Archived Civic News - 2007:

-- Dan McGlaughlin, outgoing president of the Pelham Civic Association, was honored at the organization's Christmas party Friday night (Dec.7) at the Pelham Country Club.Brian Neufeld presented a plaque expressing appreciation for Dan's four years of outstanding service as president. Bob Tracy will succeed Dan as president of the Civics in January.

-- More than 60 senior citizens from the Pelham area got a taste of Tai Chi along with their catered lunch on Thursday, November 1 at the Daronco Town House. They also got healthy servings of financial and medical advice. The occasion was the latest in a series of highly popular free seminars for seniors presented by the Pelham Civic Association. Jack McCormack is the Pelham Civics Senior Citizens Chairman.

-- Lorri Gorman was honored as the Pelham Civic Association's ``2007 Person of the Year'' at our 68th Annual Dinner Dance held Oct. 26 at the Fountainhead in New Rochelle. 250 friends and colleagues from throughout the county gathered for a night of dining, dancing and warm tributes to Ms. Gorman, a longtime resident and former Mayor of Pelham Manor. Many dignitaries and elected officials presented proclamations to Ms. Gorman during the evening.

-- The benefit golf outing July 12 at the Pelham Country surpassed our expectations. It was a (very) full day of fun and feasting for the 130 or so participants and our cadre of volunteers. Thanks to Joe Benefico and his hard-working committee.

-- Lorri Gorman, former Mayor of Pelham Manor, is our 2007 Person of the Year. She'll be honored at our gala dinner dance Friday, October 26 at the Fountainhead in New Rochelle,

-- Congratulations to the winners of our 2007 Community Awards. At the PMHS graduation ceremony, Marlon Colindres was presented with the Vincent J. Lopardi Community Service Award. At the June meeting of the Civics, Brian Neufeld presented Laura Glynn with the Camillo J. D' Urso Charitable Support Award. Earlier, Mara Kravitz received the Philip J. Colicchio Award for Leadership and Amy Tian received the Joseph L. Nunziata Award for Creativity and Service.

-- At the June meeting Bob Tracy proposed a September 8 Civics trip to West Point for Army's football game against Rhode Island. Bob needs responses by July 15. Contact him at rjtracy@cbdm.com.

-- At this year's Summer Olympics on June 10 at Glover, the only water was from the the field's sprinkler system, delighting the 180 kids who participated in the events. In addition to dozens of Civics members and their families who ran the events and acted as "shepherds,'' we were happy to have a great group of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts helping out.Morgan Burns and Pat Smith did a masterful job organizing the activities.

-- Civics member, American Legion stalwart and Pelham Air Force General Joe Hall was a key organizer of the town's inspirational Memorial Day Parade and ceremonies. A strong contingent of Civics members marched to commemorate our fallen heroes and lend support to our honored guests from the Marines and Navy.

-- The Civics welcomed 85 attendees at the latest in its series of free seminars for senior citizens on May 10 at the Daronco Town House. Dr. Steven Plotycia, a prominent opthamologist, discussed age-related macular degeneration. Michael Mondrone, vice president of FAB Communications, showed seniors the benefits of using cellphones. A local chef showed seniors how to simplify their everyday cooking with easy, healthy, delicious recipes. The program was organized by Jack McCormack, the Pelham Civics Senior Citizens Chairman, and his committee.

-- On April 28 the Civics donated a new 16-foot evergreen in Dick Drago's name to replace the tall oak that stood near town hall and was taken down last September after it was damaged in a wind storm. Dick's late father planted the nearby evergreen that is traditionally decorated for the Christmas holidays. See photos in the Photo Gallery.

-- Sophomore Career Awareness Day, under the chairmanship of Jim Arden, was held at Pelham Memorial High School on April 23. It was the 17th consecutive year that the program on ``life after high school'' has been presented. More than 200 students participated in breakout sessions in which they were introduced to a wide range of jobs and careers by more than 50 Pelham Civic members and other community volunteers.