By John C. O'Connell
Diana Pirrone and Howard Kirschenbaum each received the organization's prestigious Bridge Builder award.
Pirrone is the assistant superintendent of Valley Stream School District 24. Friends of Bridge selected her for the Bridge Builder award in recognition of the continued efforts she makes in the schools to support the work of Bridge. She organizes education sessions for parents as well as age-appropriate presentations to students about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
Kirschenbaum is a counselor at Friends of Bridge and has spent many years bringing hope and practical guidance to young people having problems with substance abuse.
Both Bridge Builders thanked the organization for the honor. Pirrone said that she was humbled by the award, and said that it is the staff and directors of Friends of Bridge that deserve recognition for the critically important work they do every day to save children and adolescents from the dangers of drug and alcohol addictions and abuse.
Pirrone and Kirschenbaum received citations from the state, county, town and village, represented by Assemblyman Bob Barra, Legislator Fran Becker, Councilman Jim Darcy and Mayor Edward Cahill.
On hand for the award ceremonies were Richard Schmit, executive director of Bridge, and its Board of Directors: Mary Ann Cahill, Barbara DeGrace, Nina Maurer, Harry R. Nicolino, Grace F. Anastasio (past president), Bruce S. Beaver, Christopher Pizzola and Ida D'Angelo, and past president Joseph Zabatta, also a village trustee.
Also present were other dignitaries and friends of the non-profit agency, including village board trustees Joanne T. Antun and Richard Coffman, and Deputy Mayor Guido Cirenza.
For more information on the Friends of Bridge at 5-11 Pflug Place, or for help for yourself or a loved one, call (516) 825-5626.
