President's Message
May I take this opportunity to welcome you to the Bay Ridge Community Council? As the new president of the Bay Ridge Community Council (BRCC), it is my sincere pleasure to have you visit with us via this web site.
The Bay Ridge Community Council which was founded in 1951 was the brainchild of two brothers imbued with a strong commitment to community service – Vincent and Walter Kassenbrock. Joined by other prominent citizens at the time, the Council was formed for the purpose of promoting the “moral, social and economic welfare of the people of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Fort Hamilton.
In the early 1960’s, the Council spear headed the fight to prevent the destruction of homes and the displacement of families to make way for the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. While this valiant effort failed, the Council from that point forward grew in statute and size. Today more than 100 member organizations representing civic, business, educational, veteran and community interests comprise the Bay Ridge Community Council.
Among the major events the Council has proudly hosted and sponsored for more than 55 years is the Halloween Art Window Painting Contest and the annual Track and Field Meet each designed for thousands of participating school-age children. Another premier event the Council has sponsored for over five decades is the awarding of its prestigious Civic Award at the celebratory annual Dinner Dance.
Back in the 1970's the Kassenbrock Brothers Memorial Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing small scholarships for college bound high school seniors, who have demonstrated outstanding community service. Over $30,000 in aid was awarded in 2008 through private and public funding. During the 80's and 90's saw the entry of the Essay and Photography competitions. In addition, the Council continues to host election year local political debates, interesting public forums, health, environmental, and anti-crime forums as well as special programs to celebrate and thank our local police and fire personnel.
As the 2008-09 President, it is my goal to see that the Council continues to be the vital and highly respected community organization that it has always been and will always be. To increase our membership where possible, and with the assistance and cooperation of my committee chair people, seek to bring significant programs and presentations to the forefront on any issue affecting the people and property of our community.
Please continue to visit this website for updated news and information. We meet the 4th Tuesday of each month (except December, July and August), and invite you to attend our meetings.
If I can be of any assistance to you or you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.
Arlene Keating
President
Keating photo courtesy of the Home Reporter and Sunset News
