Civic Association raises money for ‘Angels’

Members of the Island Park Civic Association honored three veterans at their annual dinner dance. Pictured from left were IPCA secretary Theresa Balsamo, member Tara Byrne, Vice President Felicia Nicholas, honorees Mayor James Ruzicka, a U.S. Navy veteran; and Robert Angelo and Jerry Hassett, both U.S. Army veterans; IPCA President Dana Feminella, treasurer Liz Abuin, and board members Patti Ambrosia and Laura Hassett.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Island Park’s Mayor James Ruzicka received a congratulatory hug from his niece, Christine Fabris.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Jere Hassett delivered a speech about his life in the Army, and also spoke of the many community activities in which he is involved. His daughter-in-law, Laura Hassett, is at right.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Honoree Robert Angelo, center, elebrated with his parents Raymond and Judy. Raymond is also a war veteran, having served during the Vietnam War.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

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Despite the inclement weather, nearly 200 people attended the Island Park Civic Association’s annual Love Your Troops dinner dance on Feb. 15 at the Bridgeview Yacht Club.

This event raises money for the Soldiers’ Angels program, a non-profit volunteer organization that sends packages and letters to “adopted” service members deployed overseas.

“We send care packages to those who may not otherwise get anything,” said Civic Association president Dana Feminella. “This year, we also honored three veterans from Island Park.” The veterans recognized at the dinner were Island Park’s mayor James Ruzicka and veterans Robert Angelo and Jere Hassett.

The dinner dance included a 50/50 and other raffles, entertainment and a photo booth.

“I’d like to thank everyone who attended,” said Feminella, “and all who supported us. Soldiers’ Angels is an organization that we hold near and dear to our hearts.”