Bensonhurst
Long-time Standing O pal John Quaglione — director of communications for state Sen. Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge) — celebrated children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2 with rapt third graders at PS 186, reading them the tickling tale of “Ten Apples Up On Top.”
This is John’s third year wearing the Cat in the Hat’s topper, as a guest reader taking young minds on an exciting word journey — something he cherishes, he told Standing O.
“It was a fun time reading and sharing the story with them,” he said.
Turning the page, Standing O would like to send a congratulatory shout-out to John and his lovely wife, Kerry Quaglione, for the birth of their bouncing bundle of joy, Olivia Nicole, on March 3.
Here’s wishing you and your family, health, happiness and joy, John, and lots of Dr. Seuss books in Olivia Nicole’s future. Get reading!
PS 186 [7601 19th Ave. at 76th Street in Bensonhurst, (718) 236–7071].
Boerum Hill
Put your hands together for borough daughter Angela Ferrante on her recent promotion to senior veep of operations at Garden City Group. She is currently in the company’s Lake Success headquarters — you know, over there on Long Island.
Our Standing O angel brings to this role more than 15 years experience in claims administration operations and legal practice.
At Garden City Group for the past nine years, Angela has led some of the most historic legal administrations of all time, expanded the group’s services, and spearheaded the evolution of the group’s technology. She served before as a senior associate at Akin Grump Strauss Hauer and Feld law firm, and as a law associate at Weil, Gotshal and Managers.
In her new post Angela will be responsible for the oversight and management of class-action settlement administrations, restructuring and bankruptcy matters, mass tort settlements, regulatory settlements, legal notice programs, and data breach response programs.
Her new colleagues are delighted to have her on board.
“We are excited for Angela to take this next step, and we have all the confidence she will continue to do great things,” said Kenneth Cutshaw, Garden City Group’s president and chief executive officer.
Standing O wishes Angela — who earned her law degree at Brooklyn Law School and her bachelor’s degree at New York University — good luck in her new position.
Sunset Park
Knit one, purl two
Clink the crochet hooks in celebration for three spry seniors at the Sunset Park Neighborhood Center. The creative ladies devoted four months to knitting baby blankets for new moms in need, and then presented the warm and cozy coverlets to grateful recipients at the NYU Lutheran Family Health Centers Women and Children’s Services.
A total of 11 hand-woven blankets, five for boys and six for girls, were given away. Every year, since 2013, center seniors take part in a crochet class to make baby items.
A well-deserved shout-out to all of these good Samaritans.
NYU Lutheran Family Health Centers [150 55th St. at First Avenue in Sunset Park, (718) 630–7000].
Brighton Beach
Save the date
Get those raffle tickets ready for the annual pre-Mother’s day brunch hosted by Shorefront Toys for Tots.
This year the honorees are “surrogate moms” Antonella Bove, principal of PS 215; Anne Marie Lettieri-Baker, principal of PS 177; Erin Lynch, principal of IS 96, Katherine Moloney, principal of PS 100; and Nancy Tong, District Leader, 47th Assembly District.
Brian Gotlieb founded the popular event to honor his late mother, who, like the honorees, was the finest surrogate mother to many children in need, helping to improve the lives of thousands of children throughout the community.
The fund-raiser will be held at Sirico’s Caterers, 8023 13th Avenue on April 16, from 10 am to 2 pm. Tickets are $80 per person and $750 for a table of 10. Attendees are asked to bring a new and unwrapped toy. There will be plenty of great prizes, an assortment of raffles, and a good time for all, promises Brian the host.
Here’s hoping this great brunch continues to nourish our communities for decades to come.
Shorefront Toys for Tots, c/o Brian Gotlieb [2930 W. Fifth St. in Brighton Beach, (718) 996–5668].
