Generally Speaking: Bay Ridge Historical Society looking for high school orators

At their June 18 monthly meeting, the officers of the Bay Ridge Historical Societywill be making history themselves when they hold their first ever oratorical competition among high school students with a top prize of $250 being offered.

The idea for a public speaking contest was proposed by Jerome HoffmanBay Ridge Chronicles, current first vice president of the historical society and a former history teacher.

Students who sign up for the contest will be given the opportunity to select a famous historical speech from a list of 25 provided by the committee.They then will be asked to reenact it according to the way it was addressed or the way they believed it was delivered.Very shortly, the society will be sending out information and guidelines to area high schools encouraging participation by their students. For more information now, contact Society PresidentAndrew Gounardes: Andrew@bayridgehistory.org.

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Carlo ScissuraFrank Seddio.

Others honored at the event — which drew over 125 of the party faithful and others — were Rhea McCone as Civic Leader of the Year and 46th Assembly District Leader Mark Davidovich as Democrat of the Year.”

McCone’s award was presented by fellow Community Board 10 member and 64th AD District Leader Kevin Peter Carroll who also emceed the event.Davidovich’s award was presented jointly by his Co-District Leader Dilia Schack and by Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny.

The presentations took place at the Greenhouse Cafe on Third Avenue where the BDFC members and their supportersgathered for the Eight Annual Dinner celebrating the political club’s 10th anniversary.

Among Democratic candidates joining the festivities were former City Council member Domenic RecchiaJohn Gangemi campaigning for the State Senate; and State Assembly hopeful Marybeth Melendez. Officers of the BDFC include Diana KroskyAmanda PizzutiMargaret BrennanJohn BrennanBennett SilversteinAnnette CiccottoStaten Islander John MancusoVinnie Gentile, recently joined the staff of City Public Advocate Tish James as an outreach coordinator.

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State Senator Marty Golden holds his 12th Annual Senior Fair on Thursday, May 8, noon to 3 p.m. inside St. Patrick’s School Auditorium, 97th Street and Fourth Avenue. A host of city agencies will have information tables available, in addition to the American Red Cross, Brooklyn Public Library and Lutheran Medical Center. The program includes a free lunch and entertainment.

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Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, who founded the very popular Taste of the Ridge over 18 years ago while at St. Patrick’s Church, was in Rome with fellow Monsignor David CassatoJohn XX111 and John Paul IIPope Francis. To many, Cassato is affectionately known as the Bensonhurst Pope. Jamie is the pastor of St. Bernard’s Church and development vicar for the Brooklyn Catholic Diocese.

A hearty well done to Ann Strafaci and her volunteers, the restaurants and bakeries that took part in this year’s successful Taste of the Ridge.

Monsignor Joseph Nagle