Dyker Heights Civic Association dinner honors two in education field

November 2, 2023 Wayne Daren Schneiderman

(From left) Jackie Tepedino; Alec Brook-Kransky; Fran Vella-Marrone; and Laurie Windsor.
Photos: Arthur DeGaeta/Brooklyn Eagle

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The annual dinner for the Dyker Heights Civic Association, held at Sirico’s this past Thursday, October 26, paid homage to two individuals that are “similar, yet different, but unique in their own ways,” according to Fran Vella-Marrone, who is the association’s president, in addition to the chairwoman of Brooklyn’s Conservative Party of Kings County.

(From left) Jackie Tepedino; Alec Brook-Kransky; Fran Vella-Marrone; and Laurie Windsor.

The figurative spotlight shined brightly on Jackie Tepedino and Laurie Windsor, both of whom have a background in education.

Vella-Marrone pointed out that unlike some organizations that honor a number of people at one time, the Dyker Heights Civic Association typically honors only one or two per gala.

Tepedino is the religious director for the Basilica of Regina Pacis, and her main role is to run the program that teaches children about religious education, Vella-Marrone explained.

“She’s always been incredibly active in the community as well, trying to enhance either the religious education of people or the general education of children in the community – and that’s something that we think is very important,” she said.

More than 100 people attended the annual dinner for the Dyker Heights Civic Association.

Windsor was previously the president of the Community Education Council, and is also the chairperson of Community Board 11 – in addition to the Brooklyn director for Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.

“I’ve worked with Laurie on a number of different issues in the past, and it’s always been a good experience,” noted Vella-Marrone.

Vella-Marrone said that her expectations for the evening are, of course, to honor Tepedino and Windsor, “but also to hopefully make a few bucks for the Civic Association as well, because it ends up being used to contribute to other worthy causes out there that may need a little help – if there is something in the community that needs to be sponsored.”

The Dyker Heights Civic Association, which has been in existence since 1928, is strictly a volunteer group that focuses on the community, to maintain the quality of life in the community, and to fight for issues of concern, Vella-Marrone said.

“We also serve as a sounding board for the community, in whatever issues they may have. We try to address them with our elected officials, law enforcement and city agencies,” she added.