Dyker heights
Kisses and hugs to Pat Gualtieri, Vietnam vet and executive director of the United War Veterans Council, and member Marleen “Molly” Levi for their generous support and love of the nation’s war heros.
Earlier this month the do-gooding Cupids presented a basket full of gifts and cards to Russell Dolecal, a volunteer service specialist at the Brooklyn Veterans Administration, to be distributed to the more than 150 veterans there.
The Goodwill Valentines Caravan, an initiative of the War Veterans, shares messages of love to those who have served our country. The drive was rewarding, claimed Standing O pal Pat.
“It brings unconditional love and Valentine’s wishes,” he said. “The cards, gifts and goodies, along with our personal message of thanks, brought smiles of gratitude to all present.”
That is the greatest gift of all. Standing O presents an unconditional shout-out to the United War Veterans Council. Keep up the love.
V.A. N.Y. Harbor Healthcare System, (800 Poly Pl. and Seventh Avenue in Dyker Heights).
Borough Wide
Celena and the kids
Three cheers to Celena Dyal, a Brooklyn daughter who just returned from a semester in Thailand, as part of the GeoVisions program, which sends students all over the world to teach English and help others develop global skills to succeed in the 21st century.
Our pal Celena, a chemistry major at Goucher College in Maryland, spent her winter break tutoring the children of her host family because she wanted to share her love of language while fulfilling her passion for travel.
“It was definitely the easiest decision I made last year,” said Celena, who has taught English as a second language for a year, every weekend, through a program at her school, but decided she wanted to do something different during her college winter break — hence her trip to Thailand.
Celena is back at school and planning a fund-raising project to raise money to buy new soccer balls for the students she taught.
Standing O is shouting out to Celena and GeoVisions for the visionary program.
Fort Greene
Welcome to the board
Jonathan M. Weld has been appointed as interim president and chief executive officer at the Brooklyn Hospital Center. He takes the reigns on March 1.
Our pal Jonathan will take over while the board continues its national search for a successor to departing chief executive officer Dr. Richard B. Becker. Jonathan was chairman of the hospital’s Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2010, and will take a leave of absence while serving as acting chief.
“We are very fortunate that Jon is willing to take on this role,” said Carlos Naudon, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “His extensive ties to Brooklyn and his long association with the hospital and the health care industry make him an ideal fit to lead the hospital through this transition in leadership.”
The interim head is happy to oblige.
“I am pleased to assume leadership, though for a short period, of Brooklyn’s first and pre-eminent hospital,” he said.
The Brooklyn Hospital Center [121 DeKalb Ave. at Ashland Place in Fort Greene, (718) 250–8000].
Bay Ridge
Save the date
Whether you need to re-fill your reduced fare card or buy a regular MetroCard, the MetroCard Van will be able to take care of all your needs on March 2, beginning at 1 pm, thanks to the community outreach services of state Sen. Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge).
The do-gooding rep told Standing O, “Everyone will receive prompt and attentive service.”
State Sen. Marty Golden’s District Office [7408 Fifth Ave. at 74th Street in Bay Ridge; (718) 238–6044].
