The Bocce Cup

Local bizs raise $30K for senior bus

The 9^th Annual Bocce for Bus tournament champions played for the D’Arienzo Funeral Home team named “La Bocce Vita.” *Photo credit: Liza Franquinha*

The World Cup wasn’t the only game in town on Saturday, June 27. While Panama was playing England at MetLife Stadium (named New York New Jersey Stadium for the World Cup), the 9^th Annual Bocce for Bus tournament saw sixteen teams compete for the trophy at Domino Park while raising money for the Swinging Sixties Senior Bus.

The trophy was won by “La Bocce Vita”, the team from D’Arienzo Funeral Home (104 Skillman Avenue). Tito Pecoraro led the team to victory, which also included Alirio Guerrero, Ron “Swiss” Planzo, and Paul Graziano.

The Conselyea Street Block Association organizes the Bocce for Bus Tournament each year with some help from local business owners like Joe Franquinha of Crest Hardware (front row 2^nd from right). Also pictured (front row, l to r) Saranii Muller (CSBA), Elliot Meier (CSBA), Lisa Gutting (St. Nicks Alliance); (back row, l to r) Alirio Guerrero (CSBA), Lesley Melincoff (CSBA), Phil Caponegro (CSBA & St. Nicks Alliance), Frank Citera (CSBA), Cheryl Kamen (Swinging Sixties), Rachida Rouias (Swinging Sixties), Tyler End (CSBA). *Photo credit: Liza Franquinha*

Joe Franquinha captained the team from the beloved and much-missed Crest Hardware to a second place win. Crest is a bocce powerhouse and has won four Bocce for Bus trophies.

The Giglio Boys took third place.

Team Giglio Boys goes up against Mason’s Bocce Club. The Giglio Boys went on to place 3^rd. *Photo credit: Liza Franquinha*

All the teams are seen as winners, as they had a great time raising money for a good cause. The teams competing this year were: Giuseppe’s Revenge, Maracuja, Variety Coffee, St. Nicks Alliance, Retirable, Lawn & Order: Real Estate Unit, BKYSC, Bocce & Gabbana, Brooklyn Bocce Company, Anthony & Son Panini Shoppe, Masons, Mission Imbocceball, and The People’s Team.

The Bocce for Bus Trophy, which shows all the previous winners of past tournaments. *Photo credit: Liza Franquinha*

Yet, the seniors won the biggest prize as this tournament helps funds access for mobility challenged seniors to the Swinging Sixties Older Adult Center (211 Ainslie Street). A center that provides fitness, socialization, social services, Social Adult Day, creative activities, outings, etc., all which broaden the quality of life for older adults in the community.