Shorefront Democratic Club honors five

Five people were honored Thursday, March 10 by the Shorefront Democratic Club at its 21st Annual Awards Dinner and Dance.

Over 230 people showed up at Sirico’s Caterers, 8017 13th Avenue, to applaud Dennis Quirk, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Carlo Scissura, Thomas Brown and Nadine Dabney for their contributions to the community or people in general.

Democratic District Leader Dilia Schack, an organizer of the event, spoke highly of each honoree, “These people obviously have their own lives outside of helping their community, but still maintain such an important relationship and large investment with the neighborhood as they continue to help out,” she told this paper.

Quirk, the president of the New York State Court Officers Association, received the Man of the Year award. Quirk, who also owns a few businesses has continued to show support for children, giving free skate day coupons at his ice rink when children have off from school and even starting a little league hockey team.

But, most notably during Superstorm Sandy, Quirk, while also losing a lot, still was there for people, providing cold storage for goods that could be given out to those in need, and opening his parking lot as a station where supplies could be given out.

Lewis-Martin, senior advisor to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, won the Woman of the Year award, was also recognized for her dedication to helping others during Superstorm Sandy, getting a large truck to bring in formula, diapers of all sizes, and clothes for young children, said Schack.

Scissura, the president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, won the group’s Civic Award. Explained Schack, he has worked extensively with immigrants who have trouble finding places to live or work, helping them learn the language and find a job. The former president of the District 20 Community Education Council, Scissura, said Schack, has also has done a lot of work with children with developmental disabilities and their parents, and in his role at the Chamber, works to aid mom and pop businesses in Brooklyn, ensuring they aren’t pushed out by larger competitors.

Brown, assistant treasurer of the United Federation of Teachers, was the recipient of Educator of the Year Award. A Bay Ridge native who started his teaching career at Cunningham Junior High, he has always worked with children with learning difficulties or who had little in the way of material possessions. “Spending his own money, he has purchased clothing such as jackets and sweaters or books for those that couldn’t afford it,” Schack stressed.

Dabney, president of the Shorefront Democratic Club, received the Community Service Award. She lost everything in Sandy, but still managed to help others in need and never put herself before others, said Schack.