A Tree Glows for Coach Jack

In good times and bad, there truly is no place like Broad Channel. On Sunday, December 7, at 7 p.m., the community gathered at 17th Road Park, for a special tree lighting.

This tree, glowing and burning bright, donated by Lisena Garden Center, and decorated by kids from the Broad Channel Athletic Club (BCAC), was lit in memory of BCAC coach Jack Palmese, who passed away just over two weeks ago.

It was placed in the park, in this all-volunteer effort, near the basketball courts where for decades Palmese coached hundreds and hundreds of kids.

More than a hundred neighbors, friends and family came out in the cold night, many walking, to be gathered together.

The tree will be lit each year in Jack Palmese’ memory. In deeply felt words, it was conveyed that it would be up to the young people there that in years to come, it would be up to them keep it lit each Christmas.

Finally, everyone gathered for a group photo, captured by Dan Guarino Each and every one there more than captured the heart and soul of what Broad Channel truly is.

Photos by Dan Guarino and the BCAC.