October 7, Long Beach, NY--- The 2010 Long Island Old-Timers Reunion was, as usual, a two-part affair.

Part I was at the usual last Sunday in August, which was a blistering hot day, although very well attended; in fact, it was probably the best-attended event in many years. It’s been estimated that attendance was well over 350 people.

Part II had a low attendance, due to the fact that Marty Himes was given a late date for the event, approximately two to three weeks before. For the hour or so that I was at Changing Times Pub, there were about 25 to 40 people there, with some leaving, and others showing up. Frank Costantino informed me that it was that way most of the day.

In a phone conversation with Costantino yesterday, Frank came up with a good idea for the Changing Times event, which was to have it at a specified time each year, such as is the event at the Himes Museum. Since Marty hosts the event every year at the same time (the last Sunday in August), the event at Changing Times should also be held on the same Saturday or Sunday every October. It’s just a thought to be floated that we hope Marty and the folks at Changing Times can come to an agreement on.

As mentioned above, the big surprise was the outstanding attendance at Marty’s in August. It was great to see and meet many people that we’ve known over the years, and some that we’ve only met for the first time--- unless you count Facebook.

It’s always a treat when certain people walk in and watch people’s reaction. One such is whenever Daytona NASCAR Hall of Fame member “Queen Yolanda” Sheridan pulls up. When she gets out of her car, she is always mobbed by old friends and admirers as she is always treated as royalty. As it is every year, it is such a delight to sit and talk with her.

This year she told me that she had spent some time at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. I told her that I could only wonder how successful Richard could have been if she had taught him years ago! She just gave me one of her patented looks. Oh well…

It’s amazing to watch as people come up to her with a big hello. Whether or not she remembers the person or not, she always gives them a big ‘hi’ and spends time with them.

However, one of the missing kings of the reunion is Bruno Brackey, who suffered a massive stroke last November. Bruno turned 90 last month, and we wish him the best.

We also had a good time with one half of the Dodge Boys, as we spent quite a bit of pleasurable time with Paul and his brother Jamie Mauceri. It was a blast listening to so many of Paul’s on-track stories. It you ever want to hear them, he’s a good guy to tell them.

The other half of the Dodge Boys, Cookie Visconti, wasn’t able to make it, although we understand that he was at the Changing Times Pub after we left. Too bad we missed seeing him.

It was amusing that although I wasn’t wearing one of those “My Name Is …” stickers on my shirt, there were many who came up saying, “Hey Mike, how are you?” Someone clued me in later that it wasn’t because of my handsome face; it was the fact that I’m almost always wearing sandals. Sometimes, I guess it just a reputation that catches up to you…

THIS AND THAT--- Marty Himes had a wonderful time celebrating his birthday in September, as no one could separate him from the box of Wheaties showing his face on the cover… Gary London is celebrating his 50^th year being a Motorsports Writer for National Speed Sport News… We don’t know if it is for public distribution; however, but we are glad that Roger down in Florida is in remission. We wish you the best…