Borough Wide
Three cheers to borough daughter Dese’Rae L. Stage. Our shining star was recognized at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2015 Voice Awards on Aug. 12 in Los Angeles with the Consumer-Peer Leadership Award.
The 10th anniversary of the Voice Awards brings together the behavioral health community and the entertainment industry to recognize individuals who increase public awareness and understanding of mental and substance-use disorders, and the reality of recovery. This year, the event spotlighted the impact that suicide has on individuals, families, and communities.
The Voice Awards recognizes consumer-peer leaders like Dese’Rae, who share their personal stories of resilience to educate the public about behavioral health, and demonstrate that people with mental or substance-use disorders can recover, lead meaningful lives, and contribute to their communities.
Standing O says, “Thank you Dese’Rae for your courage, determination, and dedication.”
Prospect Park
Welcome and bienvenue
Standing O extends a hearty welcome to the neighborhood to TEAL — which stands for Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer. After years of organizing, promoting and running the program out of a home office, the group has moved into bigger and better digs, where it will host workshops and offer community assistance, with events and programs for survivors and their families.
The mission of the foundation is to promote public awareness and education about the dreaded disease.
Thank you TEAL, and good luck in your new home.
TEAL, [533 16th St. and 10th Avenue in Prospect Park, (917) 310–4835].
flatbush-ditmas park
The great Oracle
The National Storytelling Network announced that local Robin Bady is the recipient of the ORACLE Service and Leadership Award for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Robin was chosen based on her sinificant contributions to the local and regional storytelling community. She serves as the state liaison, and is a storyteller.
Her most recent project is “Nancy Drewinsky and the Search for the Missing Letter.”
Robin has served as artistic director of the Children’s Theater of the 92nd Street Y, the director of the Storytelling Center of New York City, and has worked as a teacher, artist, and staff developer with the Brooklyn Academy of Music, ArtsConnection, Henry Street Settlement, the New York City Ballet and the Brooklyn Arts Council.
She is also the producer and host of the BadyHouse Storytelling Concerts, which match New York storytellers from the personal story scene with visiting raconteurs from across the country and abroad. Among her many other endeavors, she acts as a mentor for local storytellers.
BadyHouse Storytelling [85 Chester Ave. near Church Avenue in Flatbush-Ditmas Park, (718) 633–6651].
Bensonhurst
Tapping to a new tune
Standing O is putting out the welcome mat to Brooke Reinfeld as the new athletic director and dance instructor at Bishop Kearney High School
Brooke is originally from St. Louis, Mo., where she studied dance.
She currently serves as the head diving coach at Queens College and actively dances with TKO Dance Academy.
Dr. Margaret Minson, president at Kearney, shared the news with Standing O and said, “I believe Ms. Reinfeld truly embodies the play-to-win attitude Kearney athletics is known for. She will be a tremendous asset as we look to grow our athletic program.”
Kearney is also embracing a new dance program that will include a foundation in ballet and jazz techniques, as well as an understanding of the history, vocabulary, performance, and development of the art. The program will also help students gain self-esteem, and an awareness and appreciation of movement.
Brooke’s motto is “Keep Moving!”
Standing O wishes Brooke welcome and keep on dancing!
Bishop Kearney High School [2202 Bay 60th St. and Bay Parkway in Bensonhurst, (718) 236–6363].
