The Home Reporters weekly columnist, Larry Morrish, who writes about the people, places and things below the radar that positively impact Bay Ridge, will be honored by the Third Avenue Merchants later this year as one of the organizations 2013 Pioneers.
He lives and breathes Bay Ridge, said Chuck Otey, marketing director of the merchant group, and also involved in the process of choosing the honorees.
In 20 years, its the first time that we did it this early, Otey explained, adding that he considers Morrish the most intense and consistent community leader whos done everything he could to develop the community over the last 40 years.
Morrish, born and raised in Bay Ridge, was an early aid to the Ragamuffin Parade committee; in fact, he was the parades chair for 16 years. He started the Bay Ridge Saint Patricks Day Parade and has been actively involved in community clean-ups for years.
Hes somebody who is devoted to the community, stressed Otey.
Morrish, excited as ever, said that being named a Pioneer was a big honor for him and that it caught him off guard.
These are my friends and theyre all sincere, he remarked about the merchants, saying that theyve supported him and his efforts on behalf of the military over the 20 years that hes known them. Weve all been together and weve all been there.
The Bay Ridgeite announced that he is currently working on something new to bring to Fifth Avenue. He isnt ready to announce what it is yet, but promises it will be big.
Bay Ridge was rated number one; that’s an award we all earned, he concluded.
This year is the 20th anniversary of the Pioneers. Usually, between four to six people are honored; this year, the merchants are planning to celebrate between six and eight individuals who have made a contribution to the avenue and the neighborhood.