Generally Speaking: Brooklyn library branches offer free internet connections

While it may be some time before public parks in and aroundsouthwest Brooklynget free Wi-Fi hotspots or access points;this service is being provided absolutely free at all the branches of the Brooklyn Public Library.

And you don’t necessarily have to be inside the library duringopening hoursto get to theInternet via their hotspot.We found, and the library’s IT department confirmed it, its Wi-Fi hotspots are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays.

However, if the library is closed, and you want to utilize its Internet link, you can’t go beyond the immediate vicinity of the library building.This means after the library has closed or on a day it’s not open, you could bring a beach chair or sit al fresco on the sidewalk near the building’s fence with your laptop or tablet and enjoy free Internet service courtesy of the Brooklyn Public Library.

We tried it the other day after theFort Hamilton branch was closedand easily picked up the Internet link on the 95th Street side of the building and in front on Fourth Avenue.When signing on to the Internet via the library’s hotspot, look for the link: bpunwired.Incidentally, the term Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity.

Additionally, the library staffersnow let you bring your own laptop and tablet inside and if they are not fully charged, tap into their electrical outlets. If you don’t have a computer at home, nowadays libraries have computers set aside for use by library card-carrying customers.

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Fresh from his trip to Rio de Janeiro for the World Youth Day pilgrimage with Pope FrancisFrank Caggiano, 55,now is the head of his own Catholic diocese.

The Holy Fatherhas appointed him as thebishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut.Bishop Caggiano, who was born and raised in Gravesend, is a former pastor of St. Dominic’s Parish in Bensonhurst, and back in April was the main speaker at the fourth annual communion dinner of St. Patrick’s Men’s Club, held at Hunter’s Steak and Ale House.

In 2007, he was a grand marshal with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in the Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade along 18th Avenue. In 2012,he was formally knighted by the Long Island Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, at the same ceremony in Williamsburg where this writer received his 4th degree.

The Roman Catholic prelate holds a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and has been serving as the chief operations officer (vicar general) for the Brooklyn Diocese.

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The Michael A. Rawley Post of the American Legion and the Brooklyn Irish American Parade Committee will once again co- sponsor the annual Maryland 400 Remembrance Ceremony and Procession to the Old Stone House, on Sunday, August 18 at 2 p.m.

Patriotic exercises, including the reading of the names of the fallen militia members of the Maryland 400, a wreath laying and rifle salute, will be held at the memorial flagpole in the yard outside the Rawley Post at Eighth Street and Third Avenue.

Upon conclusion of the ceremony, which also marks the 237th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, the participants will march up to the Old Stone House in Washington Park for another brief memorial tribute. The event is coordinated each year since 1985 by Kathleen McDonagh * * *

There was a time not too long ago when Bay Ridge was losing supermarkets.

Remember, the battle royal with the franchise owner of the Key Food supermarket who decided to discontinue his Key foodfranchise in favor of the Walgreens drug store at Third Avenue and 94th Street?

Well, upper Bay Ridge is about to get a sparkling new supermarket at Third Avenue and 96th Street.The owner/operator says his new food emporium which is scheduled to open on August 14,will be known as City Fresh.

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Be prepared to go back to the old mechanical lever Shoup voting machines when casting your primary vote on September 10, and if there is a runoff primary on October 1.Then, when it comes to the general election on November 5, the Board of Elections will be returning to the optical scanning system by using paper ballots where you fill in the oval next to your choices.

If you need additional information, call 866-868-3692 or click on www.vote.nyc.ny.us. More than likely adding to the confusion, one of the Board of Election workers told us that his polling site for the primary will be at Public School 102, and then relocated to Christ Episcopal Church at 73rd Street for the general election.

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Past Post Commander and World War II Navy Veteran Howie Dunn is encouraging everyone to attend his post’s annual barbecue on Saturday, August 10, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Bay Ridge Post # 157, 345 78th Street. Admission is $25 per person and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage and chicken plus beer, wine and soda.

For addition info and reservations, contact Michael Moylan at718-745-0133

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To reach Ted General via the Internet, his e-mail address is:

[email protected]

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