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Quinn wows crowd at SUN-B breakfast

March 28, 2013 Anna Spivak

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photo by SB News

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In a naturally lit and classically decorated dining room at the Dyker Beach Golf Course, members of the Senior Umbrella Network of Brooklyn, or SUN-B, sat amongst friends, freshly ground coffee, fruit and assorted breakfast items.

The 10^th Annual Membership Breakfast held on Tuesday, March 19, yielded a bountiful turnout of doctors, business owners, board members, and City Council Speaker and Power of One honoree, Christine Quinn. Also honored were Dr. Salvatore Cumella of LENCO Diagnostic Laboratories and a SUN-B board member; Jeffrey Ferretti, of National Brokerage and National Abstract of NY and a SUN-B board member; attorneys Judith Grimaldi and Pauline Yeung of Grimaldi and Yeung, LLP; and Dr. Concha Mendoza, chief of the Division of Geriatrics, SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

In an engaging opening speech to announce this years award recipients, Vicki Ellner, founder/chair of SUN-B, addressed each honoree and spoke of their contributions.

Mirroring a Hollywood awards show, Ellner adapted a humorous angle during the ceremony in asking recipients, Who are you wearing? and following up with an answer of validation and belief or devotion and pride.

Before announcing Quinn, Ellner spoke about SUN-B and the focuses of the organization. Fighting ageism and elder abuse were only two among many goals mentioned, along with some inspirational words describing SUN-B as a small but mighty non-for-profit organization.

Can I call you Christine? Ellner confidently asked after calling Quinn up to the stage. Call me Chris, Quinn good-humoredly responded.

After being recognized for her dedication to public service and described as a crusader for the middle class by Ellner, Quinn took the stage.

With all eyes on her, Quinn addressed members of the audience and regaled them with a story about her own great grandmother and her experiences with an exceptional senior center in Glen Clove that offered more than just activitiesit gave her a new lease on life.

Referring to noteworthy strides within the senior community, like getting countdown clocks installed in intersections, Quinn told the crowd, None of that happened by accident. All of you pushing us in government is what is making this happen.