Bay Ridge
Snip, snip, and welcomes are in order for Rosemary Vitale, the new branch manager at the new Apple Bank branch in Bay Ridge, which will open on June 29, bringing the total number of Apples in the bushel to a grand total of 18 in our fair burg.
Rosemary was an outstanding and valuable member of the bank’s branch management team, said James Matera, executive veep and head of Apple Bank’s Consumer Banking Division.
“She has been a committed community banker always reaching out to local neighborhoods and businesses and we are very fortunate to have her lead the way at the newest branch,” he said. “Given her strong roots in the community, as well as in the nearby communities of Bensonhurst and Staten Island, she is a perfect fit.”
The banking veteran has been branch manager of Apple’s Bensonhurst branch since 2013, and now brings her expertise to the new location.
Our pal James added that the bank will have extended hours on Thursday until 6 pm and on Saturday until 1 pm, in addition to being near public transportation, and loads of shops and restaurants.
“We can serve the banking needs of the community’s diverse ethnic population,” he said. “We pride ourselves on getting to know the community leaders and the neighborhood residents personally, and that means understanding their needs, goals and concerns.”
Apple Bank (426 86th St. between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Bay Ridge).
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Move over the tassels
Standing O tosses the mortar boards in the air for Xaverian’s Middle School’s Class of 2015. Genesis celebrated graduation day on June 13, featuring an invocation by proud grad Madeline Schalk, a welcome from president Robert Alesi (’78), addresses by co-valedictorians Brigid McEvoy and Kathryn McGarty, and a closing prayer by graduating senior Brendan Cottingham. A Passing of Tradition Ceremony for the Student Council followed the diploma presentation.
“The young men and women of the Class of 2015 are remarkable representatives of the Genesis standard of excellence,” said Genesis Dean Patricia McEvoy. “I am very proud of their many accomplishments and I know they have bright and rewarding futures.” So is Standing O!
Xaverian Middle School [7100 Shore Rd. at 71st Street in Bay Ridge (718) 836–7100].
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Man’s best friend
Special thanks to Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R–Bay Ridge) for arranging a visit at PS 102 in Bay Ridge with the K-9 Kops — K-9 Diesel, K-9 Murdock, and K-9 Tauriel — and their partners, Det. Scott Matyaschuk and Police Officers Neal Campbell and Sean Stone.
Third graders watched a demonstration on how the K-9 Unit operates, how the dogs are trained, and the vital role of the department in helping keep our city safe.
“I hope this demonstration gave the children an understanding of and appreciation for our police officers and their working dogs,” said the congresswoman. “The bond and level of trust between the officer and the dog is remarkable, and their value in investigations and crime prevention is undoubted.”
Principal Cornelia Sichenze appreciated the visit.
“Thank you to Nicole Malliotakis for making this possible for us today,” she said. “It’s very positive, not only that the students are learning about the care and help that the K-9 unit provides, but it also builds trust between the children and the Police Department,” she said.
PS 102 [211 72nd St. and Ridge Boulevard in Bay Ridge, (718) 748–7404].
Dyker Heights
Legal eagle has landed
Congratulations to Arthur Aidala on his induction as the 100th president of the Brooklyn Bar Association. The Brooklyn barrister was feted on June 17 at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge Hotel.
Standing O pal Arthur is a criminal defense attorney and legal analyst at Fox News Channel.
Aidala, Bertuna, & Kamins [8118 13th Ave. at 81st Street in Dyker Heights, (800) 410–4804].
