VNNA HOSTS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, DECEMBER 2 BTR 1-27, 2018 85
URBAN HEALTH PLAN HONORS EVERYDAY HEROES
Councilman Rafael Salamanca attended Urban Health Plan’s 44th annual gala at Villa Barone
Manor. This year’s theme was ‘Everyday Heroes Making a Difference,’ and Salamanca
presented citations to all honorees, including Kamil Rivera of Off The Grid and Luz Correa of
Union Community Health Center, both for their work in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria;
Michael Melendez of CMCHO for the Lifetime Achievement Award and David Soriano and
Adrys Turbi for the Dr. Izqueirdo Youth Awards.
(l-r) Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Salamanca, Adrys Turbi and David Soriano.
Photo courtesy of Councilman Rafael Salamanca’s Offi ce
Kamil Rivera (2nd from r) was honored at the ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Councilman Rafael Salamanca’s Offi ce
Luz Correa (2nd from l) graciously accepted her awards from Councilman Salamanca.
Photo courtesy of Councilman Rafael Salamanca’s Offi ce
The Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance celebrated the holiday season with its annual Christmas
Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 9 at Van Nest Avenue and Unionport Road.
VNNA’s Bob Nolan (2nd row, 2nd from l), senior advisor; John Messenger (back, l), treasurer
and Bernadette Ferrara (2nd row, c), president wished everyone a happy holiday season.
Photo by Aracelis Batista
(l-r) Virginia, Fr. Robert, Bernadette Ferrara, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblywoman Nathalia
Fernandez, Joe McManus and Marian Manfredi welcomed everyone to the celebration.
Photo by Aracelis Batista
Ava Macek (l) and Marian Manfredi, VNNA secretary, let their holiday spirits shine bright!
Photo by Aracelis Batista