Unsung Bay Ridge: A community treasure

NEIGHBORS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Our unsung heroes

This week, I have chosen to highlight the contributions of Michael Nairaichi, a Bay Ridge businessman who operates his food wholesale business as well as being a real estate broker.

Michael spends much of his spare time working to integrate and bridge cultural differences between Moroccan immigrants and our community. He proudly reminds all that Morocco was the first country in the world to recognize the independence of the United States in 1777.

Relations between Morocco and the United States date back to our earliest days, and Michael — along with other founding members of the Moroccan American Association — works hard to maintain that peace and strong bond, through organizing English language classes; citizenship tutoring, food assistance and other services that newly arriving and other immigrants need for successful integration into our community.

He is able to do as much as he does due to the support of his wife, Kim, and daughters, Sara and Jasmine. Michael Nairaichi is truly a neighbor that makes a difference.

COMMUNITY NEWS

It is indeed the “most wonderful time of the year.” Get ready for the Merchants of Third Avenue Annual Christmas party on December 14, at 7 p.m., at CEBU Restaurant, 88th Street and Third Avenue. The price of admission is an unwrapped toy(s) for the children of the military families at Fort Hamilton Army Base.

Congratulations to my friend James McHugh on being selected as the grand marshal of the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will be held on March 20, 2016. James is a senior vice president of Signature Bank, and is a great choice by the selection committee.

UNSUNG FOLK REMEDIES: Hangover Relief

The holidays can be fun, but sometimes we can have too much fun, and have to go to work the next day. A banana milkshake sweetened with honey is said to be a quick way to calm your stomach and ease hangover symptoms. Add the juice of one lemon to a cup of black coffee and drink without sugar or milk.

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