VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE DINNER
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, M BTR AY 17-23, 2019 49
GIBSON HOSTS P.S. 42 LIBRARY GRAND REOPENING
Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson joined P.S. 42 students and staff for a library grand opening
ceremony on Tuesday, April 30. After a decade of closure, the library has reopened and features
hundreds of new books; new technology features and open spaces for students, staff
and families to enjoy. The celebration featured a special performance from the student chorus,
a Student Council President address, a formal ribbon-cutting and an interactive read aloud led
by Gibson to inaugurate the new library.
Gibson (c) and principal Lucia Orduz (r) joined P.S. 42 students and staff in cutting the ribbon.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
Kindergarten Chorus and their teacher Ms. Fayazi (l) sang a song about the joys of reading.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
Gibson read the book ‘Library Lily’ about a young girl who loves to read books everywhere.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
The Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance toasted several local leaders at its annual dinner awards
gala on Friday, May 10 at Maestro’s Caterers. This year’s honorees included Joseph McManus,
80th Assembly District Democratic State committeeman; detective Danny ‘Giuseppe’ Cannova,
former 49th Precinct NCO; detective Janine Varela, former 49th Precinct NCO; Beverly Michael,
Montefi ore Medical Center Clinical Services vice president and Einstein Campus executive director;
Maureen Carvin, Ridgewood Savings Bank Branch banking offi cer and Joe Bombace,
Community Appreciation Award recipient.
The VNNA board members with the evening’s honorees. Photo by Silvio Pacifi co
(l-r) The 49th Precinct’s detectives Danny Cannova and Janine Varela and NCO Stephen
Brancatelli congratulated each other on their accomplishments. Photo by Silvio Pacifi co
Elected offi cials and VNNA board members welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
Photo by Silvio Pacifi co