Hundreds of Kiwanis members, their families and community supporters filled the room at Roma View Catering Hall on Saturday night in celebration of the clubs 51st Annual Dinner Dance.
Honoree Joann Ariola surrounded by Kiwanis friends and family (L to R) fiance John Shanks, son Christian, Terry Ariola, HB Kiwanis President Eddie Tudisco, Sirgiovanni, grandson Gabe and son Robert.
One of the traditions at the dinner is the presentation of the Clem Vicari Community Service Award, given to a person whom is recognized by the club as an outstanding supporter of community activities that enrich the lives of everyone in the neighborhood, especially children.
The award is given in honor of Clem Vicari, a Howard Beach Kiwanis Club member and past lieutenant governor of the Queens West Division, whose commitment to the community was unending and whose generosity had no bounds.
This year, the Kiwanis chose Howard Beach resident Joann Ariola as the recipient of the distinguished award. Ariola has had a long closely knit history with the community and credits all of her endeavors to the examples set by parents, Theresa and the late Paul Ariola.
Bob LoCascio persuaded niece Christine to take time from her busy schedule as an opera singer to share her talent with the crowd
It was extremely fitting that HB Kiwanian Steve Sirgiovanni, a long time friend of Ariola, made the presentation. It was just a few months ago that Sirgiovanni was given the distinctive honor of being appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of a regional division of International Kiwanis with over 400 members. At the core of his responsibilities as Lt. Gov. is overseeing community service projects within the club.
Sirgiovanni praised Ariola for her professional accomplishments as well as her community works.
Her professional career includes positions with the office of the Queens DA, three city council members and finally with Mayor Bloomberg. After her tenure with the mayor’s office ended, Ariola decided to make the transition into yet another field where her passion for community could best be served. She accepted a post within the MediSys Health Network as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Nothing can get in the way of the love of a good spin on the dance floor..
In her current position, Joann Ariola has worked with numerous elected officials to secure funding for many noteworthy projects throughout the hospital’s network. Her responsibilities also include the coordination of borough wide health fairs and informational symposiums for elected officials and community groups.
In addition to her professional work, Ariola is highly active in several organizations. She is currently the Founding Chair of the Lindenwood Alliance, Vice President of the Ronald Reagan Republican Club, a member of the 106 Precinct Community Council, as well as being a member of Community Board 10.
Joann is a lifelong resident of Howard Beach and raised her three sons, Matthew, Christian and Robert there. Despite her level of commitment to community and local government, Ariola has always maintained that her proudest title is that of being a mother—that was until six years ago, however, when she was given what she terms, the greatest gift life has to offer– her beautiful grandson, Gabriel Charles.
Marge Centrone drew applause and laughter in presenting a $1,000 donation to the club in he name of Steve Sirgiovanni.
Another yearly tradition, the Award for a Distinguished Past President, was given to Robert LoCascio for his service as the clubs leader for the last term, in which they celebrated their 50th Anniversary.
One surprise addition to the program, was a trip to the microphone by long time supporter, attorney D. Marjorie Centrone,with a special gift. She wanted to recognize the extraordinary accomplishment of Steve Sirgiovanni, in having been named Lt. Governor and in his honor donated $1,000 to the club to be used for a community service project.
By Patricia Adams
