Lions to Honor Local Activists

The Little Neck-Douglaston Lions will host its 59th annual awards dinner at Leonard's of Great Neck this Sunday.

On the agenda for the evening is an awards ceremony recognizing the hard work of several local community activists, a formal dinner, a live band and an open bar.

"I look forward to this event every year. It's always a great time, getting together with good friends and recognizing those within the community who really make a difference," said president Charles McBride.

Walter Mugdan, author of Douglaston Patch's Conservation Conversation, is being honored for his work as the president of the Udalls Cove Preservation Committee.

"I'm honored to be named Lion's Man of the Year," he said. "The Lions Club and Charlie [McBride] have been enormously supportive of the work for the Udalls Cove Preservation Committee, and my organization is very grateful for that support."

The Lions will also honor Pattie Rifino, who has been named Lion of the Year.

Rifino began her tenure as a community activist when her eldest child started school and has since helped the local school system with fundraising, cleaning and planting.

She has also worked as the PTA president for Douglaston's P.S. 98 and helped start the Lions' annual coat drive 10 years ago. Rifino continues to do a great deal of behind-the-scenes work with the Lions.

This year's Woman of the Year is Rovena Schirling, founder and chairwoman of the National Tourette Syndrome Association's Speakers’ Bureau.

Schirling, who is no stranger to community activism, currently sits on the Tourette Syndrome 2012 convention planning committee. She is also a member of the Queens Botanical Garden's board of trustees and previously acted as co-chairwoman for the garden's 2010 Rose Ball.

But Sunday night will also be a celebration of the Lions' 59 years of service to the Little Neck-Douglaston community.

“It really is a fun opportunity to get together and celebrate everyone who helps make Little Neck-Douglaston the wonderful community that it is," McBride said.

Expected to attend the event are Councilman Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, and state Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, D-Bayside.

“All proceeds from ticket sales, donations and the raffles will go to benefit local charities,” McBride said.

The Lions have invited everyone from the community to attend.

For advance ticket information call the Little Neck-Douglaston Lions at 917-312-0343.