Senior Center Holds Gala

Senior Center Board Treasurer Jim Avena, Antoinette Lewis, Board Member Barbara Faticone and Tom Faticone

The Port Washington Senior Citizens Center recently held its annual gala at the Port Washington Yacht Club on Thursday, Oct. 15. The honorees of this year’s gala were New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and Humanitarian Anthony D’Urso.

The event featured entertainment by Senior Center board member Warren Schein with musical
accompaniment by Charles Henry. Author and radio talk show host Hal Spielman served as master of ceremonies.

(L to r) Senior Center Director Dolores Holliday, Board President Jean-Marie Posner, Honoree Anthony D’Urso, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Honoree and NYS Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and Board VP Warren Schein (Photo by Debbie Greco Cohen) — (L to r) Senior Center Director Dolores Holliday, Board President Jean-Marie Posner, Honoree Anthony D’Urso, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Honoree and NYS Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and Board VP Warren Schein
*(Photos by Debbie Greco Cohen)*

Assemblywoman Schimel is serving her fifth term in the New York State Assembly. One of Port Washington’s newest residents, she was recently appointed to the Assembly leadership position of Chair of the Majority Conference. Schimel is recognized for her passion on issues that affect New York, particularly gun violence prevention and protecting the environment, most notably water resources. Assemblywoman Schimel is a strong advocate for New York State veterans, increasing funding for the Long Island State Veterans Home, protecting veterans’ access to long-term care and providing benefit information to seniors. Her Valentines for Vets program collects and distributes personal products, clothing and valentines to the Long Island State Veterans Home and the Northport VA Medical Center. She also hosts Senior Citizen Law Day seminars with elder lawyers and financial planners.

Senior Center Board and gala committee members with honorees D’Urso and Schimel. (Photos by John Meehan) — Senior Center Board and gala committee members with honorees D’Urso and Schimel (Photos by John Meehan)

Anthony D’Urso emigrated from Italy at the age of 21. He spent 30 years working for the New York City Department of Housing, eventually overseeing 300 people and a $300 million budget. While raising four children with his wife, Maria, and working full-time, D’Urso also taught college courses, coached sports teams and helped organizations with fundraising. In 1991, he was elected councilman for the TONH, a position he held for 14 years before retiring. His greatest personal achievement is in helping to improve the lives of needy people in third world countries. At his own expense, he traveled around the world to help hungry children and build homes, schools, clinics and libraries.

For information about the Port Washington Senior Citizens Center, located at 80 Manorhaven Blvd., call 516-883-6656.