Talk about family fun!
This past Friday evening’s installment of the 2025 Summer Stroll on 3rd featured lots of exciting activities, dining and shopping specials, live entertainment and more “on the avenue,” but the best part is that I was able to share it all with members of my own family.
My beautiful wife Monica Viti-Buttacavoli and I attended the event with our little Paperanian Penelope Isabella Buttacavoli, stopping every few feet to say hello to friends and dog owners alike. Everyone was warm and welcoming, which made for a delightful evening.
We also received a surprise visit from my brother Nicholas Buttacavoli, who came in from New Jersey to meet us for a bite to eat at Panino Rustico, a personal favorite. Later on, he and I also stopped by Malone’s Chop House for another, much larger bite.
Among the friendly faces we encountered during our evening stroll were the event’s co-coordinators — Lisa Larkin and Christina Cafiero. They graciously played with Penelope while the missus checked out items for sale at Charmed by JLM. Charmed co-owner Jeanine Condon is a member of the Merchants of Third Avenue Civic Improvement Association, Inc.’s executive board, as is Sheila Brody, who spoke to my wife about new acupuncture treatments available at The Green Spa & Wellness Center.
Speaking of executive board members, we were greeted with a big smile by Ben-Bay Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. board member Scott Palma and his lovely wife Gabrielle, who enjoyed an evening stroll before heading off to see the fireworks at Coney Island.
Further along the route, which ran from 82nd Street to Marine Avenue, I was thrilled to introduce Penelope to the members of Scouting America’s Troop 18G and their scoutmaster, Shirley Chin. The troop was there to recruit new members and spread the word about some of the wonderful volunteer work they’ve done “on the avenue” and beyond!
If you haven’t yet attended the Summer Stroll on 3rd events, I encourage you to do for the final installment on Aug. 8, which closes Third Avenue to vehicular traffic from 82nd Street to 68th Street. And be sure to bring the family!
For more photos from this event, see brooklyneagle.com!
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If you’re doing something noteworthy “on the avenue,” reach out to me directly at [email protected]!
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