NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Our unsung heroes
This week, we honor a very special person who has gone beyond the call of duty for her students and community. My unsung hero is Jaynemarie Capetanakis, who has served as principal for the past nine years at P.S. 69 (The Vincent Grippo School).
Jaynemarie is such a community-minded person that she led the appeal for a traffic light at the corner of the school to ensure the safety of her students. She worked with Community Board 10 in this effort, and the collaboration led her to become a volunteer; and in so doing, became the chairperson of the board’s Traffic and Transportation Committee. I am always impressed by the detail and delivery of her reports.
Due to Jaynemarie and her staff’s hard work, the school was selected as a showcase school of the arts for 2014-2015. She saw the need for three-year-olds to attend pre-school activities, and established the ‘Young Angels Program.’ Jaynemarie credits the outstanding support of her husband George and children Cathy, Gina and John, with helping her to do as much as she does. We are blessed to have her in our community.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Congratulations to two outstanding ladies in our community, who have been selected to receive the Bay Ridge Community Council’s 2015 Civic Award. Zoe Koutsoupakis and Arlene Rutuelo are both highly deserving recipients for their decades of outstanding service to Bay Ridge. They will receive their awards during BRCC’s annual dinner dance at Sirico’s, 81st Street and 13th Avenue, on Thursday, June 4, from 7 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person. For reservations, please contact Mary Ann Walsh at 718-833-6624.
Save the date, Sunday, May 3, for the Sliders and Wings BBQ fun fest. Join Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello as you sample and savor sliders and wings from your favorite Bay Ridge restaurants. The BBQ takes place on the St. Nicholas Home grounds, from 1 to 5 p.m. Contribution is $20, and it helps to support the St. Nicholas Renovation Fund.
UNSUNG FOLK REMEDIES
As the seasons change, many people suffer from colds and mild fevers. I always advise medical care when a fever is present, as it could be an infection that needs attention. However, an old folk remedy for a mild fever is to paint egg white under both feet and cover them with a pair of socks. It is said that this usually reduces the body temperature.
Please consult your doctor if you have any health concerns, or on any medication.
On the Avenue: Annual Kiwanis karaoke event raises funds for ailing children 
On the Avenue: Bay Ridge’s parade season in full swing