Photos Jason D. Antos (L. to r.); Assemblymember Aravella Simotas received the Community Service Award, which was presented to her by state Committeemember Laura Jean Hawkins.The Powhatan and Pocahontas Regular Democratic Club held its annual dinner dance and award ceremony on May 14, at Riccardo’s by the Bridge, 21-01 24th Ave. in Astoria.
Honorees included Assemblymember Aravella Simotas, District Leader, 36th A.D., Costa Constantinides, Steve Tallides and Larry Cerullo, owners of Studio Square and Cavo and Lily Gavin, owner of Dazies Restaurant.
“Tonight we honor those who have strived to make our community, Astoria and Long Island City, better,” Powhatan and Pocahontas Regular Democratic Club President Dirk McCall said.
Simotas, the first Greek-American woman elected to office in New York state, recently rallied to save Bryant H.S. from closure and is a leading figure in the fight to keep area senior centers open. She received the Community Service Award. Steve Tallides and Larry Cerullo, owners of Studio Square and Cavo received the Business Service Award presented to them by District Leader Costas Constantinides.
“I am overwhelmed and honored to be recognized by the community where I was born and raised,” Simotas said.
Tallides and Cerullo received the Business Service Award as did Gavin and Constantinides won the Hon. Denis J. Butler Award.
Also present at the event were state Senators Michael Gianaris and Jose Peralta, Councilmembers Jimmy Van Bramer and Peter Vallone Jr., District Leader, 36th A.D. Anne Marie Anzalone and state Committeemember Laura Jean Hawkins and former state Senator George Onorato and his wife Athena and United Community Constantinides was given the Denis J. Butler Award by Powhatan and Pocahontas Regular Democratic Club President Dirk McCall.Civic Association (UCCA) President Rose Marie Poveromo.
The evening concluded with a special recognition given to Mary, the widow of Denis J. Butler.Lily Gavin, owner of Dazies Restaurant was presented with the Business Service Award.
“Denis was an Astoria icon,” she said.
Since its founding in 1900, the Powhatan-Pocahontas Regular Democratic Club has served and represented Democrats in Western Queens, promoting the political development and awareness of local residents while fighting for the needs of the Special recognition was given to Denis J. Butler's widow, Mary. (L. to r.); District Leader, 36th A.D. Anne Marie Anzalone, Butler, Hawkins, McCall and Constantinides.voters it serves. It is one of the oldest political organizations in the nation.