Michelle Schimel and Anthony D'Urso Honored At Senior Center Gala.

The Senior Center’s Golden Gala featured entertainment by Center board member, Warren Schein with musical accompaniment by Charles Henry. Author and radio talk show host, Hal (HAL) Spielman served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Michelle Schimel is serving her fifth term in the New York State Assembly. One of Port Washington’s newest residents, she was recently appointed to the Assembly leadership position of Chair of the Majority Conference. Michelle is recognized for her passion on issues that affect New York, particularly gun violence prevention and protecting the environment, most notably water resources.

She is a strong advocate for New York State veterans, increasing funding for the Long Island State Veterans Home, protecting veterans’ access to long-term care and providing vital benefit information to seniors. Her Valentines for Vets program collects and distributes truckloads of personal care products, clothing and valentines to the L.I. Veterans Home and the Northport VA Medical Center. Michelle also hosts Senior Citizen Law Day seminars with elder lawyers and financial planners.

Anthony D’Urso emigrated from Italy at the age of 21, He spent 30 years working for the NYC Department of Housing, eventually overseeing 300 people and a $300 million budget.

While raising four children with his wife Maria and working full time, he also taught college courses, coached sports teams and helped organizations with fundraising and other efforts. In 1991, Tony was elected Councilman for the Town of North Hempstead, a position he held for 14 years before retiring.

Tony’s greatest personal achievement is in helping to improve the lives of needy people in third world countries. At his own expense, he traveled around the world to help save children and families from starving, and build homes, schools, medical clinics and libraries.

The Senior Center board and staff wish to thank committee members and event supporters, particularly the Peter & Jeri Dejana Family Foundation for its continuous support on behalf of the Center and its members.

For information about the programming offered at the Port Washington Senior Citizens Center located at 80 Manorhaven Boulevard, call 883-6656.