Unsung Bay Ridge: Sylvia on the block

NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:  Our unsung heroes

This week I have selected my neighbor Sylvia Koufos as our unsung hero. Sylvia is an active member of the 500 block association on 76^th Street. Many people love their block, but Sylvia goes the extra mile; like joining her neighbor June Johnson in holding a flea market, and using the proceeds to continue the block beautification program.

The block association helps to keep the streets beautiful by adding flowers for gardens. Sylvia runs errands for seniors and she is a big supporter of animal protection. (My dog Allie must know this, because she gets very excited whenever she sees Sylvia on the street.)

As a long time employee of Century 21, Sylvia works with the Fifth Avenue BID in helping to keep their property clean. She also helps with school fundraisers to purchase supplies for the children. Sylvia always has a warm smile for everyone. Her community work is supported by her husband, George, and children, John, Sofia and Michael.

COMMUNITY NEWS

A very happy birthday to Mike Buckley, a Xaverian graduate and lead instructor at the Training Resource Center, led by Donna Mae DePola. We join his beautiful wife, Lisa, and adorable children, Olivia and Christopher, in wishing him many more happy and healthy ones.

I welcome my new primary doctor, Ramsey Joudeh, MD, who will soon be opening his private practice at 466 Bay Ridge Avenue.

Ramsey is a well-known doctor who volunteers for many public health fairs, as he assists his father, Habib Joudeh, owner of Pharmacy on Fifth.  He is a newly appointed member of Community Board 10. Dr. Ramsey and his beautiful wife, Alaa, are expecting their first child soon, and we wish them all the best.

UNSUNG FOLK  REMEDIES: 

Cabbage is called “the doctor of the poor,” due to its multitude of therapeutic uses. A folk remedy for asthma and bronchitis sufferers, is to boil two ounces of cabbage in a pint of water for one hour, add two ounces of honey when cooled, and drink it.

Juiced cabbage works like a miracle on stomach ulcers; often within three days. Drink one eight ounce glass per day for three days. Consult a doctor if you have thyroid problems before you eat or drink cabbage.

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