The Lindenwood Alliance began its third year by celebrating the outstanding achievements of community residents and organizations in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy Councilman Eric Ulrich presented the Alliance with a certificate to say...
The Lindenwood Alliance held it’s first meeting of the year on Monday, beginning the third year since its formation.
During the course of the last several years, the Alliance has proven itself to be a beacon among civically organized groups.
They have repeatedly demonstrated the value of the organization by fostering strong relationships with the 106th Precinct, Councilman Eric Ulrich and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, both of whom, along with Deputy Inspector Thomas Pascale are in attendance at virtually every one of the Alliance’s monthly meetings.
Several successful initiatives in the reduction of auto vandalism have come a the result of the Alliance’s involvement in raising community awareness and assisting the 106.
The group has also interacted with various city agencies to work on traffic and parking issues, and quality of life concerns.
This year members of the Lindenwood Alliance also took on several projects surrounding Hurricane Sandy and local residents who were affected by the storm.
Alliance founder Joann Ariola got together with Councilmember Ulrich and started off the groups third year in a very fitting way.
The Alliance and the Councilman set about recognizing some of the members and other volunteers and members of the community that went above and beyond the call of duty both during Hurricane Sandy and for long after, some continuing on through the present.
Members were involved in the hurricane disaster donation center, the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive and a Holiday Toy drive.
Although they worked as a group, Ariola described some who went to extraordinary measures to help.
“We were given so much help,” Ariola said. “People just came from everywhere.”
She remembered John Spagnola, Howard Beach TD Branch Director who supplied thousands of plastic bags to pack donations in. And Stephanie and Anthony of A&J Stitching in Ozone Park who called the group and offered to make custom Lindenwood Alliance shirts for members when they heard about the work that the group was doing.
“”The spirit of these projects was so wonderful and so rewarding,” Ariola told those assembled, “that it’s a real sin we have to wait until tragedy strikes to know how much it means to have the support of your community.”
Councilman Eric Ulrich, was on hand to present certificates to those being recognized by the Alliance, and took the opportunity to recognize the Alliance itself for what he called “an outstanding demonstration of action and compassion at the community level.”
Ulrich presented certificates to Ellen Buonpastore, Stephen Sirgiovanni past president and current member of the Howard Beach Kiwanis, Swami Durga Das of The Riverfund which donated 200 Turkeys with all the trimmings for the Thanksgiving Dinner drive.
Also receiving a citation was Monsignor Alfred LoPinto of St. Helen’s for allowing the church property to be the Thanksgiving Distribution Site, feeding Thanksgiving dinners/ lunches to seniors on a daily basis and allowing Father Dooley Hall to be used as a victims disaster center.
Also named were local businesses Ragtime Gourmet and Tuscany Deli and for preparing and delivering the Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners as well as hosting the Holiday Toy drive.
The Queens Chronicle was recognized for their generosity of space to their colleagues at The Forum, allowing The Forum to be published from their offices.
Last, but certainly not least, the Councilman presented an award to the members of the Lindenwood Alliance for their willingness to spearhead the projects spoken about herein and for providing volunteers, collaborating with neighboring groups, and keeping residents notified of services via social media.
By Marisa Pilato
