Fourth of July – Independence Day – Declaration of Independency July 4, 1776, 235 years ago the representatives of the United States of America, in Congress, declared the United Colonies to be Free and Independent States and absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown. “With the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Honor.” All representatives of the thirteen states signed the Declaration of Independence and, of course, John Hancock on July 4, 1776.

Enjoy the extraordinary beautiful fireworks that will be displayed on July 2, 2011 on the Bayside off the Rockaway Point Dock area. This spectacular showing has been made by four generations more than 100 years ago.

Since1983 two brothers, great great grandsons of Manuel de Souza, have been putting on Macy’s Independence Day magical fireworks. This year Macy’s theme is Gift of Freedom” honoring the 125th birthday of the Statue of Liberty, the 35th year of Macy’s putting on the show and the 235th year of Declaration of Independence. These wonderful fireworks displayed on the Bay off the Rockaway Point Dock has become a tradition thanks to members of Breezy Point Cooperative, Inc. through their Board of Directors, Saturday July 2 – Rain date Sunday July 3rd. Teens, Pre Teens, young adults, all members of our community enjoy but remember we do not allow any fireworks by any individuals. They are dangerous and harmful so please obey the law.

With vacation time upon us and more free time spent outdoors it is important to make it more enjoyable by remembering some safety rules. When swimming, it is best to swim in an area where there are lifeguards. Remember to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids – especially water. If you go to parks or areas where there are trees, bushes and other greenery be sure to protect yourself from ticks, mosquitoes or poison ivy. Use an insect repellent, light colored shirts, pants and good fitting shoes. To make your day more fun – have a camera available to make future memories.

Have you ever thought or been camping? Next week’s article there will be news about a new campsite coming to Gateway. Be sure to read about it!
Who are your role models? If you do watch Glee-Cory Monteith is one of the actors in it and he wants kids to know his past. He recently “owned up to his many mistakes” confessing he is “lucky to be alive”. He goes on to relate that after attending 12 different schools, he dropped out at age 16. He then explained that he had “a serious problem and used anything and everything as much as possible. Cory is now 29 years old and went to rehab at 19 years old. His Mom and friends worried he could die and convinced him to go to rehab. He did “follow through” but then went back doing the same thing over again. Cory stole a great deal of money from a family member who “wouldn’t press charges if he promised to get clean”. His promise fulfilled, in his native home Canada, he worked as a roofer and found an acting coach.

At last he was “good at something”. A few years later he was singing on the hit Fox series. Cory Monteith stresses to young people “Get real about what you want and go after it, if I can anyone can”. In other words, it isn’t O.K. to drop out of school and get high, thinking you’ll be a famous actor. It doesn’t happen that way. Ay of you boys and girls, teens, pre teens, young adults who may be doing drugs “Quit while you are ahead of the game” and “Nip it in the bud”. In other words before you become addicted STOP. You are the “Master of your Fate” and “Have the courage of your convictions”. (My son used to ask me where I got these sayings – my reply was, ”I was taught them (proverbs) in school and my parents used them frequently”.

Be Well & God Bless

Happy – Fun Fourth of July and remember it’s meaning.