By Howard Koplowitz
The women were chosen from the six community boards that encompass McLaughlin's Assembly district, which includes Flushing, Whitestone, Fresh Meadows, Flushing Heights, Hillcrest, Briarwood, Kew Garden Hills, Jamaica, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park.”Our honorees may not make the history books, but in the history of their neighborhoods, their achievements are momentous,” he said at last week's small ceremony that took place in his Flushing office.Marjorie Dycke Ferrigno, a former chairwoman of the School of Performing Arts and a League of Women Voters activist, was given the award for her work in protecting the Broadway section of Flushing from illegal development.Campaigning against the illegal use of homes and the expansion of St. John's University and Queens Hospital Center, led Jacqueline Grefe Forrestal to also receive the award.Other recipients include:Serojini Budhai, who holds meetings to help the public grasp a better understanding of Hindu life. She is a cultural representative of Maha Lakshmi Mandir, a Hindu temple in Richmond Hill;Shanti Ammar, a Guyanese immigrant and real estate broker in Richmond Hill, who helps people in the community cope with adverse conditions;Terri Pouymari, who as vice president of the Auburndale Civic Association, has fought against illegal zoning;Yvonne Reddick, a longtime neighborhood activist and Community Board 12 manager, who devotes her time to protecting communities against “McMansions” and illegal occupancies.”Every one of you have made a difference in our lives through the efforts you make in our community,” McLaughlin said.The assemblyman said the goal of the awards is to inspire younger generations to get involved in community service.”Maybe we could touch somebody when they read the newspaper,” McLaughlin said, adding that he is discouraged by how the dailies focus on crime instead of positive stories. “The things that we really need to know come from you,” he told the recipients.The award presentations were held in conjunction with Women's History Month and the 85th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote. Reach intern Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 188.
