UNSUNG BAY RIDGE: A friend in need

NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Our unsung heroes

There are so many people in our neighborhood who walk like angels among us. They do good deeds without looking for recognition and give freely of their time, energy and funds without any compensation.

One such person is Joan Ierardi, a parishioner of St. Patrick’s, who has a regular 9-5 job to which she is committed. However, Joan quietly keeps an ear out for anyone needing help with medical transportation or advice on their medical or legal problems.

She generously volunteered to take me to a doctor’s appointment in Manhattan and showed great care until it was finished. Joan is a registered nurse and an attorney who uses her knowledge to help those in need.

She is an active member of her co-op board and an all-round solid, good person. This week I am honored to give some public recognition to Joan, as it is long overdue.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Please mark your calendar to attend the St. Finbar Parish Annual Dinner/Dance, which will be held on October 10, at the Riviera Catering Hall in Coney Island. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. with dinner to follow. This year’s honorees are: Lucy Federico, Elizabeth Ferraro, Vito Gargano, Lorraine Mazzola and Carmine Russo. Please call 718-236-3312 for reservations.

Get ready for Bay Ridge’s great family festival weekend, starting on Saturday, October 5, with the Ragamuffin Parade and the Third Avenue Festival on Sunday, October 6. This year’s Ragamuffin Man of the Year will be Frankie Marra, popular band leader, and District 20 Superintendent Karina Costantino, as the 2013 grand marshal.

UNSUNG FOLK REMEDIES: Beets and High Blood Pressure

A folk remedy said to control high blood pressure is to take three slices of red beet every day. These slices can be pickled, boiled or roasted, and eaten daily.

There are many testimonials of those who claim that beet juice (which can be purchased from a health food store) has also helped to control their hypertension. However the juice can be expensive unless juiced at home, and mixed with carrots and other vegetables.

Give it a try and see how it works for you, especially if a doctor has told you that you need to get your blood pressure reduced.

Please consult your doctor if you are ill or on any medication.