Park Slope
Our pal Dr. Laura Robbins was awarded the highest honor from the American College of Rheumatology, the ARHP Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the senior veep of education and academic affairs, and associate scientist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a sustained and lasting contribution to the field of rheumatology and rheumatology health professionals. According to Linda Ehrlich Jones, president of the association, “Dr. Robbins is an amazing volunteer. She has provided her expertise to both the ARHP and the Arthritis Foundation.” You’re preaching to the choir — Standing O knows Dr. Laura is pretty amazing.
Borough-wide
Welcome aboard, freshmen!
Three cheers to incoming freshman at St. Saviour High School. Incoming students and their parents were feted to a welcome dinner, where they met with current students and faculty. This select group of eighth graders has been accepted into the school, and received exclusive scholarships. Standing O says congrats and welcome aboard!
St. Saviour High School [588 Sixth St. between Eight Avenue and Prospect Park West in Park Slope, (718) 768-4406].
Downtown
Like good neighbors
Don’t know who to turn to now that it’s tax time? LIU Brooklyn is offering to prepare tax returns through its volunteer income tax assistance program. Volunteers, trained by the IRS, help prepare tax forms for seniors, disabled people and low-income families. Myrna Fischman, CPA, Ph.D., chairwoman of the Department of Accounting, Taxation and Law told Standing O, “For 40 years, LIU Brooklyn has helped our neighbors — many of them disabled, elderly, or non-English speaking — through the program. Our services are free and reliable.”
Take advantageof the service on Fridays and Saturdays, from Feb. 18 to April 14, 10 am–2 pm. Give Dr. Fischman a call to arrange an appointment. Taxpayers should bring valid photo ID and social security cards for themselves and dependents, records of their income including W-2s and 1099s and, if possible, last year’s returns.
LIU [1 University Plz. between Flatbush and DeKalb avenues in Downtown, (718) 780-4062].
Borough-wide
It’s hot, hot, hot!
Do you want to get healthy? Standing O pal Diana Zotos, a certified yoga instructor, is giving out a few hints to stay in tip-top shape while practicing “hot” yoga. The age-old exercise regiment is practiced in a heated environment. The high temps help the body sweat out toxins, while allowing the person to safely achieve deeper poses.
According to Diana, “Yoga of any type is physically challenging and the heated environment makes the practice especially demanding.”
Her tips include:
Be well prepared and bring a mat and towel, wear shorts and a tank top;
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids before the class. No soda or coffee and don’t eat anything heavy two to three hours before beginning;
Make sure the teacher is certified in Bikram (the most comon form of hot yoga);
Start slowly and learn the basics; Don’t ever push yourself to the point of pain;
Listen to your body and stop at the first sign of discomfort;
Don’t get discouraged if you can’t perform a pose — just give yourself time and practice.;
Last but not least: if you get dizzy, light headed, overheated or experience chest pains, stop and seek medical assistance.
