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Published Monday, December 26, 2011 in Opinion

Southern hospitality in Queens

BAYSIDE, N.Y. - There's a decided Bulldog Red and Black influence at 3610 Clearview Expressway -- led by the only Georgia native in the household, the pretty Anna Moore who grew up in Floyd County. How this family came together has to do primarily with the Bulldogs, but Anna's husband Ed, being a man of the cloth, would not have you scoff at the notion of divine intervention.

While their story is an unlikely one, it is a charming and sentimental one. Ed grew up in DuBois, Pa. Anna is a native of Armuchee, Ga.

It was natural that Anna became a Bulldog since her parents, Bill and Jo Ellen Strain, have been football season ticket buyers for years and hold the view that when there is a home game in Athens, not even an act of Congress would keep them from gathering at the Georgia Center to socialize with the friends they have made over the years.

With Ed, his story, if not one of intrigue, certainly would cause one to shake his head in amusement.

In Pennsylvania, Ed was a successful high school football player and thought that the University of Pittsburgh, 103 miles away, would be a nice place to further his educational interests. At Pittsburg, his roster status had him lined up behind All-American Hugh Green. Playing time would likely be non-existent. Neither happy nor full-filled, Ed, by accident, found his way to Athens where he met Anna.

Before you could say, "Hail to Georgia Down in Dixie," they were ensconced in the borough of Queens where Ed is a minister at the North Shore Baptist Church. His ecumenical congregation knows all about the Bulldogs because Ed has no reluctance to boast about his alma mater.

There have been times when he would fly to Jacksonville for the annual Georgia-Florida game, drive up to Savannah afterward and sleep a few hours in the airport waiting room and catch an early morning flight to LaGuardia. He would show up spirited, refreshed and enthusiastic for his Sunday morning sermon.

Ed's football highlight is one that accompanies one of the most memorable victories in the Vince Dooley era. When John Lastinger scored the winning touchdown in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas (the 10-9 game) in 1983, there was time left on the clock, but the Bulldog defense wasn't about to let the Texas Longhorns break any Red and Black hearts. Ed made the last sack, pinning the Texas quarterback to the earth as time ran out on the scoreboard clock.

Ed's family remains passionate Bulldogs. Parker, the oldest, you see every home game Saturday, but you don't really see him -- unless he takes his costume head off. Parker is the current Hairy Dawg mascot.

Charlie, the other son, is a seminary student in Louisville. Here in Bayside, Savannah and Madison -- as pretty and charming as the two Georgia towns they are named for -- are home schooled by Anna. They can't wait for the next trip to Athens. Ed and Anna, both avid football fans, are always connecting with somebody they can share, not only their Christian faith, but their Georgia stories.

Ed might say to a friend visiting Manhattan, "Why don't I pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport. I'll come a little early, and we'll have time for quick cup of coffee before your flight leaves."

Well you do get coffee, but not a quick cup. It is a full blown breakfast including a sausage, cheese and egg casserole, fruit and New York bagels which Anna has generously prepared. She greets everybody with warm hugs. Soon you are sitting at a table of plenty, accompanied by Bulldog paraphernalia mixed with Christmas decorations.

Southern hospitality flourishes in Queens. Ed and Anna Moore and their kids are imbued with a caring for people and a love of friends. The only thing missing was chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but when I return, I wouldn't be surprised if the Moore's had chestnuts roasting for a fellow Bulldog.

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