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Community Corner

Blessed is the Fleet

Sunny skies and a good breeze made heavenly weather for blessing the Bayside Marina fleet.

In what has become a neighborhood tradition, dozens of boat owners took to their craft at the Bayside Marina on Saturday for the annual blessing of the fleet.

“It’s a great day for the families, especially the kids,” said Jimmy Miranda, who recently retired from operating the marina, though he makes himself available to current operators Martin Munch and Chris Castellano. “They’re keeping involved in the community.”

Scattered clouds and a fresh breeze made for perfect weather according to Rev. Thomas C. Machalski of St. Josaphat R.C. Church who would perform the blessing as he has for the last three years.

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“Once it rained terribly and once it was incredibly hot – but this weather is, well, heavenly,” he laughed, before donning a stole decorated with embroidered animals. “I also wear this for baptisms,” the cleric explained. “The animals capture the babies’ attention.”

Rev. Machalski had some sad news for friends and parishioners who have come to expect their blessings from him each year. He will be leaving in August on a five-year assignment in Michigan.

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“But after that I’m coming back,” he said.

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