Sacco’s Snippets: July 2017

By: John Sacco

July is here! I am probably one of the few people that you may meet that actually doesn’t like the hot weather. Too many years in a Hockey Rink will do it to you. Being that cold all the time seems to thicken the blood and make one yearn for the snowcapped mountains and brisk chilly mornings. Stop shaking your heads, to each their own. What is so good about the summer is the barbecues, ice cream and family gatherings. The beach and soaking up the much needed Vitamins that goes along with it. Wait for it….and Hockey camps and clinics. C’mon, I haven’t really written too much on the Hockey side of life (the book is almost finished) and my co-workers are scratching their heads wondering when their turn is going to be. First a bit about July;

Zodiac signs are Cancer and Leo. It is National Blueberry Month as well as National Ice Cream Month and the birthstone is the Ruby. The month was named after Julius Caesar since he was actually born during this calendar period and the Dominion of Canada was established on July 1^st, 1867. The Independence of the United States of American July 4^th, 1776 is the most important day to the USA during this month. Although there has been a tradition of making it a major holiday least we remember why and the sacrifice it took to bring forth a nation. Thirty one days in this month and what is truly the start of the summer vacation period. Folks talk about this thing vacation, not too sure about what this means exactly.

One of my favorite activities during this month is on July 4^th. There is a Hot Dog eating contest in Coney Island at Nathan’s Famous. Nathan’s, the “real one” or the flagship store is almost where the original was when they first started selling Franks.  It started as a stand and grew into an empire and is the most famous Hot Dog in the world. In 1916 a Polish immigrant named Nathan Handwerker started peddling his Hot Dogs made from his wife’s recipe and has been there ever since. Used to be 5 cents and was even served to the King and Queen of England by President Roosevelt. Can’t get more American than that! A true Brooklyn staple and original.

July is also famous for the Macy’s Fireworks Show which is actually one of the largest in the world. People have come from all over to view the magnificent display that lasts about twenty five minutes and is a sight to behold.

But what do we do for the rest of the month you may just ask. What do we do with our kids to keep them occupied and out of the heat? Glad you asked because quite frankly you have come to the right place. For the Hockey player in your life might I recommend the Aviator Hockey School. It starts July 10^th and ends July 14^th (second week August 7^th to 11^th) with 2 groups. Group A is the more advanced group which consists of Travel Players and advanced House Division Players. Group B consists of Novice and Learn to play skaters. Both will work hard, have fun and will undoubtedly learn more along the way. One of my favorite times of the year. We are also starting the Atoms program (How to play) which will be starting Tuesday July 11^th at 5:00 PM and there will be a Saturday class as well starting July 15^th at 4:30 PM. Full equipment and USA Hockey is required and the ability to have fun and fall in love with the sport is provided. For those of you who have always wanted to as well as those who want to improve there will be Summer Adult Learn to Play coached by this really great guy who can be a bit stern but fair. If you thought you knew the game before you will definitely know it better. This will be starting July 13^th at 8:00 PM. Full equipment and USA Hockey is a must. Two classes I absolutely love and enjoy coming to the rink knowing that I made a child laugh and enjoy our sport.

You can sign up online on the Hockey site; Aviatorhockey.org. It’s fast and simple but you can come in and enjoy the facility partake in some really good food and be helped by our Customer Service located right in the front of the building as you walk in. An FYI we have a Pro-Shop where you can get you skates sharpened, get a pair of laces or whatever you may need. The hours are on the Aviator Sports and Events Center Website along with about a hundred other things for the whole family to beat the summer boredom. So what is holding you back? We are accessible by MTA Buses, right off of the Belt Parkway. We are located south of Kings Plaza and situated on Historic Floyd Bennett Field. We have daily specials which you can actually bring the family and not have to take out a loan. Nothing better than beating the heat than skating our Public Sessions where the room is nice cool.

Aviator and Events Sports Center is located at 3159 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn NY 11234. Accessible by bus Q43 from Avenue U and Flatbush Avenue as well as the Belt Parkway Exit 11S both Eastbound and Westbound.

Remember, there is something for everyone and everyone for something.

Have a Happy and safe fourth!