Valley Stream Herald

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a young man in the community from a heroin overdose. For 40 years, it has helped those who need treatment for substance abuse. It offers day and evening programs, educational opportunities for teenagers, counseling for families and community outreach programs. Victor D’Angelo, one of Ida’s 51-year-old twin sons, recalls his mother getting involved with Friends of Bridge when the group started. He remembers the “rap sessions” she hosted in the basement of their Keller Street home — discussion groups for at-risk teens and their parents. During her tenure on the Board of Directors, D’Angelo has led the charge to bring substance-abuse awareness programs to schools in Valley Stream and surrounding communities. Barbara DeGrace, past president of Friends of Bridge, said that D’Angelo was instrumental in bringing speakers to Holy Name of Mary School for the first time this year. DeGrace said that D’Angelo is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of local youth. “She’s always been about the kids,” DeGrace said. “That seems to be where her heart is.” Linda Pizzolo, vice president of the Friends of Bridge board, noted D’Angelo’s support for the center’s school program. Teenagers with substance abuse problems can continue their education through Friends of Bridge while they fight their addictions. D’Angelo was also instrumental in arranging a series of author visits for those teens. Taking advantage of her dual roles at Friends of Bridge and the library, she arranged for “book talks” in which teenage clients read books and then met their authors. The programs were held at the Friends of Bridge facility, and, Pizzolo said, the teens enjoyed the author visits. Richard Schmit, executive director of the facility, said that he and D’Angelo speak at least once a week, and that she is very supportive of the center and its mission. Recently, Friends of Bridge was awarded money to rehabilitate the outside of its Pflug Place headquarters, which is badly in need of a facelift. D’Angelo, Schmit said, made calls to the state’s Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, the main funding source for Friends of Bridge to advocate for By ANDREW HACKMACK the additional funds. ahackmack@liherald.com Schmit praised D’Angelo for the time and effort she devotes to her role as board presida D’Angelo has served Valley Stream in many capacities dent. She is dedicated to her job, which includes working to ensure that Friends of over the past five decades. When her children were growBridge meets all state regulations. ing up, she was active in the PTA. In recent years, her serD’Angelo worked her way up through vice has centered on Friends of Bridge, a local substancethe executive board, serving as secretary, then vice president under DeGrace before abuse treatment facility, and the Henry Waldinger Memorial becoming president three years ago. This Library. past year she arranged for the facility to have In recognition of her selfless service to the community — she never a table at Green Acres Mall on Veterans Day asks for anything in return — D’Angelo has been named the Herald’s to hand out “Say No to Drugs” coloring books as well as information 2011 Person of the Year. on Friends of Bridge and its services. Those who know the 80-year-old D’Angelo, a Valley Stream resiPizzolo, who staffed the table with D’Angelo, said that a lot of peodent since 1960, praise her commitment to not one, but many organizaSee IDA, page 13 tions. She currently serves as president of both the Friends of Bridge Board of Directors and the Waldinger Library’s Board of Trustees. These two volunteer positions require many hours of commitment each month. With Friends of Bridge, D’Angelo has really made her mark. She has been involved with the organization since its inception, and has been a member of the board for about 15 years. Friends of Bridge was founded in May 1970, following the death of

PERSON 2 0 11

OF THE YEAR

Valley Stream

HERALD December 29, 2011 - January 4, 2012

$1.00

YEAR IN REVIEW

In the March village election, seven-year trustee and lifelong Valley Stream resident Ed Fare became the new mayor. Page 2

o l e g n A ' Ida D

Making her mark throughout the community

Dr. Adrienne Robb-Fund was named the superintendent of District 13 schools after a months-long search. Page 6

The Chamber of Commerce dedicated a new monument to late mayor Ed Cahill outside Village Hall. Page 14

I


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