Unsung Bay Ridge: Educator par excellence

This week I have chosen to highlight the contributions to our community of an old friend and dedicated educator: Sal Ferrera. I have chosen Sal as our unsung hero because of his lifetime of dedication to our children.

He started his career as a teacher with the Board of Education, rising to principal of P.S. 204. His vision brought him to Xaverian High School, as its first president, and achieved overwhelming honors during his 16 years at the helm.

His community service programs enabled the Bay Ridge Parks and Waterfront Committee to restore all of our parks: from Owl’s Head to all of Shore Road, with thousands of hours of community service by the student body. He was also responsible for starting the award-winning Xaverian School Band, and the second band of bagpipers.

Sal is now out of retirement to collaborate with Monsignor David Cassato in starting an innovative after-school program for children from six to 12 years old. ‘The Enrichment Program’ (TEP) will be at St. Dominic’s Church, 2201 Bay Ridge Parkway. (Call 917-885-3398 for further information.)

It will offer an hour of scholastic enrichment, using innovative methods, and the second hour for sports-related activities. The goal is to develop educational and athletic skills. He will be assisted by fellow Xaverian Joe Fontana. Sal is supported by his sons, John and Charles, and his grandchildren, Abigail, Nicholas and Carly.

COMMUNITY NEWS
It is that time of year again when two very special ladies in my life celebrate their birthdays: My dear friend Anne Strafaci on August 26 and my lovely wife, Phillipa, on August 28. I wish them both many more happy and healthy ones.
Congratulations and best wishes to Stephen Clavin, who recently graduated with his license as a funeral director. Stephen now joins his father, Peter, and brother Matthew as a licensed director at the Clavin Funeral Home.

UNSUNG FOLK REMEDIES: Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is used primarily to strengthen the heart, especially after heart attacks. It is also recommended as a supplemented for people who suffer from hypertension.

However, exciting research has found that this pill is also effective in breast cancer patients when used with traditional treatments.
Drs. Lockwood and Folkers of the University of Texas have published several cases of remission in women with metastasized breast cancer. Ask your doctor about taking CoQ10.

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