Sopranos star JOSEPH GANNASCOLI was back on home turf in Bay Ridge Monday night. The Merchants of Third Avenue Association gave the former Third Avenue restaurateur special recognition at the group’s annual Pioneers of Third Avenue Champagne Cocktail Reception. Reception honorees included DONNA HAZAZ, MIKE BROCKING, ELLEN HEANEY and CHRISTINE HEANEY. Civic Service Awards went to HARRIET ROSENBERG, ANTHONY PENNACCHIO and BASIL CAPETANAKIS. A festive crowd gathered at Areo’s Restaurant to toast their deserving honorees, sample hors d’oeuvres from Third Avenue’s finest restaurants and support the programs that benefit Bay Ridge’s famed shopping and eating district.
