On Tuesday nights he holds court at Finn MacCool's restaurant, but for Pride in Port week all of Port becomes George Bergman's kingdom as Main Street is renamed George Bergman Blvd. in his honor. Mr. Bergman will lead the Pride in Port Parade as he's also been selected to be this year's grand marshal. Just a few weeks shy of his 102nd birthday, "Uncle George," as he is known about town, was an easy choice for the Pride in Port Committee. "George is a longtime resident of Port, and as such, we felt it would be a wonderful time to honor him," said Barbara Faticone, one of the PIP co-chairs.

George Bergman moved to his Sands Point home in 1941 and has never left. Here he is surrounded by family photographs, and historical pieces, including a flag hand-sewn by Betsy Ross's great-granddaughter. It was here that he spent years with his beloved, late wife Ruth, whom he has called "the highlight of my life," and his son John and daughter Susan. The town is very special to him. One favored spot was the Sands Point Bath Club, where he spent many a happy summer day. And he recalled that years ago, people in the community had to go to the Main Street Post Office to pick up their mail. Horses were a common means of getting around and posses were formed if there was trouble.

Uncle George has also been recognized for his illustrious military service. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in World War I, and was stationed in Haiti and Cuba. A gifted marksman, he was the American National Masters U.S. Champion in 1932. And those who watch Port's Memorial Day Parade each year cheer Uncle George as he walks the entire parade route in full uniform.

This is hardly the first time George Bergman has been selected for honors. The Village of Sands Point threw a 100th birthday party for their favorite uncle in 1997; TONH Supervisor Newburger presented him with a proclamation making Nov. 5 George Bergman Day. And his response to all the celebrations in his honor? In typical pithy fashion, he said "I appreciate your appreciation."

George Bergman is accustomed to parties; every Tuesday evening, in fact, he meets a group of friends for dinner at Finn MacCool's. Known for his straightforward comments and dry sense of humor, Uncle George, reports Catherine at Finn's, always tells her, "Just because you are buying me an Irish coffee, don't be cheap with the whiskey." He's also fond of showing up in attire designed to entertain: a curly red wig, for instance.

Look forward to seeing Uncle George Bergman as Grand Marshal of the Pride in Port Parade; he's one of the reasons that Port is a unique community.