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Mike,
I am so sorry to hear about Suzie. Don't forget
to lean on your
friends, brother.
Peace,
Andy 1/25/07
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Shari - here is some good news - Larry &
I got married.
Randi Crovets 11/26/07
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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
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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
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Randi,
OMG!!! I can't tell you how happy I am for both
of you. Good luck and
future blessings.
Paul 12/18/07
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HI JUDI,
GOOD MORNING TOMMY!
the Lancasters 12/18/07
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Wishing all of you and your loved ones a Very
Happy Holiday Season.
Love,
Ptr
Peter Chelsea (Maher) 12/22/07
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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
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RANDI,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE,
ROBERTA 12/14/07
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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
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