Local leaders lauded as Pioneers at Third Avenue Merchants meeting
Third Avenue Merchants Association Executive Secretary Chuck Otey with Jumana Bishara, Kimberly Fasano, Ted Nugent, Mike Esposito, Wade Jabour, Bob Howe, Victoria Schneps, Fran Vella-Marrone and Leigh Holliday.
The Ridge’s Merchants of Third Avenue gathered in good company and good digs on Monday, September 22 to celebrate their last meeting before the 41st Annual Third Avenue Festival and the 48th Annual Ragamuffin Parade to hammer out details and honor some of their own.
Community leaders were lauded for their civic service and commitment to the community at the Merchants’ sponsored event, held at Third Avenue’s Omonia Café, 7612 Third Avenue.
“The Ragamuffin Parade capitalized on the spirit of Bay Ridge, and each year we honor those local leaders who take that spirit and do great things,” stressed Third Avenue Merchants Association Executive Chuck Otey before announcing this year’s Pioneers and Civic Award Honorees.
This year’s theme is “Our Newspapers Define Our Very Special Bay Ridge.”
Those spotlighted included Victoria Schneps and Joshua Schneps, co-publishers of The Home Reporter and The Brooklyn Spectator; Dozier Hasty, publisher of The Brooklyn Daily Eagle; Mike Esposito and Ted Nugent of CEBU; Kimberly Fasano, community activist and advocate for Reaching Out Community Services; Fran Vella-Marrone, community activist and president of the Dyker Heights Civic Association; Rawia and Jumana Bishara of Tanoreen Restaurant; and Dilia Schack, former Ragamuffin president.
“Everybody knows that I am so honored to serve this community,” said Victoria Schneps, whose sentiments were later echoed by her fellow honorees including Vella-Marrone, who praised the community for continuing to recognize Pioneers, and fellow do-gooders.
“I want to thank everybody in this room for recognizing people who work hard day in and day out,” she said. “Each day I try to remember that we’re here to serve others.”
Keeping the spirit of tradition, the Pioneers and Civic Award Honorees will be honored on Monday, October 27 event at the Bay Ridge Manor, 476 76th Street. For information on tickets and sponsorships, contact Otey at 718-836-6700.
Third Avenue Merchants Association President Bob Howe with Brian Chin, Lloyd Berg, Robert Long, Regina Scire, Maria Krisilas, Victoria Schneps and Leigh Holliday.Wade Jabour, Bob Howe, Victoria Schneps and Lori Pedone.Chip Cafiero discussing the 41st Annual Third Avenue Festival.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
