
DYKER HEIGHTS – A tradition that honors a fallen officer continues as the Detective Brian Moore Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser was held at Indigo Murphy’s, 7102 Fort Hamilton Parkway, on May 19.
Moore, 25, was an NYPD detective who was shot in the line of duty on May 2, 2015. He died two days later on March 4.

The event honored Moore and supported the scholarship established in his name for incoming freshmen at Xaverian High School. It was co-organized by Elizabeth Penny Santo and Karen Macaluso, continuing a tradition started 11 years ago by Penney’s son Dominick, a Xaverian alum.
Following Moore’s death, he spoke with his parents and the assistant principal at Xaverian, where he was a junior and presented the idea of starting a scholarship in the slain officer’s memory.
The evening also honored local leaders who made a positive impact on youth, education and community service.

“The last couple of years, Penny has been doing it online through online donations and people sending checks and whatnot, but this year, we decided to get together in person,” Macaluso said. “We had great volunteers. It was so nice to see these young men and women participate in this. I don’t think I saw one kid sit there on their phone last night.”
Honorees included Delores Pennachio, teaching assistant at St. Bernard Catholic Academy and community leader; Michael Wilson, assistant principal at Xaverian High School; Vincent Raimondo, assistant principal for staff development at Xaverian; and Father Michael Bruno, pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer.

“It means a lot,” Santo said. “It’s also time that we come back like we did then to have respect for the NYPD. Even though we didn’t know Officer Moore, that doesn’t mean that we don’t respect his sacrifice and his hard work and his family’s sacrifice. His parents know about the scholarship. They’re aware of everything that goes on. You don’t have to know the officer or the person, but you have to respect them and know their sacrifice.”

The scholarship has meant a lot to the recipients over the years. Macaluso’s son, Nico, currently a junior at Xaverian, was proud upon receiving the scholarship three years ago.
“When his name was called, and he got this scholarship, something just changed in him,” Macaluso said. “He felt so proud.”
The scholarship has helped incoming freshmen begin their journey at Xaverian High School with the support of the community.
During the event, proud mom Maria Ford shared that the recognition helped shape her daughter’s path toward medicine and humanitarian work.
“Her daughter, Ava, got the scholarship many years ago in the beginning [of the scholarship],” Santo said.
“Now, she’s in medical school, and she’s paying it forward by working with children and doing a lot of volunteering. Her mother said last night that if she wasn’t given the scholarship, she might not have made these choices to give back so much. She’s in medical school now, and she won’t forget.”

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.