Williamsburg
Cheers to the generous folks who contributed to the month-long Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh Halloween promotion. The donations, $25,000 in all, benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This was the first year that the Dime Savings Bank participated in the initiative which annually raises funds that support the internationally recognized research facility located in Memphis. Over the past 20 years, the event has raised over $52 million for research. “I’m so pleased with the support we received from everyone in the Dime family” said Vincent Palagiano, chairman and CEO of the bank.
Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh [209 Havemeyer St. near Broadway in Williamsburg, (718) 302-1069].
Downtown
‘Unsteady’ as she goes
City Tech English professor Monique Ferrell hones her poetic chops with the release of her latest book, “Unsteady,” a collection of poems and dramatic monologues. The work examines the social, cultural, political and gender issues that affected her as a student of life and a woman of color. “Maybe it’s the Buddhist in me, but everything about this world matters now more than ever,” opined the poetess. She is also hard at work on a short work of fiction, “Impetus,” and the non-fiction, “Her Own Worst Enemy: The Eternal Internal Gender Wars of our Sisters.”
Borough-wide
Golden arms
Don’t mess with these two. Giorgi Gelashvilli and Joyce Boone won this year’s men and women’s Arm Wrestling Championships respectively. This was the 34th annual Empire State Golden Arm Tournament of Champions held in the city. Giorgi dominated both the right- and left-handed super-heavyweight classes for men, and Joyce not only brought her competitors to their knees, but also received the distinction of being the first female ever chosen as the state Arm Wrestler of the Year. And did we mention she’s a Brooklynite, too? Both arm commandos are presently pumping up those muscles and looking forward to the Big Apple Grapple International competition next year.
Greenpoint
Happy landings
Hats off to Captain Tadeusz Wrona, the brave pilot who brought LOT Airlines flight 16 to an ugly — but safe — belly landing at Newark Airport on Nov. 1 after his landing gear completely crapped out on him. Wrona earned the coveted Man of the Year award from the Polish and Slavic Center in Greenpoint for saving the lives of all 254 passengers and crew — good enough for a fancy plaque from the group and our eternal thanks.
Polish and Slavic Center [177 Kent St. at Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, (718) 383-5290].
Bushwick
Practice makes perfect
Medical students at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center get to practice their bedside manners each and every Wednesday at a nearby senior center. Dubbed “Wyckoff Wednesdays,” the almost-MD’s visit with members and provide blood pressure and glucose screenings in the morning. Then, after a nutritious lunch, the students dust off their dancing shoes and participate in Latin dances. One step, two step, cha, cha, cha.
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center [374 Stockholm St. at Wyckoff Avenue in Bushwick (718) 963-7272].
Coney Island
Oh Carol!
Three cheers to Carol Moore on her retirement as principal from Mark Twain IS 239 in Coney Island. Our pal Carol has been at her desk collecting shiny apples for the past 38 years, so she has definitely earned the rest. The dedicated educator was feted at Garguilo’s with family, friends and local pols, including Councilman Domenic Recchia (D–Coney Island); Carlo Scissura, representative from Borough President Markowitz’s office; Donald Weber, former superintendant of District 21; and our very own Carmine Santa Maria, aka, The Big Screecher and former president of Community School Board 21. During the gala, Carol handed over the reigns to her successor Anita Ditola. Carmine told Standing O that he roasted/toasted Carol, “Even though you broke my son Carl’s nose when he was in fourth grade and he fell off the swing, we still love you for your concern and caring and wish you well in your retirement.” Standing O wishes her well even without the broken schnozola.
Reach reporter Joanna DelBuono at jdelbuono@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2523.
