On the Avenue: Ben-Bay Kiwanian honored by Rotary Club of Verrazano

A Kiwanian and a Rotarian walk into a ballroom …

It’s not a joke; two of the most charitable and impactful organizations came together for a very special night as the Rotary Club of Verrazano welcomed members of the Ben-Bay Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. to its 47th Anniversary Gala on Friday, May 2. The elegant affair was held “on the avenue” at El Caribe Caterers, 5945 Strickland Ave.

Longtime Ben-Bay Kiwanis board member Frank Naccarato was among the evening’s honorees, receiving the Rotary Club’s Man of the Year Award for his decades of service to the community.

In addition to his work with Kiwanis, which has helped countless children and families in need throughout Brooklyn, Naccarato proudly serves on the board of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations and Maimonides Health.

The Rotarians also honored Caroline Manuetto, who received the club’s Community Service Award. Vito Cardinale, Joseph El-Kallassy and Bruno Frustaci each received the Paul Harris Fellow Award.

Both Ben-Bay and Rotary have important events coming up on the calendar. At press time, Kiwanians were preparing to show their respect for America’s military heroes by marching in the 158th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade, which steps off “on the avenue” each year and features hundreds of military groups. Kiwanians always turn out in force to participate in and support this cherished Bay Ridge tradition.

The Rotarians, meanwhile, are currently accepting donations to help the victims of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, N.C. For more information, visit verrazanorotaryclub.com.

For more on this event, see coverage on brooklyneagle.com.

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OK, Bay Ridge — this is your “cue” to help a neighbor in need!

Lynn Sanders, owner of the popular Cue Boutique located at 9108 Third Ave., has been recovering slowly from a severe stroke she suffered in August 2024 that caused her to undergo emergency brain surgery and left her paralyzed on the left side of her body. The life-changing event left her unable to return to work at the shop she loves.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help ease some of the financial burden on Sanders shortly after her surgery, but the costs have continued to mount, according to the page.

“I went from independent to dependent and now I need help,” Sanders wrote. “Your support means the world to me. Thank you.”

This week, members of the Merchants of Third Avenue Civic Improvement Association, Inc. (MoTA) came together to rally for her cause, circulating a link to the GoFundMe page and encouraging fellow merchants to contribute.

“Every contribution and act of kindness makes a difference. Let’s show Lynn what the strength of our merchant community really means,” an email blast from MoTA’s executive board members read.

To contribute, click here.

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If you’re doing something noteworthy “on the avenue,” reach out to me directly at [email protected]!