Unsung Bay Ridge: An art for helping out

NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:  Our unsung heroes

My unsung hero of the week is a great contributor to our love of the arts in Bay Ridge. She is Leigh Holliday Brannan, owner and operator of the Art Room at 8710 Third Avenue.

Leigh teaches art to any resident who would like to learn, from young children to seniors. She also volunteers to teach art therapy to children with autism.

Leigh serves on the board of the Ragamuffin Parade Committee and is a zone leader for the Merchants Association of Third Avenue. She has developed special training programs for seniors, which are being incorporated in new programs being introduced at the Bay Ridge Center for Older Adults. These programs are free to our residents.

Her dynamic energy and talent enhance our quality of life in Bay Ridge, and her husband, Justin, joins her in promoting her many projects.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Attention all lovers of flea market shopping. The best bargains for this season can be obtained at the popular flea market being held at the St. Finbar Center, (Bath Ave and Bay 20^th Street) on Sunday, February 1.  Doors are open from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are available. For additional information, please call 718-236-3312.

A very special birthday greeting to my dear friend Mike Long, state chairperson of the Conservative Party and vice president of the Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District. Mike is a past grand marshal of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Parade, and an admired community leader. He and his wonderful wife Eileen are parents to nine children and 17 grandchildren. We join them all in wishing him many more happy and healthy ones.

UNSUNG FOLK REMEDIES:  Heartburn

A popular folk remedy for heartburn is to eat a Granny Smith apple at room temperature before a meal. It is said to prevent the symptoms from being formed, as heartburn is often a sign of low hydrochloric stomach acids.

If the heartburn is unexpected, and it is felt after eating, a folk remedy is to take one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a little water. Add honey if the taste is too strong, but some people take the vinegar without diluting it. Experiment and see what works best for you.

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