Community Corner

Douglaston to Honor Dick Lynch with Turkey Trot

Second annual five-mile walk will kick off Thanksgiving morning at Douglas Road and Knollwood Avenue.

Northeast Queens residents are expected to turn out in the hundreds to run, walk and ride bicycles through Douglaston on Thanksgiving for a second annual fundraiser created in memory of a neighborhood legend.

The Douglaston Village Chamber of Commerce debuted the Dick Lynch Turkey Trot last year to commemorate the life of the former Giants defensive back, who frequently jogged through Douglas Manor, and to act as a fundraiser for the village’s revitalization project.

Dorothy Matinale, the chamber’s president, said a total 70 people have already signed up to take part in the race, whereas only 10 had signed up prior to last year’s event.

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The 2010 race ended up drawing 180 people, so Matinale believes a significantly larger number of people will attend this year.

“It’s a community event, but also a fundraiser for the chamber of commerce, so we can hopefully move along the village revitalization and get the downtown in better shape,” she said.

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Those interested in participating in the race can register via the chamber’s website or stop by Station Realty.

Adults who pre-register will pay $25 to walk. Attendees will pay an extra $5 if they register on the day of the race. Children under the age of 14 can take part in the walk for free.

Check-in time will start at 8:30 a.m. at Memorial Field and the walk will begin at 9 a.m.

Participants will line up along Douglas Road at Knollwood Avenue. The race will end at Douglaston’s Long Island Rail Road station, where attendees will be able to munch on some snacks.

Raffles will be held after the walk. This year’s prizes include gift certificates for local restaurants, hair salons and Peak Bicycle Pro Shop as well as tickets to a St. John’s University’s basketball game in January.

The grand prize is four tickets for seventh-row seats at the Giants’ game against the Packers on Dec. 4. The tickets, which are donated by the Lynch family, also include free parking.

The race’s participants will also receive $10 gift certificates from Strawberry’s Sports Grill and a complimentary cigar.

Matinale said Lynch was known for grabbing a cup of coffee at the recently closed Douglaston Market and smoking a cigar after his runs through the neighborhood.

“Everybody is looking forward to this and we’re excited about the early registration,” Matinale said. “We’re getting the word out.”

Volunteers are also needed for the race. For more information, email reception@stationrealty.com or call 718-279-4800.


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