Just give them that chance, that opportunity to know that their old friends are still friends, but in new ways. Think how excited you were the first time you went to jonesbeachbums.com. Share the joy with one of the many, still-missing, "long-lost-bums".

We are eagerly anticipating 2011, the year of our 40TH Anniversary. The annual reunion idea is starting to lose some of its appeal at the expense of greater milestones, like the 35th, which went by with hardly a whimper. Perhaps it's time for a little change in terminology. From now on, we might want to save the word "reunion" for 2011, and really be focused on that milestone event. We all talk about the reunion we celebrated (all) together, "The Big One". Let's make 2011 another one to remember.

If we agree, and the next "reunion" is not going to be until 2011, then you might wonder, what are we going to do until then? How about from now on, the last Saturday in July — every year — is known as "Beach Day" for the Jones Beach Bums? Summer will now run, officially, from Memorial Day, through Beach Day, to Labor Day. While every day of the year is technically a beach day, and any of us could easily go to any beach we want any day we want, there will always be one special day. For on this day, the last Saturday of each July, no matter where you live, you can make your way to Jones Beach/Field 4/Central Mall, walk down a few steps into the soft sand, look ahead, and just to the right find the nicest bunch of people you ever want to know. These would be "the Jones Beach Bums", survivors from the 'good old days', still enjoying each other's company, and welcoming children, spouses, brothers & sisters, and new friends of old friends.

As we used to sing - "May The Circle Be Unbroken".

Regards to all,

Uncle Scotty     7/27/08

For those of you who missed this year's gathering, we were once again blessed with marvelous weather. Especially considering that Sunday — the very next day — was wrought with thunder, lightning, and torrential wind and rain, all day and night long. How fortunate we were! Just like last year, it seemed like someone from above was looking out for us.

Yet, also as in previous years, the beach reunion was not as well attended as Jeff's great (as usual) party, the reasons for which were discussed by many of us present at both events. And we came to the conclusion that, despite the fact the beach was our favorite hangout when we were teens, now that we are all getting up there in age, going to the beach has lost much of its appeal. Extreme exposure to sun, sand, wind, possible cold and rain, the lack of desire many feel about wearing a bathing suit, etc., all point to the fact that perhaps it is time for us to focus more on the night time party, which Jeff has generously offered to host every single year, in his wonderful backyard. Thank you, Jeff! However, it appears that yearly reunions reduce the specialness, and probably cuts down on efforts to attend ("Well, there's always next year"...).

So a lot of us had an intense powwow during Jeff's party. We don't want to give up our yearly event, but we need to do something to make the 40th as special as the 20th. And we came up with a few ideas, most notably (IMHO) that we start planning for a 3-4 day cruise in July 2011. Can you imagine the fun THAT would be? It blows my mind to think about it. A mass e-mail with more details about this idea (and other ideas) will be coming around very soon. Please take the time to send your thoughts, and other ideas if you have any!

Anyway, it was wonderful seeing those of you who were able to come this year (especially those who just found us again, thanks to John Hanc and his most recent Newsday article). And to those of you who wanted to but couldn't make it, we missed you. We hope to see you at the 40th, or sooner!

Love to all,

The musical guests are an outstanding group of musicians and friends that I had the pleasure to play wonderful music with.

I can't thank Shari enough for her kind efforts on the website and contacting everyone for these events.

Each and every year I, and everyone, look forward to this evening of song, laughter and shared happiness with memories of long lost friends, new friends and old. Although some of us (Beach Bums) are sorely missed, they will never be forgotten. Each year we continue the tradition their memory and spirit will live on. I know they are smiling down on this stuff....

Who knew a trip to Jones Beach Field Four in the summer of 1974 would be an inspiration to my life, as well as others, to a bright and very interesting future. (And there's more to come...)

Peace and Love to everyone who attended, and those who could not. I can't wait until the next reunion. I will miss you all till then.

Be well, be happy and be yourself. ;-)

I am a very recent Honorary Jones Beach Bum. Thanks Shari, you've been great to talk to.

A liitle bit about me. I was born and raised in Bay Shore, graduated High School in 1975 from Brentwood H.S. If there are any Beach Bums from the
Bay Shore or Brentwood area, please let me know.

I have been away from New York since I was 20. I've lived in Texas, Colorado, Hawaii and presently Miami Florida.

I found out about the Beach Bums by just looking around on the internet under Jones Beach.

I spent many days at Jones Beach while growing up. It's great to know about the Jones Beach Bums and I hope to come visit next summer.

I read about a cruise in 2011. Many cruise ships leave out of Miami. That would be fun.

Take care for now

Tony,

I see you knew Don Morrell & you say you were in the band Machyne. I don't remember you but maybe you remember me. I was the bass player in the band & had been a long time friend of Don's.

Mike Westman    8/1/08
mwestman@aol.com

To all of you wonderful people that I was fortunate enough to share last Saturday's Reunion with: It was so great to see you all again. Great to have you guys back in my life after all this time. Special thanks to Shari & Jeff.

Bob Berman    8/3/08
rmberman@optimum.net

Love,

Roberta Potraker Friedland    8/22/08

Hello Ronnie & Paul Lancaster and Bobby Vanderhall.

Kim    9/19/08

ginger...sorry lost your number, please e-mail me it....
ibaerohead55@hotmail.com   love ya

barbara    10/5/08

Hi All -

Henry Cohen (formerly from Levittown) here. Was I ever tickled to find this website! Andy Gay, Janet Perlow - I jammed & hung out with both of you many a pleasant time at Field 4 and at The Park. Glad to see that you're both alive & well. Mike Westman and Don Morrell I got to meet through my buddy Joe Donnelly from Long Beach - I'm still close friends with Joe even though I relocated to PA in 1984.

I have been married twice (the 2nd time's a charm). I have two sons, aged 25 and 24, both of whom are musical too. My wife and I met at the PA Renaissance Faire doing music, and we have a 4-piece folk group called Inishowen.

I would love to hear from anyone out there from those great old days - you can visit our music website (and e-mail if you like) - http://www.inishowenmusic.com

Take care & be well - maybe we can make a reunion sometime.

Henry Cohen    11/4/08
York, PA

To all of you in our Beach Bum extended family, best wishes for a happy,
healthy, and safe hoiday season...

Love

Scott & Claire    12/20/08

Happy Holidays to all of the Jones Beach Bums.

John Bracco    12/25/08
Miami Florida

Hi,

I don't mean to intrude especially since I did 7 years as a guard across the inlet at Point Lookout. I left the point as a LT. in 1968. My purpose for writing is that I'm trying to locate a girl that was a friend of mine and my family's back in Late 50's. Her name was Gail Clayton and she was from Wantagh. I understand she married a guard from Jones Beach thereafter fled to Florida. Anybody know anything about this girl?

You'ns did a great job on this Jones Beach Bums site. You are to be commended.

Nostalgically,

Tom (Ozzie) Oswald    2/11/09
California
pmte2810@aol.com
hometown - Westbury

I would like to invite all of my Bum friends to come out and see my band VOR, at The Zebra Club 1195 Montauk Hwy. Copiague. on Saturday March 21st. at 9:00. We will be doing a 1 hour show. Look for more dates this spring and summer on our MySpace. www.myspace.com/vor2008 I look forward to seeing some old friends.

Danny    3/1/09

My heart felt condolences to the Lancaster family. I am so deeply saddened to hear about Ronnie.

Danny    3/5/09

My families prayers and thoughts are with the Lancaster family and all who
are grieving today- A song for Ronnie and all our lost friends

http://tinyurl.com/cq3xru

Anonymous    3/6/09

Note to whomever sent in the above: the link doesn't work - please send in a corrected one!

Pete and I were so sad to hear of Ronnie's passing - what a wonderful person with a devoted wife and beautiful family. I feel so fortunate to have known him since becoming a bum through marriage.

Joanne and Jenny - please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hold you tight in our hearts.

"The streets are too crowded with angels tonight"

All our love,

Pete and Karen    3/6/09

To Joanne, Jenny, Michelle, Paul, Rosy & the girls, and all your loved ones...what a heart-breaker, what a loss. Claire & I offer you our deepest sympathy...

Ronnie, I'm going to miss you, Brother. Your memory, your character, and your beautiful spirit will live on forever. Thank-you for touching our lives...

Uncle Scotty Roth    3/6/09

To the Lancaster Clan,

I am so sad to hear of Ronnie's passiing this morning. This is a great loss for all of you and the beach the bums, friends and people's lives he touched. My heart goes out to to all of you.

I know that Ronnie will be very missed and will be smiling down on all of us, at the reunions to come, and our lives.

I never met a happier or more positive and fun loving indivdual than he. His spirit, charm, strength and most of all character, will live on through the ones he loved and loved him in return.

I feel honored to have known him and saddened to only remember him.

You will never be forgotton my dear old friend. Rest well, surf the beaches and the skies. My prayers, thoughts and love go out to your beautiful and dear family. My deepest sympathy to all of you. )-;

Peace and Love,

Jan    3/6/09

Joanne, I was in shock when I heard about Ronnie. I keep thinking about the band we had and how much fun we had with it. My thoughts are with you, Hon. We will all miss him very much. Stay safe Joanne.

With Love,

Andy G    3/6/09

Do you remember I lived in Wantagh and had a huge party at my house?
Also I had sweet 16 boy/girl sleepover party.

So sorry to hear about Ronnie.

Nancy Endres    3/7/09

Just heard the sad news about Ronnie. Harriet and I have fond memories of Ron from Tune In in Uniondale. We remember him with great affection. He always was extremely courteous to us. After all these years it is our loss that we haven't seen him since the old days.

I know our Tom is going to meet him in heaven, and it won't be long before they're playing Winky Dink.

All our love to his family and to you all.

Gene & Harriet Rackovitch    3/7/09

I am deeply saddened to hear of Ronnie's passing. He was a wonderful man, a loving husband, and father. And one of the most loved Beach Bums. My condolences to Paul, Joanne, and the entire Lancaster and Issac's families.

Bob Beechel    3/8/09

Shari, I am so sad to hear about Ronnie. I had no idea he was sick. Please let his family know they are in my prayers.

All my love,

Mara     3/9/09

To the Lancaster Family, I deepest thoughts in ur time of loss. This is Tommy's oldest sister, Donna. I always heard Tommy talk about the guys. He was happiest with the Lancaster boys and Bums. My heart goes out to the family. Know that Tommy was there waiting. Sorry can't type, just so sad here.

Best Regards,

Donna     3/9/09

Melissa Vanderhall did it again. She was chosen All-American in volleyball
at UT http://tampaspartans.athleticsite.com/article.asp?articleID=1311. We
are so proud of her. Our email is Van99star@aol.com. Take care and hope to see you guys at the reunion.

3/9/09

Joanne, Paul, and to the extended Lancaster family:
Our hearts go out to you for your loss; remember that he was, and what he was - the glowing light in the dark.

Love,

Andy the Bear    3/9/09

Special thanks to everyone who attended the winter party Saturday night, March 7. We all observed a moment of silence at 10 PM in loving memory of Ronnie, and a candle was lit. It was a moment I am sure none of us will ever forget.

It is more than an honor to host the parties because the love and friendship we share is what has enriched our lives over the years and made us what we are today. Thank you all again and God bless!

Joanne, Jenny, Paul, Rosie - you are in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

Love,

Jeff    3/9/09

Joanne, Paul and the entire Lancaster family - my tears and sympathy. Ronnie for me was an "immortal" and he will be in heaven. He was so great, so much fun, always happy, always optimistic and always ready to have fun and party. I can't believe that he's gone at such a young age, and he will be missed by all of us, forever.

Your friend,

Alan (Leo)    3/9/09

To Scott Hirshfield, who in his message dated 9-14-04 said, "Funky Times, and who remembers the name of the bar across the street?"

Yesterday's News.
Funky Times was formerly Ryan's, and Zoli's was on the east end of Hemp stead.

A. Bear    3/9/09

Completely shocked to hear of Ronnie’s passing. My condolences to Joanne, Paul and the Lancaster family. As pictured from the past, I see Ronnie and Tom stroll barefoot down Arcadia Avenue, feather clips hanging from their ripped jeans with no shirt on. With empty pockets and no food to spare, they continue to stroll down Front Street and jump over the fence to hitch a ride to the beach. But it did not bother them, they were happy with whatever they had and couldn’t wait to hang out with that same crowd at Jones Beach. Ronnie's inspiration to friendship and his quiet personality is going to be missed. God Bless you Ronnie.

Kim Rackovitch    3/10/09

Hi All you wonderful Beach Bums!

My sister and I attended Ronnie's wake today 3/12/09. As we were leaving, my sister and I chatted a bit on the way to the parking lot, and all the two of us could say was, "how blessed you all are to have each other", and that they don't make friends like you guys and gals anymore. You all are such a special group, beyond compare to any I have ever encountered. May I always be blessed to be invited and around all of you! Beechel (who I call Beech) said it beautifully, "Tommy was waiting for Ronnie the minute he walked in the gates." I'm grateful he is there with Tommy...sad for his family, but grateful he's with my brother. With summer around the corner and my daily trips over the Long Beach bridge, I will be saying good morning to both of them..............Two GREAT GUYS!

Big hugs from
Judi Rackovitch (the youngest of the clan)     3/12/09

My deepest sympathy to the Lancaster Family. May Ronnie's spirit fill your
hearts with joy and happiness as you make it through this tough time.

Daria Rackovitch    3/13/09

Joanne, You have been in my thoughts every day. Though I've only seen you and Ronnie once in 30 years, your shining spirits shine for me. May God bless you and he and your family with comfort and love.

Michael Seifert    3/13/09

I have dedicated a song to our brother Ronnie, and his Journey Home:

http://www.myspace.com/dannycalvagna

Danny    3/14/09

Please know that Ronnie Lancaster is also survived by his younger brother
Dave Lancaster and his 82 year old mother Florence.    

3/14/09

To the Lancaster family:
I have known you all a very long time and consider you all very close
friends. I just want you to know that I am grieving with you for a person
who we loved and admired. If there is anything I can do, please contact me. I would love to help in any way I can.

Mitch
Mini-Mole    3/18/09

To those folks who attended the winter party - your host has a mea culpa. I received a telephone call from Mitch (Mini-Mole) moments before we stopped for the moment of silence for Ronnie at 10 pm that night. I was supposed to let everyone know he had called and to let everyone know he was joining us, in spirit, from his home in Florida.

I totally forgot to do this.

I was focused on getting everyone's attention and then making a very difficult announcement. There was also a fellow musician, Nick, adding his recently deceased friend's photo and memory to the moment.

Nevertheless, I forgot to mention Mitch's telephone call and as a result, he was unintentionally left out because of that. He has told me that he had his own moment of silence as we were having ours and I wish this fact to be known. If we can't be together in person, technology allows us to connect, as long as the human connected to it doesn't screw up.

I apologize for what happened.

Love,
Jeff     3/19/09

I saw Danny's band, VOR, at the Zebra Club in Copiague on 3/21 - they were great.

Good job, and keep playin' that rock n'roll!

Jeff     3/25/09

Okay, you probably don't remember us. Diane Gillen, Ellen Gillen, and Lois Teer (the one who had a stuttering issue). Yes, we are all living down in Florida now. Diane is married living with her husband, Russ, in Orlando. Ellen, along with her husband, Walter, is living in Orlando . . .and me, Lois, married 10 years on 4/03, living in Hollywood, FL. Haven't kept in touch, but I thought since I'm back online, I thought I would. Would love to hear from someone out there in beach-bum land!    

Lois    3/27/09

NOTE TO LOIS: I tried to email you, Lois, but your address on the directory is incorrect. Please send an update so you can hear from us! ~Shari

Just getting on this site for the first time in a couple of years, so that I could get Joanne's address...just wanted to add to Jeff's message re:Mini Mole, that I too was taking a moment of silence with a friend of mine... leading up to that moment, I told her the story of the Beach Bums and tried my best to let her know "all about Ronnie" and what a great guy he was... she was amazed, she didn't know anything about the Bums... I guess I don't talk much about the things I should be talking about (as many say in my Facebook page, they didn't know I do art, etc. and blah blah blah)...I also am totally fascinated by all the hard work that Shari has been doing on this site and how she keeps it so up to date...AMAZING... thank you Shari, I think your hard work has a direct relationship with the fact that we are all in touch, still after all these years... xoxoxo

Donna    3/28/09

Note from Shari: I feel honored and blessed to have the joy of maintaining this website. Thank you all who participate or just appreciate it! :-)

ALL BUMS,

In the springtime of our lives we had so much optimism of what we could accomplish as a generation. All we needed was a good cause to get behind. We had Fesivals of Life. This year let us have a celebration of life. A celebration of our lives. Let us all get behind this cause and "Teach Our Children Well". We had festivals of hope. Our hope was that we could change things for the better. My hope now is that we can. I ask that you all visit the JBB website as much as you can. This is a true labor of love and a great gift to us all from Shari. Look at the photos of us all when we had so much hope and so much life. Look at the memorials and remember those that can not be with us to celebrate. Let us celebrate their lives. So much of what we all are were shaped and molded in those years back in the springtime of our lives. I HOPE to see you all at this year's celebration.

PEACE, and LOVE,
Danny    3/28/09

Hi Danny! Its Grace Cosenza!!! I want to come to the fund raiser for
JoAnns daughter. Keep me posted. Remember SMOKE? HEAD HILL???
Grace12357@AOL.COM

4/7/09

The Hirshfield Hilton: Potted Again!

Back in the hippie high school and college days of the early 70s, I was in a fun group of suburban hippies called the Jones Beach Bums. It was an agglomeration of the Plainview crew, a group called the "Wheat Chips," and our local Bellmore crew, dubbed,"United Mutations." We had a garage rock band named "The Magic Lepers," or alternately, "Captain Pollack and the Magic Lepers." We covered Frank Zappa's music and wrote some of our own stuff. Our names included, "Golden Lips, (yours truly)," " Captain Pollack (who never led the band)," "Kneecaps (because he was tall)," "Sweet Keys (now a professional jazz musician)," "Toenails (his name was Tony)," Larry the Lung ( because he took large pulls on his joint and then coughed without holding it in),"and "The Leper (he had atopic dermatitis, giving him a skin rash that came and went, mostly staying)."

The "Bums," as we called ourselves, hung out alternately at Jones Beach Field 4 by the steps and on the sand (sometimes also at Eisenhower a/k/a Salisbury Park), hanging out, singing, playing guitars and percussion. I sometimes joined in playing the nose, kazoo, or singing. We also played a teenage hormone filled game called Winky Dink. Teenage boys and girls paired up, mostly randomly, forming a circle. There was always an odd extra gender member. That gender was the outside of the circle. The unpaired person would then wink at someone, either randomly or because there was an attraction. The wrestling would begin, with almost no holds barred. The winkee had to get across the circle and their partner had to stop it. Then the game would begin anew when the winkee touched the winker, with the loser winking at a new winkee.

The "Bums" also were notable for amazing parties, held at whoever's parents were on vacation that particular weekend. If everyone's parents were home, the default party location was the "Hirshfield Hilton," a place where we could crash and party even if Scott's folks were home. This brings me to an evening of notable memory, of which there are many. We were at our default party zone and we were all whining about the lack of good pot to smoke. In walked "Crazy Al," (who later became my college roommate). His Dad owned several major Hotels in Daytona Beach, so he was well off. He had just scored several ounces of amazing herb, and about 30 of us set out to inhale it all immediately. It was a smoke filled, "Purple Haze" of black light and inebriation until it was time for my teenage
curfew. I parked the "Mutation Wagon" about a foot from the curb and entered a completely dark house, unlocking the door. A flashlight stabbed my horribly sensitized eyes, as my Mother announced, "You're potted! Your pupils are dilated!" I replied, "Yes, Mom, now can I get a drink of water and go to bed, please." My Mom continued to berate me until she realized my apathy, and I slept a sound sleep.

As an item of note, my last potsmoking experience was on New Years' Eve 1980 with Patch Adams. I haven't used any since, and I've learned about a number of deleterious effects of it. I don't recommend even occasional use, but I do have some very bizarre and humorous memories.

Kim, Daria, Donna, Judi and Mr and Mrs Rakovitch,

I am both thrilled and saddened to find this site!
First, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Tommy. I always remember him as so sweet.

I have very fond memories of my childhood living on Pembroke street with
all of you. Over the years I have wondered what you all were up to. Why it took me so long to 'google' you I don't know. I hope all is well.

Marguerite Gargiula    4/9/09
mgargiula@verizon.net

West End 2 is going to be closed this season?

The Pool will be closed, too?

Are they INSANE? Talk about lost revenue......

Ginger    4/12/09

I wanted to thank everyone that has contacted me to help out with the Benefit for Jenny's Fund. You guys are really stepping up. We have some great entertainment and some really cool raffle items. Please try and get as many of your friends to attend as you can. Also keep in mind that this is also our annual reunion and we want to make sure that does not get lost in the planning.

We will be posting more info in the coming weeks, so look for that. If you want to help out with anything please contact me, Ginger or Shari.

Again I thank you all for the support.

Peace and Love
Danny    4/13/09

Hey, how is everyone doing. I'm Jeffs backyard neighbor, who was helped
over the fence. Thank you all, had a great time.

Paula    4/28/09

Please join our rally to keep all the Jones Beach beaches open!

Saturday May 2, 2009 - Boardwalk at Field 4   Sponsored by NYSUT, United University Professions & the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps

I was working at West Bath House and Central Mall as a lifeguard in the 70's. That looked to be the time period of your photos. I had long hair and a beard, and played guitar - yes, I was a hippie lifeguard! Time has moved on (as we all know). Now I have no hair, but I am still a lifeguard - in fact, I am the President of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps Union. We have come upon hard times. Governor Paterson has cut the beach budget this year, and over 50 lifeguards are being laid off. West End 2, Field 1 and East Bay House Pool are to be closed for the season. We are having this rally to protest these closures. I was hoping you could spread the word to your members. I am sure I hung out with many of you back in the day, and it would be fun to meet up again. Those photos were great. Trying to explain Winky Dink to people can be difficult. One of my daughters works as a lifeguard at West Bath House...so the traditions continue.

Thanks for your Support.

Tom    5/1/09

To all my dear friends:

It is hard for me to put my feelings into words but I am going to try since I felt like it was time for me to say something to all of you. Losing Ronnie, who was the love of my life since I was fifteen years old and the father of our daughter has been the worst ordeal of my life. Most of you or all of you know our story, how long it took for us to be together as a family, and how happy we finally were. He was such a special person, and I miss him so much, my life will never be the same without him. I am so grateful for the 18 wonderful years of marriage we had together, but it went by way too fast and I never imagined it would end like this.

To every one of you who called, sent cards, emails, made donations to the American Cancer Society and to "Jenny's Fund", to those of you who came to Ronnie's wake and funeral, who found beautiful ways to express your love for us - I want you to know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. At the funeral home when I looked up and saw that long line of friends waiting to speak to me and share their heart, I was overcome with emotion. I still get a lump in my throat every time I think of it.

I have been totally overwhelmed by your generous donations to help establish a college fund for Jennifer and by your amazing efforts to organize this wonderful fundraiser. I don't think that anyone has ever had a more wonderful group of caring friends, and for that I feel so very blessed.

Love Joanne    5/3/09

HI ALL OUR BEACH BUM PALS

We are back online! The email address is karenandpeter@netzero.com.

Pete and Karen    5/4/09

Danny,

I do not remember you, but thank you so much for your tremendous work on the benefit.

Peace always,

Pete the Freak    5/4/09
karenandpeter@netzero.com   

Hi all. Just finished up school & don't know what to do with myself and ended up here. It's been a while since I was on the site and I've been going through all the pictures and all the lovely things written by everyone and feel very blessed to be a part of this group. I can't wait to see everyone in July.

Jean (Laguzzi)    5/6/09

More Sad News!!!! I received word from Debby (Munchkin) Lorber that Mike Chapnick has passed away. Mike was a great guy and a good friend and will be missed. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, gang. As more info becomes available, I will try to post it.

Love all you guys and gals. Stay safe.
Andy G    5/8/09

I can't get over this website. I have lots of these pics myself. I was
an everyday regular at Field 4 and "Salisbury Park". Always had a great
tan going on and way too much fun! I am surprised I am not in some of
these group pics back in the 70's, cause I was there!

Pat     5/15/09

It was a real pleasure seeing pics of Fred Botway. They were great. What
memories. Fred died in 2003 in Phoenix. I am happy that he is remembered by his fellow bums.

Stan Botway (Fred's father)    5/16/09

Hi - I recently read about the death of Fred Botway on your site. I had a relationship with Fred for several years, from about 1980-1985. We were very close and I was also close with his parents and sister...but, so much time has gone by, and I wonder if you could help me to contact them...please feel free to send them my email address, or if they don't mind I would like to write to them. I am sorry for your loss, all of you who shared so many good times...

Be Well,
Pat Dickey pdickey@comcast.net    5/17/09

Julie; I just saw the pictures you sent in from Salisbury Park. The pictures are great, and seeing the names helps the memories come alive. Anybody know where Duane (Lurch) or Scott Weiss is these days? Anybody remember Bob Mallow from Westbury who used to hypnotize people at parties?

Thanks again, Julie!

Uncle Scotty   5/19/09

To Andy and Debbie Lorber - So sorry to hear about Mike Chapnick!

Scotty   5/19/09

I'm looking for pics of the Air National Guard's exhibit at the Jones Beach State Park air show on Sat. May 23, 2009. Especially pictures showing young people/children trying out equipment. Please contact woodge1@hotmail.com.

Thanks & have a great Memorial Day Weekend!  

5/24/09

Hi My Beachbum Family,

Hope you all had a good Memorial Day and you remembered our veterans.

Looking forward to seeing lots of you in JULY!

Stay save and be happy. I love all my brothers & sisters.

Peace,
Pete the Freak    5/26/09

Hi All,

I finally got information on where to send a condolence card for Mike Chapnick if anyone would like to. He passed away on May 3rd 2009. I have met his 14 year old daughter several times and she is taking it very hard. Her name and address is:

Mellissa Chapnick
4031 Granbrook Place
Newport Richey, FL 34652

One of his other daughters and her 9 yr. old had just moved in with them as well. Her name is Rebecca Waters. Mike was in bad shape for quite awhile. We talked on the phone a lot. I know that for him he is in a better place. He was very religious and when he passed away he was in church. Seems to me that, for him, he was in the best place to be.

Later,
Debby (Munchkin) Lorber     5/29/09

CLICK HERE to download the flyer for the fundraiser — please print out copies and pass them out in your neighborhoods!

Jan    6/10/09

First silent auction item for Jennies Fund!!

3 NY Yankee Main Box Seats: 4th row, Section 224 , seats 16, 17 & 18 (between home and 3rd), Value $300, for Monday September 7th 1:00 PM vs Tampa Bay.

Please contact nyboots@aol.com with "Yankee Tickets" in the subject if you're interested in bidding. Thank you!


Ginger     6/12/09

PS - Please download the flyer, bring it to businesses you frequent and ask for gift certificates. Let's get as many raffle prizes as we can!!! Please email me if you can make donations - thank you!

SECOND ITEM UP FOR SILENT AUCTION:
ONE WEEK IN OCEANFRONT CONDO IN NORTH CAROLINA!

1 bedroom oceanfront condo on one of the beautiful pristine beaches of North Topsail Beach, North Carolina.

Sleeps 5: there is a queen bed in the bedroom, a pull out queen size sofa bed and a twin bed in the alcove, full kitchen and full bath. Oceanfront deck Rental.

Date is September 12-September 19 (possibly negotiable)
ALL fees - such as cleaning, local telephone and wireless Internet - included!!!

This condo is so oceanfront that at high tide you feel like you're on a boat. It is very isolated and relaxing. The only thing between you and the water is sand.
$600 value!!

If you are interested, I will send you pics of the condo.
Please email nyboots@aol.com and put "condo" in the subject line.

Happy Bidding and Good Luck - Remember, this is for Jenny!!!


Ginger    6/19/09

The annual reunion and benefit for Jenny's Fund are rapidly approaching and we still need help with volunteers to help man the raffle booth and the door. Also anyone that wishes to help with food items.

Please contact Danny at dc_tarsus@yahoo.com to volunteer or find out how to help with the food items.

How many Jones Beach Bums live in Broward County, Florida? I don't know if anyone even remembers me.

Roberta Potraker Friedland    7/3/09

(p.s. I was usually hanging out with Juliette)

Hi Roberta,

Remember your good old friends, Beverly and Shari? This is
Beverly! I live in Palm Beach County.

Beverly    7/4/09

HI BEVERLY!!!!!!

HOW ARE YOU? I THOUGHT YOU MOVED TO CALIFORNIA. MY EMAIL IS
garfysnowpop@att.net. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.

LOVE, ROBERTA    7/5/09

I didn't know it back then, but as it turned out I made friends for life.

Walter Wojnicki    7/19/09

RAFFLE ITEM ALERT!
Improve your guitar playing while raising money for Jenny!

Jeff Curtis - professional musician and guitarist extraordinaire - will be donating one guitar lesson HOUR.

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in improving their guitar playing and/or learning alternative finger-picking methods. Make a bid!

In addition, Jeff will be performing at the Pub from 7:00-7:45 on Saturday.

Ronnie,

HAPPY DAY OF YOUR BIRTH

Paul    7/24/09

I wish I could be there today....I am wishing you all a great day, and good
luck on Jenny's Benefit!!!!

I know I speak for the entire Rackovitch family when I say, "Have a lot of Fun!" We are all with you all in spirit.  

Daria (Rackovitch) Kowal    7/25/09

Happy Birthday Brother.  You Are Missed   

7/25/09

It was great to talk to everyone that I did, and I apologise to those that I didn't get to talk to. I am so glad that the event went so well, which I can see from the few posts on FB tonight. I Love all of you so much and I am gonna try like hell next year to get there. I Miss you all so frikin much it hurts, but my heart was lifted when Julie called me tonight and let you all talk on her dime. Love ya, Julie.

Scott Hirschfield
Proprietor, Hirschfield Hilton    7/26/09

Special thanks to all who attended last night's fundraiser. I personally
had a blast seeing everyone and performing!

There will be a summer party at my house on Saturday August 1, 7pm until the last person leaves - hope to see everyone there!

Jeff    7/26/09

Well what can I say. A most amazing day. Back to each other we have found our way. Though the the years have past how our memories still last. I believe in yesterday.

I am so moved by you all and your generosity of love and giving. We are all truly blessed, as Robbie says, to have each other. The spirit is alive and well. We see it everyday here on this site that Shari was moved to put up. We see it in each other's eyes when connect each year. The benefit and reunion were amazing. Thank you so much to all that contributed and gave of themselves. I want to thank My friend Dave "Big Bird" Mucci and Panera Bread for their very generous donation of food - Dave, we all missed you yesterday. To Marilyn and Mark Brower for really being my right hand. To Ginger for working tirelessly and so joyfully with the fund raising. To Ira, Jeff, Andy, Dennis and the beautiful and talented Jan for adding their talent. To all for sharing the spirit of hope and love. Most of all I would like to thank Joanne and Jenny for sharing Ronnie with us. Can't wait to see you all again. I would be honered to help put together our upcoming 40th anniversary reunion as well. Right around the corner you know.

Peace and Love
Danny    7/26/09

It was so great seeing those of you who were able to attend the benefit on Saturday. I'm sorry I missed some of you who had to leave early, I wish I could have been there sooner. I hope that you all know how much I appreciate all the effort that went into planning this event and those wonderful individuals who made it happen - Ginger, Danny, Marilyn & Mark, Jan and Shari. (If I've left anyone out I do apologize.) And of course to those of you who performed - Danny, Jeff, Ira, Dennis, and Andy - you were great! It really does my heart such good to know that after all these years we have such an unbelievable group of friends who care so much for each other. Thank you for supporting me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys so much! And many many thanks from Jenny.

Joanne     7/28/09

To all of my brothers and sisters, thank you so much for the fund raiser.
Your spirit is healing.

Love  xoxoxo
Laurie (mom)    7/29/09

1956 - 1986

Happy Birthday Sweet Bonnie Roth

With Love From All Of Us
Scotty

August 1, 2009

Jeff     8/2/09

-Unofficial JBB    8/6/09

Love to all,
Mama Pfeff (Laurie)    8/29/09

MD5050 mad dog...Laced, Watkins Glenn the place, the figure 8 track,
Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers in '72 the scent of camp fires with
the Music playing on the breeze -

Love Andy the Bear    8/29/09

Hey Andy - Wasn't Watkins Glen in July '73?

Unknown    9/11/09

Hi Everyone,

I was just looking over some of the posts and something occured to me. I know that it was over a month ago, and I know they'll probably never see this, but I'd like to say a special thank you to the members of Grand Blvd and VOR. I know the guys in my band didn't know Ronnie or Joanne and had never heard of the Jones Beach Bums, and I suspect that the same could be said for the guys in Danny's band. They came out anyway, schlepping equipment and played their hearts out hard just because Danny and I asked them to.

Thanks guys!

Love,
Ira    9/12/09

A long time ago, I was an ocean lifeguard at Jones Beach for about ten summers. I subsequently moved to Los Angeles where I work as a filmmaker. I was astonished to learn that a lot of the lifeguards I had worked with all those years ago are still working the beach. So, over a period of two or three weeks for a few summers, I filmed those guys (and others) who had been guarding for thirty, forty, fifty, and in the case of one extraordinary individual, sixty-four years. The film touches on their lifestyle, and what keeps them coming back to the beach year after year.

There are many parallels between the guards and the Jones Beach Bums, and so I thought it a natural place to share the interest. The film is available, it has won awards, and I'm beginning to get it out there to the public. I noticed on your site that someone, "thanked" me for making the film. So, I decided that it would be great if I could put something up on the site and make it available to any Jones Beach Bum who would like to purchase a copy.

Ron Colby    9/17/09
www.artistsconfederacy.com

Watkins Glen was July 28, 1973, not 1972, and the mad dog Mogen David, which is affectionately called "Mad Dog 20/20" became md5050 by the time we were done with it -

A. Bear    9/28/09

Hello Beach Bums,

I was hoping to come to the Fund Raiser/Reunion but could not. After reading through all of the meaagages on this site, I saw lots of love being shown, that's a great thing. Take Care Bums.

John Bracco    10/11/09
Miami Florida

Elated and saddened to be here- so sorry to hear about Ronny! Love to all.

Paul Rauch    10/22/09

Hi,

Hope everyone is fine. This is Pete the Freak, and I`m back on line again - my email address is: karenpete425@yahoo.com.

Happy Holidays.    11/21/09

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thanks for being who you are.

Jeff    11/26/09

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy holiday season as well as a wonderful New Year!

Anonymous    12/12/09

Hi everyone, I'd like to wish you all a Happy Holiday with your loved ones and a healthy New Year!

Love Joanne    12/23/09

Hello Bums

Happy Holidays to all

John Bracco   
Miami Florida/Bay Shore NY     12/23/09

Hey All,

Wishing you all a very beautiful holiday season and a happy, healthy and
prosperous New Year!

Love ya's, Debby (Munchkin)    12/25/09

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO MY BEACH FAMILY, I LOVE

YOU ALL, AND HOPE TO SEE ALOT OF YOU THIS

COMING SUMMER.

PEACE AND MUCH LOVE ALWAYS

PETE THE FREAK AND KAREN RUGGIERO    12/25/09

Merry Christmas to all Bums near and far!

Jeff    12/25/09

Wishing all my Jones Beach center Boardwalk bums and Eisenhower Park friends a safe and Happy New Year 2010. My summers were the the best with you! 1972-1973

Fred Bailey    12/29/09

Happy Holidays and New Year to all the Beach Bums and Friends!
A Festivus for the rest of Us!
May Peace and Love be with all of you.

Anonymous     12/29/09

Fred Bailey is the mystery man in the old picture of me!!!! He found me!!
Yay!

Ginger    12/29/09

Can't wait to see you all again this summer----all of us looking for sea
glass and just soaking in the sun (freezing today). I've been at the
beach in winter and did see Barbara there collecting sea glass!*!* Happy
new year to u all!*!**!

Carolee    12/30/09

Really would like to hear from Julie Barcone as she and I need to connect
a little about the whereabouts of our friend Charles "Buzzy" Harte who I
joined the Air Force with and have lost touch with.

Fred Bailey    12/30/09

HEY FRED,

HOW R U? I DON'T KNOW WHERE BUZZ IS BUT I WILL TRY AND FIND OUT. WHERE R U? GINGER HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR U TOO SINCE I POSTED THE PICTURE OF YOU TOO. HAPPY NEW YEAR. WILL LET U KNOW IF I FIND BUZZ.    jazz3056@aol.com

JULIE    12/31/09

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. CLICK HERE for more info.

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