Unsung Bay Ridge: “The People’s Ambassador”

This week’s unsung hero is a true gentleman whom I have nicknamed  ‘The People’s Ambassador of Fifth Avenue.”  Tom Sessa is a resident of 76^th Street and Fifth Avenue, and can be seen on a daily basis helping seniors with packages or shopping at the neighborhood C-Town, for those who are house bound.

For 35 years, he was employed at Lutheran Medical Center where he now volunteers to assist senior patients. Tom is always on the lookout to do good, even watching my dog, Allie, while I do my supermarket shopping.

I knew his mother as a friendly, caring teenager who worked with me at Victory Memorial Hospital. She has truly taught him well.

Tom loves to spend time with his family on Long Island, and also with the hundreds of adopted ‘family’ members on Fifth Avenue, whom he helps in any way he can. We are fortunate to have someone like Tom Sessa in our community.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Boxing lovers will be thrilled to hear that the Golden Gloves Boxing match will be at St. Finbar’s Monsignor Scanlon Center (Bath Avenue and Bay 20^th Street) on Monday, March 2. For tickets, please call 718-236-3312. In advance, the cost is $20 and $25 if bought at the door.

Philip Guarnieri, president of Empire State Bank, invites the community to the open house at the Bay Ridge branch at 8701 Third Avenue, from February 19-28. Drop by for refreshments and free prizes. A warm atmosphere awaits, as Philip is no stranger to Bay Ridge. He was with the old Hamilton Savings Bank on 86^th Street.  Drop in and welcome Philip back to the neighborhood.

UNSUNG  HEALTH REMEDIES

Today’s remedy is not a folk remedy per se, but it is an unsung health remedy that I think deserves mention. Researchers at the University of California at Irvine have released exciting news about Alzheimer’s disease.

A cheap, over-the-counter form of Vitamin B3, called nicontinamide (not niacin), is creating a buzz in the medical community. The scientists engineered mice to get the equivalent of Alzheimer’s, and then added nicontinamide to the drinking water. The results of this study showed improvement in both short and long term memory of the mice.

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