The article below was written by Craig Becker, Associate Director, Residential Services
On Sunday, May 19, Mother Nature provided a warm and breezy afternoon for the much anticipated Agovino Friends and Family Picnic. This annual event is usually held at the Agovino residence, located on Kingsland Avenue in The Bronx. This year, Residential Coordinator (and Picnic-Planner Extraordinaire), Beth Ann Silvestri decided to take the party on the road and booked a pavilion located on Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. Adjacent to the Long Island Sound, this beautiful 105-acre green space was the picture-perfect site for the men and women who live at Agovino to spend the day outdoors enjoying the company of their families and friends.
Cousins Zayda Ayala and Melissa Hidalgo with other members of their families
Those in attendance included Joseph Rosales, Eddie Vargus, Carl Bennett, Zayda Ayala, Marilyn Gavil, Betsy Ravello, Patrick Parker, Geri Peragine, Raymond Strona, Julie Pomales, and Karen Liametz.
Toni Agovino, AHRC NYC Board Member, with Geri Peragine and Patrick Parker
Residence Manager, Brinda Blythe, and Assistant Manager, Lavene Anderson were on hand to make sure everyone got plenty to eat and had a good time. Assistant Director, Ana Bonilla was in charge of the fresh fruit smoothie bar, whipping up healthy and tasty made-to-order drinks for everyone at the picnic.
A special guest for the afternoon was AHRC NYC Board Member, Toni Agovino. For more than 30 years, Toni has been an ardent supporter of the Agovino residence and a strong advocate for the individuals and staff who have lived and worked there. AHRC NYC is in Toni’s blood—her father, Al Agovino, was a past President of the Board of Directors. Her sister, Elena, now deceased, was served in AHRC NYC programs. She maintains a personal connection to many of the residents and longtime staff members and frequently uses her voice make sure that their ideas and opinions are heard by the highest levels of the agency, as well as state and local government.
With Heartfelt Thanks
Betsy Ravello at the 2019 Agovino Friends and Family Picnic
The day was also meant to serve as a “Thank You!” to Agovino DSP staff, who joined the event as guests–no cooking or cleaning up required–so that they, too, could have a relaxing day in the park. Each of them left the picnic with pots of flowers or garden herbs to take home as a lasting reminder of the day and the heartfelt appreciation of Agovino management and regional Residential Services administration have for all the support and care they provide to the men and women who live at the residence.
With plans for camp and a Jersey Shore vacation already in the works, the Agovino Friends and Family Picnic was a terrific kick-off to what is sure to be a fun-filled season for all!
