Greenpoint
Raise a glass and toast slàinte to Virginia “Gina” Marie Bernadette Sheehan, 86, who has been named as the aide to the grand marshall of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The octogenarian will be marching right alongside Grand Marshall George Mitchell on grand Fifth Avenue on March 17.
The Greenpoint daughter is a graduate of St. Anthony of Padua School and St. Joseph’s High School. She worked at Western Electric for 33 years and later retired from Lucent Technologies. She is well known throughout her neighborhood for her volunteer and charity work at many organizations, including the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernian and St. Vincent de Paul Society.
“Gina’s love of Ireland has been a constant throughout her life, and a gift she’s shared with her many family members,” said Neil Sheehan, also of Greenpoint, one of her 36 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews.
Neil said Gina has helped put together Irish history displays at local banks and libraries, and loves to take part in Irish lectures and walking tours. She’s made several trips to Ireland and served as a volunteer for many years at the Great Irish Fair in Brooklyn. She is one of the original volunteers at the New York Irish Immigration Center, and also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Don Bosco Counsel, and the American Legion’s St. Stan’s Post in Greenpoint. In addition, Gina maintains her membership with the Telephone Pioneers, a group of telephone retirees who do charity work.
Standing O says, “May the road rise up to meet you, and may the sun shine warm upon your face, Gina.”
Borough Wide
Answering the call
Hats off and welcome to Lauren Profeta for being named director of development at the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. Lauren has served as associate director of development for the past three years and will be a great team plater in her new post, said Answer the Call President Philip Moyles, Jr.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Lauren’s new role here at our organization,” he said. “Since joining us three years ago, she has been a great asset to our board, staff, and most importantly, the families we serve.”
The Brooklyn daughter is the sister of three New York City first responders and will help lead efforts of Answer the Call, which provides assistance to the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.
“I am proud to be part of this wonderful organization and remain committed to helping the families of our fallen heroes,” said Lauren, who will be responsible for coordinating fund-raising efforts, and managing day-to-day functions relating to staff, the board of directors, and the beneficiary families. She will continue to serve as the main liaison with the FDNY, NYPD, and Port Authority.
Standing O says, “Serve long and prosper.”
New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund [156 W. 56th St. in Manhattan, (646) 731–9630].
Sheepshead Bay
Smile!
Dentist Leonard Umanoff is offering a day of free dentistry on April 20, providing free fillings, extractions and cleanings to the first 50 people.
Dr. Leonard Ulmanoff [2277 Homecrest Ave. between Avenues V and W in Sheepshead Bay, (718) 382–3444].
Borough Wide,
Sing, sing, sing
It’s the third annual Brooklyn Sing on March 12. The inter-sing competition will pit students from Madison High School, Midwood High School and Murrow High School in a high-stakes sing-off to benefit the American Cancer Society. The battle begins at 6 pm at James Madison High School. Tickets are on sale now at madis
James Madison High School [3787 Bedford Ave., and Avenue P in Marine Park, (718) 758–7200].
