Eight southwest Brooklyn mainstays were in the spotlight as the NIA Community Services Network honored local educators, businesspeople and civic leaders at its 18th annual Community Recognition Awards Dinner.
The Man of the Year was Dennis Diggins, first deputy commissioner of the city’s Department of Sanitation. Maria Timo, principal of Bay Academy, was presented with the Educational Leadership and Collaboration Award. Louis Coluccio, Jr., the proprietor of A.L.C. Italian Grocery, was given the Business Achievement & Community Service Award.
Inspector Frank Cangiarella, who currently is assigned to the NYPD’s Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, was honored with the Exemplary Leadership in Public Service & Law Enforcement Award. Robert Cassiliano, the president and CEO of Business Information Services and chair and CEO of 7X24 Exchange International, was given the Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship Award. Liset Isaac, principal of P.S./I.S. 192, received the Educational Leadership & Collaboration Award.
Alyson Silver, seventh grade dean of discipline at J.H.S. 227, received the Community Leadership & Collaboration Award, and, finally, Brian Tullo, USA Local 831 shop steward, DSNY, received the Humanitarian Award.
“NIA was privileged to host nearly 500 guests in celebration of the dedication, leadership and accomplishments demonstrated by our 2016 esteemed honorees in their respective professions and in their lives,” noted NIA CEO Mary Anne Cino. “They are an important part of the mosaic that is the soul of our Brooklyn and New York City communities. We all were extremely pleased to have an especially festive and successful event!”
The event was held on Thursday, October 6 at Gargiulo’s, 2911 West 15th Street.
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