Responding to “Noteworthy Graduate: James J. McBratney, restaurant owner” (Sept. 5 issue): 

The McBratneys are such class acts, truly caring community members, and Jimmy Maxx will always be part of Staten Island history. I didn’t know about James McBratney’s childhood tragedy. What a story of triumph from pain. So beautiful!

Jennifer Hermus-Washburn, librarian, Lafayette Educational Campus, Brooklyn 
via Facebook