2006 Opening Day Parade
www.olgaa.com
04/29/06
Saturday, April 29th marked the
47th Opening Day for the Our Lady of Grace/Gravesend Athletic Associations - Gil
Hodges Little League.
We honored Engine Company 245 of
the NYC Fire Dept. and Ladder Company 161 which led our parade with a fire
truck, followed by the Midwood High School Marching Band.
Commander Leonard presented us
with a Proclamation from Mayor Bloomberg, honoring the day, and Capt. Mike Gala,
who's son Anthony lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, invited us to a NYCFD
educational display in the "smoke house" set up on Canal Ave.,
directly behind the Gil Hodges Field.
Congressmen Anthony Weiner and
Vito Fossella, were on hand to wish us well. Assemblyman, Bill Colton once again
honored us with his presence, addressing the crowd after marching with us in the
parade. Our Organization President,
Chris Ruggiero welcomed the crowd and issued Certificates of Gratitude to Engine
Co. 245 and Ladder Co.161. Robert DeCapua, one of our coaches, was also
recognized for his many years of participation and generosity. Robert often
donates turkeys, hams and other meat products to our" Food for the
Needy" drives and other organizational events. John Higher, from the office
of Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz's office, addressed the crowd as
well as Community Board #13 President, Brian Gottleib and District Mgr., Chuck
Reichenthal. City Councilman,
Dominick M. Recchia Jr. was attending his daughters dance competition;
therefore, Joyce Mione marched in the parade as his representative. Greg Radin
and "
Commissioner, Bob Cardillo was the
Master of Ceremonies and was received with a rousing "Hi Bob!” from all
the kids, when he took the microphone.
The day also marked the 50th
Anniversary of the Gil Hodges Little League, which will be recognized with
commemorative T-shirts for all our players.
The season opening, "First
Pitch" was thrown out by 11year old Robert Balaes and received by his
grandfather and coach, John Balaes, whose chest swelled with so much pride, that
he thought the buttons on his jersey would "pop".
Bob closed the ceremonies with the
battle cry," Let's play ball!"
The Board would like to express our thanks to the 61st PCT of the NYPD,
and the Color Guards from the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of Our Lady of
Grace and St. Edmund for joining in
the festivities. Special thanks to
Committee Chairman, Lou Cornacchia and the Parade Committee:
Committee
Co-Chairwoman, Kim Recchia
Community
Board Officer, Anthony D' Esposito from the 61st.PCT
Boy
Scouts of America leaders, Patricia Marotta & Angela Valenti
Parishioner,
Gerard De Capua
Charles
Ragusa, from Assemblyman Colton's office
Capt.
Michael Gala, Lt. Joseph Thomas & Lt. Robert Alfano from the NYCFD
Linda
Van from the NYCFD at 1 Metro Tech
Joyce Mione & Charles Barbiero from Councilman Recchia's office.
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The Opening Day, ceremonial "First Pitch" was thrown out by 11 year old, Robert Balaes.Photo #2 of me, John Balaes (Grandfather), Robert and Cyclones mascot, Sandy the Seagull |
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