WE’RE IN THE MOVIES!

Sal Levy

John Greene, Susan Farren, David Hirsch, Phil Creutznman and I were thrilled to hear that we were chosen to be extras in Robert DeNiro, Arianna Grande and Ben Stiller’s new movie, Meet the Parents IV: Fockers In Law. The filming was to take place at Caumsett State Park, a location near and dear to us all. 

The call times were posted on Friday 9/5. We were listed as “Background” numbers 1-5. The check-in time was given as 6:00 AM. At first, we thought there was some kind of mistake. 6:00 AM? Made no sense to us neophytes but we eventually confirmed the time.

Arriving at the park with the full moon lighting our way, we saw the parking lots filled with production trucks and lights. These people must have gotten there at a really ungodly hour! We drove up to the Marshall Field House-the one overlooking the pond and the sound. There, we were directed to park on the grass and proceed to the lobby to check in. We unpacked the bikes, headed in and gave our numbers to the desk clerk Jenna. Next was Wardrobes and Makeup, where we chose our riding outfits. John and Phil wore the classic blue jersey, and the rest of us wore the new Gold Coast East jersey. Breakfast was available at a food truck that made anything you can imagine on a breakfast menu. Coffee was available all day.

After waiting a couple of hours, we were called to the set to film. Excitedly, we mounted our bikes and headed down the bike path. About a quarter mile down the path we encountered the directors and film crew. No stars yet. We were to first do a practice run with stand-ins for Ben and Arianna Grande. The practice run consisted or our group speeding past the actors who were on bikes priding themselves on their speed. The run was a bust. Our group was not tight. After analyzing the problem, we got ready to try again with the film rolling and with Ben and Arianna on the bikes.

Ben appeared, gray hair and sophistication, ready to ride. Then we encountered Arianna, whose size is anything but “Grande”. She could easily be mistaken for a pre-teen! 

Time for the first take. It was also a bust, as was the second. The suggestion was made that our group should be up to speed before we are visible to the actor’s group and then we could pass in formation easily. The previous takes had us accelerating too close to the set, and it broke our formation. The third take was a success! Finally relaxing, John got to schmooze with Ben, and we headed back for lunch. Btw, John had the only speaking part: he yelled, "On your left!" as he and the group passed Ben and Arianna.

Lunch was a catered affair with salmon, brisket, roasted potatoes, corn, a huge selection of salads and two delicious cakes for dessert. I can see why acting can make you gain weight.

The rest of the day had us waiting for another call that never came. By sundown we were given the word to check out. It was a sweet and sad departure.

Minutes from the

September 2nd, 2025

Meeting

Karen called the meeting to order at 7:30

Minutes from the August meeting were reviewed.

Motion to approve by Bridget, Seconded by Scott.

President's report: Karen presented Nina Kuscsik’s bike, which Sal had completely overhauled and cleaned up, to the club and asked for suggestions for what to do with it.  Possibly auction it off?  Donate it? The club was encouraged to provide input. In the meantime Sal will keep it in good condition.A suggestion was made to reach out to Jamie Swan for an evaluation, as he was able to evaluate and sell George’s bikes.

Karen mentioned that a Women’s XL and Men’s XL jersey were available for purchase or to try on.

Karen asked for volunteers for the 9-20-25 Bicycle Rodeo at the Huntington Station Library on Route 110 (just south of the LIRR in Huntington). We desperately need volunteers, even if the for an hour or two. She was informed that while the calendar lists the Bicycle Rodeo correctly on 9-20, the actual sign up sheet indicates 9-13 as the date. The sign up date will be corrected to 9-20. Hugh asked about the age range of the children: 7-12 year olds.

Karen presented a document, “What You Need To Know about E-Bikes in New York”, which was supplied by Dan Flanzig, reminding everyone it is illegal for children under 16 years old to ride an e-bike, and that only Class 1, pedal assist e-bikes are allowed on HBC rides.The accompanying Document will be uploaded to the club website.

The Meet-up for the upcoming TOUR of THE HAMPTONS on Sept 21^st was discussed. People are encouraged to sign up and carpool/ride together to the event and/or ride the event together

VP's report: John Greene - mentioned that the Club Holiday Party will be held once again this year at the Huntington Boat Club on November 1^st.  Tickets will likely be about $45. People are encouraged to sign up asap as space is limited to 50.

John announced that he will lead a B+ 60 mile ride this coming Saturday

Membership: Sal Levy – No change in membership. Same number of members. (4 new and 4 left)

Gold Coast Chair: Steve Labiner  - introduced Bob Newell, a representative of Kids Need More to the club.  John Ray and his wife Melissa couldn’t make it since they are just finished with their annual upstate camp.  Bob reminded the club that Kids Need More does MORE than just care for aa child in need.  They care for and support the entire family. He also provided background that the American Cancer Society used to run these camps but shut them down 20 years ago. That’s when Melissa stepped in to pick up the pieces and restart the camps as she believed people truly needed the support and relief they provided. Melissa has since been diagnosed with Leukemia herself and appreciates the camps even more.

Bob Newell also talked about the Kids Need More Sharing for the Holidays program.  Last year 57 buses went out of Amityville delivering presents to thousands  of kids in 3 different states.

Steve Labiner presented Kids Need More with a $5,500 check from proceeds from the Gold Coast.

Susan Farren & John Greene presented a recap of their Bike-Boat cycling trip through the Netherlands this summer.

The 50/50 pot was won by Hugh for a total of $42.