BSR_p057

BSM04282016

APRIL 29 - MAY 5, 2016 • BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP 57 Event honors outstanding Greek-Americans BY JAIME DEJESUS [email protected] State legislators joined on Saturday, April 3 to celebrate Greek heritage and honor outstanding Greek-Americans within the community. Once again, State Senator Marty Golden and Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis partnered with AHEPA Brooklyn Chapter 41 and were joined by honorees and others for the festivities, hosted at Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School, 8502 Ridge Boulevard. The fun-fi lled afternoon featured traditional Greek music and performances. “I am very proud of my Greek heritage and enjoy celebrating with those in the community at our annual event with AHEPA. We honored exceptional individuals and enjoyed a wonderful exhibition of traditional Greek dances by local schoolchildren,” Malliotakis said. “Bay Ridge, in many ways, is a perfect microcosm of the melting pot we call New York City. It is comprised of so many different cultures, ethnicities and religions, which make it such a beautiful community to represent.” The event honored fi ve individuals who have made a difference within the community in education, faith and youth programs, including Stella Kafkis, Ioanna Giannopoulos, Bob Geroulanos, Anastasios Gementzopoulos. Additionally, Jim Athanasatos was honored posthumously. “It is always such a wonderful event to celebrate Greek Heritage and the America afternoon enjoyable for all who attended.” At the celebration. Brush painting at New Utrecht Library brings community together BY CHRISTOPHER MALONE [email protected] Brush-off took on a whole new meaning for Bensonhurst residents who had the opportunity to dabble in Chinese brush painting at the New Utrecht branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Sponsored by Apple Bank, the class provided children and adults with the opportunity to learn the ancient style of illustration sitting side by side in the friendly, educational atmosphere. Organized by Yung- Le Yau of the library, Edward Chu of Apple Bank, Sonia Valentin of the Friends Group and other affi liated members of the library, the activity was designed to bring the community and its families closer. Originally, the program was for adults only and began last year, thanks to a grant, and ran from March through June. When it ended, teachers and students donated their pieces to the library where they were sold at an exhibition and auction. In the end, over 500 participants took part and $800 was raised for the library. Even though the grant ended, the library decided to fi nd the funds to keep the program running. This year, one of the goals was to extend the program to children and in conjunction with Apple Bank, the after-school classes became a reality. The bank was able to sponsor three classes for an intergenerational audience. Apple Bank, “Plans on continuing this service, and might go to other branches,” says Chu, adding that it “Builds a foundation for future children.” Yau spoke of the importance of involving children and other residents in the library. For some, such as Hui Ting Liu, Yau said, the class offered the opportunity to practice brush painting done in China. For others, said Yau, it’s a chance to learn a new trade. And, for families, Yau said, it’s an opportunity to bond. At the last class, a small exhibit comprising student and teacher work was shown. In the center of the room, anyone interested in Chinese culture and brush painting could read through a stack of books pulled from the shelves. For more information on library programs, visit bklynlibrary.org. BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photo by Christopher Malone Student and teacher work was displayed during a party held during the last intergenerational Chinese brush painting class. BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/ Photos by Corazon Aguirre Honorees with Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis and State Senator Marty Golden at the Greek Heritage celebration. contributions of so many Greek-Americans to the success of our community. This year, alongside of Assemblywoman Malliotakis and AHEPA Chapter 41, we recognized some true leaders who have made a difference in education, civics, youth programming, Boy Scouts of and more,” added Golden. “And the entertainment and cultural pride on display truly make the


BSM04282016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above