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'Chopper' star brings out fans at benefit If you don't know who the Orange County Choppers are by now, you definitely aren't in the swing of things. Paul Teutul Sr. and his sons – Paulie Jr. and Mike – are Orange County's hottest celebrities. They're stars on the Discovery Channel show "American Chopper," a reality series starring the father and sons trio who build custom motorcycles that sell for between $30,000 and $250,000. They recently moved into a new shop and showroom in Scotts Corners and signed another contract with the Discovery Channel for several years. Their popularity has them booked for two years with engagements all over the country. On a recent hot Saturday afternoon, Paul Sr., after jetting in from California, where he delivered a customized bike to an actor, kept a promise to his longtime friend Joe Morino. He appeared at a benefit for the Lower Hudson Interactive Museum, which is being built in the former Montgomery Ward building in Middletown. Morino's wife, the former Anita Serpentini, volunteered to host an event to raise awareness and money for the museum, which she enthusiastically supports. Neither she nor her husband could think of a better crowd-pleaser than the burly Teutul, who used to own the Orange County Iron Works, which Teutul's son Danny now runs. When Teutul, 55, formerly of Rockland County and a graduate of Pearl River High School, said yes, the museum officials feared that a large crowd would attend. Afterall, the museum is small and only recently the lower level of the three-story building was framed out for the lobby. Teutul, easily recognizable because of his gray Fu Manchu moustache and his tattooed wrestler physique, arrived with lots of T-shirts, a gift for the museum. In one box were red shirts with black lettering, Teutul's favorite colors. In the other were white shirts he'd already autographed. About 200 people of all ages greeted Teutul. He worked the crowd with ease, shaking hands, talking with each person, signing autographs and posing for pictures. With his permission, the museum staff had set up a camera specifically to take photographs with him. Kids such as Ryan Grant, 7, couldn't stop grinning. When Teutul left after 90 minutes, the lobby area stayed crowded as people waited for their pictures. When Joe Sellers finally got his photo, he ran to the parking lot, where his family waited in their van. "It was great to meet him," Sellers said. "I enjoy the show and found him to be a friendly man." Another fan, Orange County Legislator Jeff Berkman, stood under a nearby shade tree with a group of friends. "I've never missed a show," Berkman said. "He's (Teutul) great. It's a very entertaining show." Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano, also a fan, has known Teutul for a long time and said success hasn't changed his friend. "He's still the same," the mayor said. "It was a good fund-raiser," said Lillian O'Brien, museum president. "We made $1,500 and we still have shirts to sell. But more importantly, we introduced many new people to our museum." Funds permitting, the lower portion of the museum will be open by the end of the year. Meanwhile, museum members are sought; annual dues information is available by calling O'Brien at 733-4429. Donations to help complete the museum can be mailed to P.O. Box 453, Middletown 10940. - The Health, Safety and Awareness Fair in Lowe's parking lot on Galleria Drive opposite Sam's Club in Middletown is scheduled for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today, unless it rains. Then it will be July 24. The well-planned event has been orchestrated by Drs. Frank and Michael Giorgianni, brothers who are dentists with a Middletown practice. Lots of agencies and groups are planning to participate. It's recommended. - The Family Empowerment Council's rain-or-shine Awareness Day Picnic at Orange County Park on Route 416 in Montgomery will be from 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. today. It's organized by Luftnell Productions, with a car show (with registration accepted from 9 a.m.-noon), live music all day (including the Judith Tulloch Band), vendors and kids' activities. Admission and parking are free. In the past, it's been a huge success. - The Association for the Help of Retarded Citizizens will conduct its extended family day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today at the D&H Canal on Hoag Road in Cuddebackville. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch. It's part of the nonprofit's yearlong celebration commemorating 50 years of service. The big bash is set for Oct. 29 at Anthony's Pier 9 in New Windsor. Details are still in the works. Barbara Bedell's column appears daily. Call her at 346-3125. |
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