Unsung Bay Ridge: Weaving a web of involvement

NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:  Our unsung heroes

Our unsung hero of the week is Lorraine Tuccillo, who learned community service from her mother, the lateDorothy Topp, who with Lorraine’s husband, Bill, assisted Pastor Darrell Helmers when he started the Senior Center and Meals on Wheels program.

Lorraine is a life-long member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Her home was always a hub of community activity, especially in the holidays. She recruited children on her block to help pack and distribute the holiday meals that she prepared at her home.

She became the principal of Lutheran Elementary School on Ovington Avenue upon the retirement of long-serving principal Ruth Wohltjen. This is fitting as Lorraine was her student, and in the first graduating class.

Fifteen years later, Lorraine is still serving the children of our community as principal and Sunday school teacher. She has instituted many award-winning programs at the school, with the help of a dynamic and friendly staff, which includes her daughter, Corrine Tuccillo King, who is director of development.

We are happy to have a new generation being exposed to community service, as she is a role model for her children Corrine, Christopher and Beth, in addition to grandchildren Michael, Tom, Matthew and Sydney.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Congratulations go out to Tim and Tracy McElhinney (Manley), on the birth of their beautiful baby girls Abigailand Hanna. The twins are the delight of their parents and grandparents. We wish them a happy, healthy and long life.

Congratulations to Edward Blunnie, who celebrates his 25^th year as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Edward was a former youth member volunteer of BRAVO, and he has continued his lifetime of service. We thank him for his service to our community and country.

UNSUNG FOLK REMEDIES:   Cabbage

Cabbage is a very cheap but effective form of relieving many symptoms of illness. My wife swears by juicing it for ulcer flare ups. Within two days, all symptoms disappear. It is also a folk remedy for jaundice, arthritis, gout, heart disease and rheumatism and is a blood purifier. Eat regularly in cole slaw or steamed for the best benefits.

Please consult your doctor if you have any health concerns, or on any medication.