Unsung Bay Ridge: All-around good guy

NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:  Our unsung heroes

This week, I would like to highlight the community service of Anthony Formica, past president of the 68^th Street Community Council, a position he held for four years, who still continues as a volunteer.

Anthony spends much of his spare time volunteering when the need arises, regularly at St. Philip’s Church in Dyker Heights, and on numerous other community projects. He is one of the first to appear when problems strike our community, as he did after September 11, and other disasters that affect his community.

Anthony is relationship manager with the Blue Diamond Fuel Company, and is lovingly supported in all of his community work by his wife, Mary Ann, and sons, Matthew and Vincent.

COMMUNITY NEWS

One annual bus trip that my wife and I look forward to taking every year is the bus ride to Atlantic City in support of the Kassenbrock Brothers Memorial Scholarship Fund. This year’s trip is on October 19, and I know it will be a lot of fun.

Mary Ann Walsh and her team will serve refreshments, and issue a rebate of $25 when we get to the casino. Tickets are $45 per person, and all proceeds go toward scholarships for our deserving youth. There are still a few seats available. Please call 718-833-6624 for reservations and additional information.

You are invited to attend the seventh Annual Dinner/Dance, held by the Salam Arabic Lutheran Church at the Bay Ridge Manor, 476 76^th Street. The celebration will take place on October 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $150, and can be reserved by calling Reverend Khader El Yateem at 917-683-8603.

UNSUNG FOLK REMEDIES:   Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Oriental medicine. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine said that its 2006 study examined the impact on patients when sesame oil was substituted for all other oils in their diet. After 45 days, these individuals had significant reduction in their body weight and blood pressure. A folk remedy for reviving the sense of smell is to place pure (not toasted) sesame oil on a piece of cotton and swab the internal nose cavity daily.

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