Unsung Bay Ridge: A community kind of guy

NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Our unsung heroes

As the Thanksgiving holidays draw closer, I give thanks for neighbors such as Sandy VallasAt this time of year, he is busy preparing food baskets for the needy from his group at the council of the Holy Cross Church. He is also an active member of Community Board 10, a director with the Dyker Heights Civic Association, and is active with the Bay Ridge Community Council.

With all of this activity, he still finds the time to be president of the Fort Hamilton High School Alumni Association. When he is not involved with community activity, Sandy can be found at the helm of his family business with his father, wife Maria and children: Theodore, Demetrios, Eleni and Hope.

COMMUNITY NEWS

A very special “happy birthday” to the toastmaster of Bay Ridge, J. Peter Clavin. Peter is our favorite master of ceremonies of the Ragamuffin and St. Patrick’s Day Parades. He is also president of the Clavin Funeral Home. Best of health, my friend, and many more happy ones.

The annual St. Finbar New Year’s Eve party will take place on December 31 at 8 p.m., at Monsignor Scanlon Center, Bath Avenue and Bay 20^th Street. There will be a hot buffet. Feel free to BYOB and welcome the new year with a popular DJ. Adults are $40 and children 12 years and under are $20.

UNSUNG FOLK REMEDIES: Coconut Oil for dry, itchy skin

A folk remedy to combat very dry skin is coconut oil. The oil is sold is most health food stores and is said to keep skin supple throughout the seasons.

Before entering the shower, massage all over the body (except the face) with coconut oil and rest for approximately five minutes. Next take a clean hand towel and scrub the entire body.

Shower in body temperature water and use only the mildest soap on private areas. (The oil and rag will clean the other areas without the need for soap.)

Leave the shower and pat dry.

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