GENERALLY SPEAKING: Week of December 29

Doing the Most Good is the theme of the Salvation Army.The uplifting words are taken from an original quote byEvangeline BoothWilliam Booth

Her inspiring quote was, There is no reward equal to that ofdoing the most good to the most people in the most need. Thelegacy of Evangeline Booth is no more evident today then right herein Bay Ridge where Major Frances Rader commandsthe Bay Ridge Salvation Army Corps from her headquarters andcommunity service center on 86th Street

A remarkably wide range of services is offered, some of whichinclude a food and nutrition program, disaster services, emergencyfinancial assistance, art and music programs, aid to families,youth activities, bible studies, family counseling, senior citizenexercise program, day camp activities, and delivering toys and foodto families with the greatest need.

It is one of the reasons the Bay Ridge AARP — for many yearsled by World War II Marine Corps veteran EdmundModeracki (now president emeritus) — has held annualcollections of food staples and toys to donate to this splendidSalvation Army facility.

As AARP’s local community service director, we were happy tojoin AARP officers Peter Killen and HowieDunn to help deliver three huge plastic bags chock full oftoys, games, plush animals and dolls to the Bay Ridge Corps, plus acheck from the AARP chapter treasury.

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With several Brooklyn hospitals facing difficult financialtroubles, Crain’s New York Business is holding a HealthCare panel discussion, Solving Brooklyn’s Hospital Crisis, andbreakfast at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel, 333 Adams Street onWednesday, January 11, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Panelists include Stephen BergerPam BrierKenneth RaskeLinda Brady

According to Crain’s, a recent report says that the hospitalsthat are worse-off must merge to survive. The distinguished panelwill be discussing how to cure Brooklyn’s hospital crisis, and whatlessons can be drawn from focusing on health care reforms in boththe city and state. Tickets are $75 each. For additionalinformation, call 212-210-2000 and ask for special events.

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Community Education Council 20 recently announced theappointment of two new principals. Our warm congratulations toNancy TomasuoloCarol Heeraman at I.S. 30, 415 OvingtonAvenue. Additionally, Community School SuperintendentKarina Costantino tapped Sejndi Rusi, a FortHamilton High School senior, to serve as the new studentrepresentative on the Council.

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You’ll have to wait until next year to attend the next monthlymeeting of the Community Education Council which is headed byLaurie Windsor. That’s actuallyonly about two weeks from now. They will be in session onWednesday, January 11, at 7 p.m., at Public School 105, 1031 59thStreet, where part of the agenda will be devoted to a publichearing by the New York City School Construction Authority on theDepartment of Education’s Capital Plan for District 20 schools.

Dr. Daniel RudofossiRudofossi spoke on his new book on terrorism andpublic safety.

He gave some excellent insights to the post-traumatic stress andgrief syndromes many police officers go through. Rudofossi wasaccompanied by Rabbi Shlomo Rizel

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Our best wishes for a prosperous, healthy and safe New Year.