BENSONHURST — A few good men from Brooklyn were honored at the second annual Southwest Brooklyn’s Men of Distinction ceremony held at Il Centro, 8711 18th Ave., on June 27.
The event, hosted by Assemblymember William Colton and Councilmember Susan Zhuang, recognized 11 men who have had an impact in the area.
“These unsung heroes are men who selflessly give of themselves to assist not only friends and neighbors, but the many members of the community that they will never meet,” said Colton. “All of them have committed themselves to the work of making the neighborhood in which they live and work a great place for both residents and visitors alike, and I am delighted to honor them for all they have accomplished.”
Honorees included Sanal Badmaev, Detective Hassan Diab, Abdurashid Iminov, Michael Kozhar, Dr. Tim Law, Paul Li, Philip Lombardo, Deacon Anthony Mammoliti, Damiano Palazzolo, Imam Ahmed Ali Uzir and Alexander Zhorov.
“The Men of Distinction we honored are the quiet backbone of Southern Brooklyn,” Zhuang said. “They show up for their families, mentor the next generation and give to this community without ever asking for credit. It was a privilege to stand with Assemblyman Colton and our community partners to recognize them.”
Interfaith opening prayers were given by Mammoliti and Uzir. The afternoon included performances by the Kalmyk Heritage Center and Pure Dance Studio.
“I am humbled by this honor,” wrote Mammoliti. “I thank God for the blessings to serve my community.”
“FIAO Il Centro is proud to congratulate our Board Member Damiano Palazzolo on being honored at the Men of Distinction Ceremony hosted this past Saturday by Susan Zhuang and William Colton,” The Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn said on their Facebook page.
“This well-deserved recognition celebrates Damiano’s dedication, leadership and continued commitment to serving our community. We are honored to have him as part of the FIAO Il Centro family and thank him for the positive impact he continues to make.”
In March, the two elected officials hosted their annual Women of Distinction ceremony.
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.
