Street renamed for parish's 100 years

Driving down Rockaway Boulevard at 91st Street, motorists will notice a new sign.
That's because on Sunday, November 19, the roadway was renamed in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) parish.
Often referred to as &#8220The heart of Ozone Park,” BVM is Councilmember Joseph Addabbo's own parish. In fact, Addabbo, who helped to unveil &#8220Nativity B.V.M. Way” attended their elementary school and wed in the church.
&#8220One hundred years of memories - whether old or new - these will live on forever,” said Addabbo, who fondly remembers not wanting to enter his first grade class at BVM.
&#8220This renaming is a wonderful example of showing how Church and State are of the same,” said Monsignor Robert Thelen, who quipped that, despite the new name, residents must still use &#822091st Street” on their return address when mailing letters.
Thelen, who announced that he will be leaving BVM on February 1, 2007, offered up the opening prayer and read a letter from Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer, who, due to a prior commitment, could not be in attendance.
&#8220The parish has a long-standing tradition of excellence,” said Pheffer in the letter.
BVM's Children's Choir then sang a stirring rendition of &#8220Salve Regina” and Addabbo presented Thelen and the parish with a City Council Proclamation and a replica of the new sign.