Generally Speaking: Week of October 4

October 4, 2012 Theodore W. General
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Third Avenue turned into Fantasy Boulevard

Third Avenue became an boulevard of fun, excitement and fantasy as thousands of children dressed up or — in some cases–down, in costumes and makeshift outfits to participate in the 46th annual Children’s Ragamuffin Parade.

The parade this year was led by Grand Marshal Arlene Figaro, headmistress of the all-girls Visitation Academy on Ridge Boulevard. She was joined by local businessman and Community Board 7 member John Abi-Habib, Ragamuffin’s ‘Man of the Year.’

And here are the Ragamuffin costume winners who won shiny new bicycles: Brodie Clark, age three (Zombie Doctor); Maya LeCroix, age nine, P.S. 104 (Car Freshener); Minna Blankenship, age 13, Visitation Academy (Tree Spirit); Sean Solitario, age four, St. Andrew’s School (Batman with Batmobile); Jaiden Azzopardi, age nine, P.S. 104 (Chef) and Faith Schemder, age three (Pirate on a Pirate Ship).

The next day, it was another highly successful and fabulous Third Avenue Festival sponsored by the Third Avenue Merchants Association. Performing at one of the stages was the recent Teen Idol competitors under the tutelage of maestro Jeff Samaha of Samaha Productions and Dawn Hansen Barry, a past president of the Bay Ridge Community Council. Kudos to Merchants’ President Bob Howe, Executive Secretary Chuck Otey and coordinator Chip Cafiero on a job well done.

Just before the Ragamuffin Parade kicked off, we had a chance to meet and greet the new Acting Principal of Fort Hamilton High School, Kaye Houlihan. She marched alongside Fort Hamilton High School’s championship marching band and its sharp-stepping Army Junior ROTC Color Guard and cadet corps. Leading the contingent was FHHS’s Musical Director and Performing Arts Assistant Principal Thomas Oberle.

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The newest franchised office of the Keller Williams Realty Empire opened in Bay Ridge at 9210 Fourth Avenue. Renee Dorsa, president of the Brooklyn Real Estate Board and a new member of the local affiliate, invited us to a soft opening the other night.

While we were there, had a chance to chat with Councilmember Vinnie Gentile; Dino Lamia, the dean of Bay Ridge realtors and treasurer of the Colonial Club; and Peter and Patricia Killen, past presidents of the Bay Ridge Community Council. Peter also serves as President of the Bay Ridge AARP.

Dorsa also told us they will be doing a ribbon-cutting and formal grand opening on October 18.

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Military and civilian friends of the late Colonel Eileen Bonner will be gathering on Saturday, October 6, at the Fort Hamilton Community Club, from noon to 4 p.m., to ‘Honor the Life of Colonel Eileen Bonner.’

A donation of $35 is requested to help defray the cost of hosting the event. There will be a hot buffet and cash bar. For reservations, contact Lieutenant Colonel Lizette Colon at [email protected].

In addition to her distinguished career with the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, among the groups Bonner served on was the Fort Hamilton Citizens Action Committee, the Fort Hamilton Retirees Council, the Fort Hamilton High School Alumni Association and several military associations.

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To reach Ted General via the Internet, his e-mail address is:

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