(L. to r.); Honoree Linda Perno, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, Honoree Paul Vallone, Ed Babor, Honorees Mark Salerno and Edward Boladian, Club President Donna Furey, Honorees Antonio Meloni, Will Dionisio, Anthony Siano, Paul Halvatzis, Jerry Kril and Rose Anne Alafogiannis and attendee Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. at the Kiwanis Club of Astoria-Long Island City 25th Anniversary dinner.
Photo Jason D. Antos The Kiwanis Club of Astoria-Long Island City honored its former presidents during a special 25th anniversary dinner at Ricardo’s by the Bridge in Astoria.
Many club members, area business owners and elected officials came to recognize the honorees at the September 20 event.
Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, Councilmembers Jimmy Van Bramer and Peter Vallone Jr., District Leader Costa Constantinides and former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. were in attendance.
Club President Donna Furey introduced each former president who was given a plaque of recognition along with several citations.
“This organization is a symbol of our community—united and strong,” Furey said.
Honorees included four-time elected and first woman Club President Rose Anne Alafogiannis; Edward Boladian; Atomic Oil Heating owner Will Dionisio; Paul Halvatzis of Amorelli Realty and QSAC board member; Jerry Kril; candidate for city council and New York Anti Crime Agency Founder and Director Antonio Meloni; Linda A. Perno; Mark Salerno; Anthony Siano who serves as Manager of R. Stutzmann and Sons Funeral Home of New Hyde Park; Paul Vallone of Vallone Vallone law firm; Charles Kally; Ann Emanuel; Dr. Lou Vella; the late Arthur Cole and the late Rey Redell.
–Jason D. Antos
