Sheepshead Bay
The Kings Bay Y unveiled its newly expanded and upgraded auditorium — which included a total stage replacement, new flooring, curtains, additional storage and performance space, and a new television and sound system — on Jan. 14. This upgrade marks the first major makeover to the auditorium in at least 20 years.
The facelift was made possible through the generosity of the Jewish Communal Fund.
“Many thanks to the Jewish Communal Fund for their generosity in funding this much-needed project, which will allow us to offer a wider range of events and programming to the community we proudly serve,” said Leonard Petlakh, executive director.
Joining Leonard were Sue Dickman, Jewish Communal Fund president; Mark Medin UJA-Federation of New York senior vice president; Stephen R. Reiner, Kings Bay Y president and board director; and longtime supporters of the Y Assemblymembers Steven Cymbrowitz (D–Sheepshead Bay) and Helene Weinstein (D–Sheepshead Bay) and Councilman Alan Maisel (D–Marine Park).
The Y regularly uses the auditorium for free or low-cost performances and other cultural and educational programs.
Standing O says, “Mazel Tov” and thanks for the gelt.
Kings Bay Y [3495 Nostrand Ave. at Avenue V in Sheepshead Bay, (718) 648–7703].
Fort Greene
Welcome
The Brooklyn Hospital Center let the Big O know that Dr. Pratibha Vemulapalli has been appointed as chairwoman of the Department of Surgery. She will provide clinical and administrative leadership for the department, which consists of 11 divisions, more than 100 surgeons, and 25 residents and fellows.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Vemulapalli to the leadership team,” said Gary Terrinoni, president and chief executive officer. “She brings a commitment to surgical excellence, and will strengthen and expand high-quality surgical services for our patients.”
Before coming to the center, she served as director of bariatric surgery at Montefiore Medical Center and director of perioperative services at Montefiore Bronx Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers.
Dr. Vemulapalli is excited for this new chapter and said, “The Brooklyn Hospital Center provides Brooklyn residents with care that meets national quality standards in their neighborhood. I want to build upon the success of the Department of Surgery to improve the patient experience and satisfaction, as well as develop new services and centers of excellence to meet the needs of our community.”
Dr. Vemulapalli has held faculty appointments at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, is board-certified in general surgery, and is a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, as well as being a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons.
Standing O says, “Welcome aboard.”
The Brooklyn Hospital Center [121 Dekalb Ave. and Ashland Place in Fort Greene, (718) 250–8000].
