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On the avenue: Bay Ridge hosts borough-wide gathering of Kiwanis leadership

January 20, 2025 Rick Buttacavoli
Kiwanis Club of Bensonhurst & Bay Ridge board members Joseph Mure Jr. (left) and Frank Naccarato enjoyed collaborating with members from other clubs.
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BAY RIDGE — They came from all different neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, but they share a common goal — to help children and families in need.

Members of Brooklyn Kiwanis gathered “on the avenue” for a special divisional meeting on Tuesday evening, Jan. 14, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Bensonhurst & Bay Ridge at their regular meeting spot, Cebu Bar & Bistro. The meeting was led by Brooklyn Lt. Gov. Mark Pohl, who also serves as a board member of the Kings Plaza-Canarsie Kiwanis Club. In attendance were Kiwanians from several Brooklyn-based clubs, all of whom work tirelessly throughout the year to benefit those in need in their communities.

Liberty Kiwanis brought a large contingent of members to the divisional meeting.
Liberty Kiwanis brought a large contingent of members to the divisional meeting. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Bensonhurst & Bay Ridge

Among the featured speakers was Ben-Bay Kiwanis board member Joseph Mure Jr., who shared an update on this past December’s Little North Pole event held at his Neponsit Beach, Queens home, which raised tens of thousands of dollars for Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and welcomed a huge crowd for an evening of live entertainment, food and refreshments. The 29th annual event featured an appearance by Santa Claus himself, who danced alongside popular dance group Lime before handing out toys to a long line of children.

Former Kiwanis Club of Bensonhurst & Bay Ridge President Thomas Aellis (left) and current President Bartolo Allegretti were pleased to welcome Brooklyn Kiwanis to Bay Ridge.
Former Kiwanis Club of Bensonhurst & Bay Ridge President Thomas Aellis (left) and current President Bartolo Allegretti were pleased to welcome Brooklyn Kiwanis to Bay Ridge.
Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Bensonhurst & Bay Ridge

“We had a show second to none,” Mure told the crowd. “And Santa gave out about 2,800 toys on opening night alone.”

One of the goals of the meeting was for members of the various Brooklyn clubs to collaborate and support each other’s events. Former Brooklyn Lt. Gov. James Orlando — a Ben-Bay Kiwanis board member — shared flyers promoting his club’s upcoming “Doo Wop Night,” taking place Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Marco Polo Ristorante, 345 Court St. All money raised that evening will benefit the Club’s great work, Orlando explained. 

Brooklyn Kiwanis Lt. Gov. Mark Pohl speaks to Kiwanians from various clubs at the divisional meeting held “on the avenue” Jan. 14. Photos courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Bensonhurst & Bay Ridge
Brooklyn Kiwanis Lt. Gov. Mark Pohl speaks to Kiwanians from various clubs at the divisional meeting held “on the avenue” Jan. 14. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Bensonhurst & Bay Ridge

Members of the Liberty Kiwanis Club promoted their upcoming “Nightclub Copacabana” event featuring hits from Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand performed by popular duo Mario & Louise. The event also takes place on the avenue at Baron Dekalb of Sheepshead Bay, 3000 Emmons Ave., on Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m.





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