12 APRIL 11 - APRIL 17, 2013 Quinn wows crowd at SUN-B breakfast BY ANNA SPIVAK [email protected] In a naturally lit and classically decorated dining room at the Dyker Beach Golf Course, members of the Senior Umbrella Network of Brooklyn, or SUNB, sat amongst friends, freshly ground coffee, fruit and assorted breakfast items. The 10th Annual Membership Breakfast held on Tuesday, March 19, yielded a bountiful turnout of doctors, business owners, board members, and City Council Speaker and “Power of One” honoree, Christine Quinn. Also honored were Dr. Salvatore Cumella of LENCO Diagnostic Laboratories and a SUN-B board member; Jeffrey Ferretti, of National Brokerage and National Abstract of NY and a SUN-B board member; attorneys Judith Grimaldi and Pauline Yeung of Grimaldi and Yeung, LLP; and Dr. Concha Mendoza, chief of the Division of Geriatrics, SUNY Downstate Medical Center. In an engaging opening speech to announce this year’s award recipients, Vicki Ellner, founder/chair of SUN-B, addressed each honoree and spoke of their contributions. Mirroring a Hollywood awards show, Ellner adapted a humorous angle during the ceremony in asking recipients, “Who are you wearing?” and following up with an answer of “validation and belief” or “devotion and pride.” Before announcing Quinn, Ellner spoke about SUN-B and the focuses of the organization. Fighting ageism and elder abuse were only two among many goals mentioned, along with some inspirational words describing SUN-B as a “small but mighty not-for-profit organization.” “Can I call you Christine?” Ellner confidently asked after calling Quinn up to the stage. “Call me Chris,” Quinn goodhumoredly responded. After being recognized for her dedication to public service and described as a “crusader for the middle class” by Ellner, Quinn took the stage. With all eyes on her, Quinn addressed members of the audience and regaled them with a story about her own great grandmother and her experiences with an exceptional senior center in Glen Cove that offered more than just activities—“it gave her a new lease on life.” Referring to noteworthy strides within the senior community, like getting countdown clocks installed in intersections, Quinn told the crowd, “None of that happened by accident. All of you pushing us in government is what is making this happen.” BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by SB News Christine Quinn receives award from Vicki Ellner. Women in the limelight Bob Howe, president of the Third Avenue Merchants Association, left, joined State Senator Marty Golden, third from right, in congratulating honorees Cathy Gearity, Bina Valenzano, Maggie Gu and Linda Dalton. BY SHAUNDER RENAUD [email protected] Local women were on the spotlight on Thursday, March 28, as State Senator Marty Golden hosted his annual Women’s History Month celebration, held this year at the Knights of Columbus, Council # 126, in Marine Park. “As our city, state and nation celebrate the accomplishments of women during the month of March, I am proud to be hosting an event that will highlight some of the best of our community. Each of these women have made a difference in our neighborhood and I look forward to recognizing their work,” said Golden. This year’s honorees included Judy Baron of the Manhattan Beach Community Group, Linda Cupo of Gerritsen Beach Property Owners, BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photo by SB News Linda Dalton of Community Education Council District 21, Cathy Gearity of Bay Ridge Semper Fi 5K, Maggie Gu of Park Asia, Maria Ivaliotis of Marine Park Civic, Tracy LaTorre Ambrose of Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department and Bina Valenzano, from the Third Avenue Merchants. “I was thrilled to be among those awesome women, I cannot thank Senator Golden enough. Helping the community and serving children is a passion of mine, being a parent myself; they are the reason I do what I do; I share this award with them,” said Dalton. As for Valenzano, she noted “?It felt wonderful being recognized.The majority of the time, you do not expect to be recognized or have others look at all the work you’ve done, so when you do get recognition, it feels wonderful. I will continue doing the best I can to help the community thrive.” Dr. Salvatore Cumella receives award from Vicki Ellner. Sister Fran Picone and Felicia Thompson. Judith Grimaldi and Pauline Yeung with Susan Ferraro.
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