DYKER HEIGHTS — The 12:30 Club, dedicated to the promotion of the general welfare of its members and the economic welfare of Bay Ridge, held its fifth annual Dr. Henry Amen Memorial Golf Outing at Dyker Beach Golf Course the afternoon of Tuesday, May 20.
12:30 Club member Doreen Amen alongside a banner of her father, former President Dr. Henry Amen. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
The event, named after Amen, a former 12:30 Club president, featured a presentation on the man by his daughter, Doreen. The rest of the event included a round of golf, cocktails, a dinner buffet, 50/50 raffle and several prizes based on the members’ golfing prowess.
Walter Ochoa (left) alongside Brian Chin. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman‘12:30 for life’
Nayeem Siddique, club member and grand sponsor of the golf outing, said that he signed on because he believes in the organization.
“I like that it’s made up of local business people,” he noted, adding that his favorite thing about 12:30 is the camaraderie and the guest speakers that are featured at every meeting.
From left: Walter Ochoa, Brian Chin, Nayeem Mian Siddique and Gary Hanna. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“You can really learn a lot,” Siddique underscored. “We’ve had people from the military, with law backgrounds, the clergy; they bring so much knowledge.”
Dana Conte, one of the 12:30 Club’s newest members. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Dana Conte, a new 12:30 member who joined in January, said that the primary appeal of the club was its longevity.
Brian Chin and Tony Travis singing the National Anthem. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“It’s 100 years old, and very prestigious to be a part of,” Conte said. “I also like that it’s neighborhood related. I feel that Bay Ridge is really one of the only true neighborhoods left in New York. It has a real family feel. I envision myself as a 12:30 Club member for life.”
An impressive turnout
President Brian Chin told the Brooklyn Eagle that the turnout at the golf outing was quite impressive.
Club members smile for the camera. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
“We had more than 70 golfers this year,” he said. When asked how he performed, Chin noted that he did “okay.”
“I hit ‘em straight,” he said with a smile.
12:30 Club President Brian Chin. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Henry Amen’s daughter Doreen also spoke exclusively to the Brooklyn Eagle about her father’s life and legacy.
“Dad was an amazing leader and a big part of the 12:30 Club in Bay Ridge for many years,” she said. “He was a tremendous, motivational, creative, enthusiastic person. Golf was his middle name; he really loved it. He also loved life — living every day to the fullest. I was blessed to be his daughter.”
12:30 members grabbing a bite and engaging in conversation post golf. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Amen passed away in 2020 at the age of 93.
The 12:30 Club will be back at the Dyker Heights Golf Course for its centennial gala on Sept. 19.
Brian Chin (left) addressing the crowd. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
