On Saturday afternoon, August 25, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., welcomed some 130 veterans and their families to his 4th annual Veterans’ BBQ held outside his Howard Beach district office and VFW Post 2565, under the leadership of Mr. Pat Connolly.  This largest-ever turnout by veterans and their families enjoyed plentiful amounts of hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, ice cream and soda, served up by the senator’s staff and local volunteers. The block-party atmosphere promoted camaraderie and the crowd also was treated to  music performed by a local singer and a guitarist. For a fourth consecutive year, food, drinks, ice and condiments were donated by local merchants Ragtime Deli, Russo’s on the Bay, Sal’s Meat Market, Old Howard Dairy, Brothers Deli, Sugar Bun Bakery and Carvel Ice Cream.