Bridge honors life-long Valley Streamers

For more than four decades, Friends of Bridge has been serving Valley Stream to help people and families that are coping with substance abuse problems. Those problems can’t be solved without the backing of the community.

Support for Friends of Bridge can take many forms, whether it is serving on the Board of Directors, making a financial contribution or simply being a role model for the community’s youth. It was the latter reason that earned Dr. Richard DeAngelis and Village Justice Robert Bogle the selection as this year’s honorees at the organization’s annual awards brunch last Sunday.

Both men are lifelong Valley Stream residents and both work for the village — Bogle as an elected official and DeAngelis as an appointed one. Bogle has been the judge for 27 years while DeAngelis took on the role of deputy clerk last year. For the pair, their service to Valley Stream goes beyond the paychecks they receive from the village.

County Legislator Fran Becker, a past Bridge Builder of the Year, commended the two recipients. “You can’t think of people more dedicated to this community,” he said. “When you think of Valley Stream, you think of them.”

As part of last Sunday’s brunch, the organization took the time to tout its substance abuse prevention programs, specifically an essay contest done in conjunction with school District 24.

The elementary school district has a yearly contest for sixth-grade students in honor of the late Diana Pirrone, a former District 24 administrator and supporter of Friends Bridge. Pirrone, in fact, was the organization’s 2002 Bridge Builder of the Year.

The essay contest, explained District 24 Curriculum Director Dr. Lisa Conte, is a way to get students thinking about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices. A winner is chosen from each of the three elementary schools to receive a scholarship from Friends of Bridge.

Mayor Ed Fare said the success of Friends of Bridge is also Valley Stream’s success. “When they thrive,” he said, “it means lives are saved, families are restored and the community is a healthier and safer place.”

Friends of Bridge receives financial support from the state, county, insurance and fees based on ability to pay. The village also sets aside money its budget for the organization. This year’s contribution was $18,000. “It’s really a good investment for the community,” Bogle said. “I think it is by far the best check that the village writes every year.”