By Barbara Morris
CPGS President Frederick J. Kress had scouted out Napoleon's some time prior to the event, not only to check out the food, but to find out if they could handle the expected 60 or so attendees. John, the manager, assured Fred there would be no problem, which proved to be the case, even though the number of guests expanded to 67. Our menu for the evening consisted of soup, salad, a choice of one of four entrees (broiled Romanian tenderloin steak, breast of chicken Francaise, shrimp and lemon sole Francaise, or a pasta dish with vegetables). All dinners also included vegetable and potato, soda, coffee, tea and dessert … all for only $25 per person. Each attendee received a handsome canvas bag, donated by New Yorkers for Parks (represented at the dinner by that organization's Executive Director Christian DiPalermo and Director of Government Affairs Allison Farina), a little “Big Apple” key holder and a raffle ticket to be used in a drawing for a number of super prizes. The program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of “America the Beautiful” by award winner Florence Bennett, supported by the entire group including another award winner, baritone Dennis Moore.After Fred Kress's welcoming speech, the door prize raffle and introduction of special guests took place as dinner was being served. As dinner ended, we heard our guest speaker, Mitch Shapiro, give an inspirational speech about the power of volunteerism. Mitch's family owned the Swan Club in Nassau County and Mitch designed and planted most of its famous gardens. Now, losing his sight and hearing, he has founded his own organization to help those with similar problems, called The Foundation for Sight and Sound. He is still a volunteer and delievered a powerful, moving message. We certainly appreciated the opportunity to meet Mitch and his companion, and to be inspired by his message and accomplishments. After Mitch's speech, special plaques were presented to our Queens Outreach Coordinators Helen Ho, Laura Prussin and Torn Panzone for helping to make Queens parks (as Fred Kress noted) “the best of the best.” We all congratulated Tom on his exciting new move to New York state's Department of Environmental Conservation. Then, on to our 2005 Emerald Award honorees Warren Schreiber, Friends of Fort Totten Parks; Stephen Melnick, Queens Boulevard Restoration Group; Dorothy Palmer, Friends of Brookville Park; Gail Harris, Goodwill Triangle-Goodwill Industries; Dennis and Nancy Moore, Highland Park Children's Garden; Florence Bennett, Pullis Farm Cemetery Historical Landmark, Juniper Valley Park; Max Kahn's Kissena Park award was presented posthumously to his lovely wife, along with special high praise from last year's Kissena Park award winner, Beverly McDermott. Beverly said of Max: “No task was too small, no project a burden. He plunged in and made a difference in everything he did – dredging out the lake, filling in asphalt patches, planting trees and other plants, caring for the tennis courts, or training children to care for their playground.” Max's infectious community spirit was inspired, she said, by his German-born parents who instilled in him a strong sense of caring and sharing. Would that some day we might all be remembered with such sincere admiration! 2004 Emerald Award winners Edward and Patricia Shusterich, Beverly McDermott, Jean Silva, Richard Hellenbrecht and Mary Sciales were also applauded for their continuing and past accomplishments. Fred also gave special thanks to Partnership for Parks, The City Parks Foundation, New York City Parks Department, New Yorkers for Parks, The Kaplan Fund and The Cornucopia Society, which all help our volunteers succeed.
