Flatlands
It was a party, karumba, fiesta at Beth Israel Medical Center as nurses and patients celebrated a “Journey to the Philippines,” through music, song, dance, history, and food. The event, spearheaded by Nora Villalon, RN, brought a little bit of bayanihan (community effort) to the halls of the hospital with members of the Filipino Arts and Music Ensemble, who provided the distinctive music and dance of the Philippines. The day not only provided great entertainment but a quick primer in the history of the islands as Heidi Poulakos, PCA, presented a slide show that introduced the country’s customs and traditions. The performers, mostly neighborhood children from Midwood and Marine Park, shared their love of the islands and brought a little sunshine to the lives of patients by performing traditional dances and songs in traditional costumes. The hospital, which has long been a second home for many Filipinos — particularly nurses — was thrilled to host the event. “It was such a terrific day of Filipino culture and food,” Beth Israel’s Rhona Hetsrony told Standing O. To which nurse Marguerite Corda chimed in, “We are so proud of everyone who organized this cultural celebration.”
Beth Israel Hospital [3201 Kings Highway, between E. 41st Street and Troy Avenue in Flatlands, (718) 252–3000].
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