Unsung Bay Ridge: A passion for parks

NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:  Our unsung heroes

This week I have decided to spotlight the contributions of Bernadette Hoban to our community. Bernadette is the founder of Friends of Owls Head Park.

She has worked tirelessly with a large group of her neighbors to clean and keep the park safe. She also saw the need for a dog run in the park, and teamwork again resulted in the dog run being overhauled and reopened.

Her love of animals has led her to support her friend Mary Ann Tobin in hosting the adoption of hundreds of dogs and cats. I am particularly thankful, as my dog Allie was adopted through this program.

Bernadette is a leader of the Bliss Terrace Block Association, a group that keeps the housing area as clean as the park. She is a director with New York Life Insurance, and credits her wife Mary Ann for being the supportive component she needs to keep going.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Belated birthday greetings go out to my dear friend community activist Chuck Otey.  As executive secretary of the Merchants of Third Avenue, Chuck is always on the forefront of promoting Bay Ridge. I enjoyed being associated with him during our BCAT Television Show, “A View From Bay Ridge.” We join his loving wife, Verena, in wishing him a wonderful year.

Congratulations to Bay Ridge’s own great American patriot Howie Dunn and his lovely wife Mae on the celebration of  their 68^th wedding anniversary. This great team is a shining example of love, dedication and cooperation in marriage. I love them both.

UNSUNG FOLK  REMEDIES:   Fish Oil

Fish oil is being used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, according to reports from the Washington University Medical Center. It has been discovered that fish oil supplements reduced inflammation in the colon by 60 percent. Patients felt much better and gained weight.

In Crohn’s disease patients, studies show that 59 percent of the ones who used fish oil, were in remission compared to 26 percent of the ones who used a placebo.

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