Bay Ridge
A canine’s best friend, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R–Bay Ridge), did!
The pooch-loving politician was joined by NYPD K-9 unit Officer Matt Wicelinski and “Officer” Dallas (the cute furry one with the collar) at Holy Angels Catholic Academy in Bay Ridge, and provided the students in grades first through fifth an opportunity to see first-hand a demonstration on how the K-9 unit operates, how the dogs are trained, and the role the important department plays in helping our police officers keep our city safe.
“The bond between Officer Wicelinski and Dallas is truly remarkable, and it’s so important for the students to gain an appreciation for work,” said Malliotakis. “In today’s day and age the police department requires every tool at their disposal to get the job done, and the dogs of the K-9 Unit are among their most valuable.”
It’s important to teach young people at an early age to respect our police officers and be kind to animals, claimed Malliotakis.
“This demonstration achieves both,” she said.
Malliotakis District Office [7408 Fifth Ave. at 75th Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 987–0197].
Bensonhurst
May the 4th be with you!
Three cheers to borough son Jean Paul Ho, owner of Brooklyn Real Property for opening his fourth — yep, fourth! — real estate office on Sept. 8.
Standing O pal Jean-Paul really cares about his hometown.
“I love Brooklyn and I care about the community,” he said. “Buying and selling is not just transactions to Brooklyn Real Property, it is a lifetime relationship and commitment to you, and relationships are priceless and our reputation is priceless.”
Standing O says, “Sell well and prosper.”
Brooklyn Real Property [2106 Bath Ave. between Bay Parkway and 21st Street in Bensonhurst, (718) 713–6888].
Bedford-Stuyvesant
‘We are Farmers’
It’s a big dream in a big borough for a big teacher!
Maura Flanagan of PS 373K Brooklyn Transition Center in Bedford-Stuyvesant was named a finalist in the Thank America’s Teachers Dream Big Teacher Challenge. The excellent educator was among the 15 finalists vying for a $100,000 Educational Grant from Farmers Insurance. The initiative awards teachers for their ideas to help create a lasting and positive impact on their classrooms, schools, and communities.
Maura’s proposal was to bridge the gap between school and work for disabled students.
If she is awarded the funding, it will go towards creating inquiry-based learning labs that operate as safe spaces for disabled students living in a high-crime-rate area to practice living and working in the community. The nine labs include a retail-grocery store lab that is set up like a typical grocery store. This lab offers students with disabilities a chance to learn how to budget for a meal and deal with money as an employee or a customer, preparing them for community engagement and real-world jobs.
“I am so excited to recognize the amazing work of Maura Flanagan and share in her excitement of being one step closer to winning $100,000,” said Rob Bowen, local Farmers Insurance agent. “Flanagan embodies everything we should celebrate in teachers on World Teacher’s Day and I urge the Brooklyn community, the state of New York, and the entire nation to vote to help make Flanagan’s big dream a reality.”
Come on, Brooklynites, Maura needs our votes. We can do it! www.farme
PS 373K Brooklyn Transition Center [185 Ellery St. in Bedford Stuyvsant; (718) 782-6800].
Bensonhurst
Ready, set, walk!
Reaching-Out Community Services is holding the eighth annual Walk and Support Against Hunger and Brooklyn’s Got Talent contest on Oct. 15.
Beginning at 11 am, walkers will meet at New Utrecht Avenue and 77th Street and travel on 18th Avenue from 78th Street to 69th Street, then return to the starting point for a block party and the talent contest at 1 pm. The winner will receive $500.
For more information or to register, contact Tom Neve at (917) 509–9055 or get a Walk Registration Form at www.rcspr
Reaching-Out Community Services, Inc. [7708 New Utrecht Ave. at 77th Street in Bensonhurst, (718) 373–4565].