Note: More media content is available for this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Joanna DelBuono
Brooklyn Daily
Midwood
Three cheers to Dr. Louis Harrison and wife, Ilene Harrison, RN, for being this year’s recipients of the “What a Wonderful World” award presented by the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center.
Dr. Harrison, a renowned radiation oncologist and head and neck cancer specialist, received the accolades in recognition of his support of the value of music therapy in the healing of patients with cancer. His wife Ilene received her kudos for volunteering as a research assistant in the chemotherapy infusion suite at Roosevelt Hospital (yes, in that other borough). Both the good doctor and his wife grew up in Sheepshead Bay and both attended SUNY Downstate.
Other honorees included Jazz great Jon Hendricks, and cancer patient Deena Harburg.
Guests at the gala were treated to a performance by Hendricks and his vocal protege Kurt Elling in a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s signature song, “What A Wonderful World.”
Beth Israel Medical Center [3201 Kings Highway at E. 32nd Street in Midwood, (718) 252–3000].
Borough Wide
Brava, brava
Shining star Lisann Valentin is starring in the indy film “Made From Scratch,” as Victoria Alvarado, a successful executive who is struggling with her sexuality. The role shows Latinas in a whole new light.
“My goal is to be the best example of what women — specifically Latinas — are capable of,” Lisann told Standing O. “The media portrays a limited view of Latinas, yet in real life we are lawyers, doctors and beyond.”
Funding for the film is contingent on a successful crowd-funding campaign launched on Indiegogo through Oct. 30.
“People will stand by this film because it speaks universal truths about women, family and more,” Lisann added.
Our future Oscar winner is currently in lead and supporting roles in three web series and is also a writer, producer, and social media consultant. To learn more about the website visit www.lisannv.com.
Filming for the feature is scheduled to begin in November of this year.
Sheepshead Bay
In the Pink
When it comes to looking good and feeling great, Anthony & Nic’s Spa is the place to be. Cheers and kudos to owner Maritza Ramos for hosting a fund-raising event at her salon on Oct. 13 from noon to 5 pm in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Regulars and new-comers will have the chance to taste delicious ethnic dishes, listen to the mellow, sexy sounds of Victor Latimer, and have their coifs styled, while all the while donating to a good cause. The spa is all about looking your best and stylists there make sure that when you leave you’re looking great. “Our motto here is ‘Looking good, feeling great,’ ” said Maritza, adding, “One of my workers, Alice Miccolupo, is a breast cancer survivor and has been cancer free for 10 years. She is one of the reasons that I’m hosting this event.”
Maritza told Standing O that the salon will donate $10 for every pink hair extension sold.
“We will also have baskets with products and 25 wigs to be raffled off,” she concluded.
Come on down. What lady can resist a cut and blow dry to put her in the pink?
Anthony & Nic’s Spa [1802 Jerome Ave. at E. 18th Street in Sheepshead Bay, (718) 618–0021].
Read Standing O every Thursday on BrooklynDaily.com!