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2 NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2016 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Jaime DeJesus Reaching-Out Community Services host another successful Operation Gobbler Giver. Reaching-Out’s annual Operation Gobbler Giving provides holiday cheer BY JAIME DEJESUS JDEJESUSBROOKLYNREPORTER.COM Giving thanks once again to a local food pantry. Reaching-Out Community Services held its annual Operation Gobbler Giving event on a chilly Monday, November 21. A line stretched around the block from the center, 7708 New Utrecht Avenue, as the non-proit organization provided turkeys and all the trimmings for hundreds of families currently struggling fi nancially. “This is a program for people that are hoping to enjoy their Thanksgiving with everybody else,” said Tom Neve, RCS executive director. “Many people say unfortunately that things are so tight. They were going to skimp on their Thanksgiving meal, but because this organization was able to help them, they can join in with the rest of us and enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday without the stress of worrying if they can a ord to do so. And that’s the good part, enabling everybody to fi t in and enjoy the holiday as well.” Those that benefi ted from the organization’s good will were thrilled. “This means everything,” said Randall Seyfried, who received his meal. “I’m on disability and they give you very little money. All of my check goes to my rent so this is a huge help to my wife and me. If it wasn’t for this place, I don’t know what we’d do.” “I think it’s a splendid thing they do,” added Candace Greene. “I’m a single parent. They’re helping people who can’t afford turkey dinner, giving it to those in need of feeding their families.” Volunteers were also happy with the experience. “Every day for our people is Thanksgiving,” said assistant Linda Neve. “We are always giving every day of the year. This is just a little extra something that we are bringing to their tables. This is a big event for our organization. It makes our hearts feel happy so it was our joy that we give because we believe in giving back to those less fortunate.” “I love Reaching-Out,” added volunteer Teresa Pandolfo, who had been helping out since 9 a.m. “They’re always there for me and whenever they need us, we call them and they come.” For Neve, this year’s event was a struggle. “This event has been a little more challenging,” he said. “Unfortunately, there seem to be a lot more people that were requesting and not as many supplies as we normally get.” While, he noted, the Rotary Club of Verrazano was a big help this year as they donated 250 turkeys, Reaching-Out, also used funds raised on line to purchase additional ones. MAN WHO PLEDGED ALLEGIANCE TO ISIS WAS FLATBUSH RESIDENT An Uber driver living on Clarendon Road in Flatbush was arrested by the FBI on Monday, November 21 for allegedly attempting to join ISIS and for expressing interest in plotting a Nice-style attack on Times Square. According to authorities, 37-year-old Mohamed Rafi k Naji revealed his support for the terror organization on social media, and reportedly traveled to both Turkey and Yemen in repeated attempts to join the group. Naji is charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization. He is currently being held without bail. UBER EATS EXPANDS THROUGH BROOKLYN UberEats – an on-demand meal delivery service powered by the popular ride-sharing app Uber – has expanded further into Brooklyn, featuring (for the fi rst time) foodie-favorite restaurants like Midwood’s Di Fara Pizza and Bay Ridge’s brand new Artichoke Basille’s Pizza. The service partners with local restaurants to connect drivers to hungry eaters, who can order meals from eateries in a designated radius using the smartphone app. Previously, Di Fara had not delivered at all, and currently, Artichoke’s Bay Ridge location is not listed on any other online delivery services. To celebrate the expansion, UberEats is o ering $10 o customers’ fi rst two orders by using the code 10OFFBKNOV18 (through November 30). Download UberEats for a full list of participating eateries. BAY RIDGE AVENUE STATION REVAMP APPROVED The Bay Ridge Avenue station is set to be revamped a er the MTA Capital Review Board approved the fi rst phase of the MTA’s Enhanced Station Initiative, State Senator Marty Golden announced last week. The revamp — which will see the station closed for at least six months starting at a date still to be announced — includes signifi cant renovations and improvements to the Bay Ridge Avenue station, such as new canopies and totems at the station’s entrances as well as new furniture and technology integration. The revamped stations will also feature enhanced lighting throughout, as well as improved signage, countdown clocks, improved cell service, wi-fi , new art and real-time navigation systems. Golden said he is confi dent that improvements for the R Line’s 77th Street and 95th Street train stations will be approved in the near future. Additionally, Golden’s o ce confi rmed, elevator construction at the 86th Street station will start this spring. —Meaghan McGoldrick & Melody Chan Karen Greene with her turkey during Reaching- Out Community Service’s Operation Gobbler Giver.


BSR11242016
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