Visit a summary of the 2006 504 Democratic Club luncheon at: http://www.the504democraticclub.org/annual.html

Yesterday's 504 Democratic Club luncheon attracted over 150 people from throughout New York State.

We were celebrating last year's passage through the legislature of the Disabled Rent Increase Exemption (D.R.I.E.) after a struggle of 25 years. We also celebrated the election of Assemblywoman Sylvia Friedman, the first 504 Democratic Club and community activist to be elected to public office.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn presented the FDR Award to Council Member G. Oliver Koppell, Chair of the Mental Health, Mental Hygiene, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services Committee.

The Justin Dart Advocacy Award went to the leaders of three organizations who spearheaded the passage of D.R.I.E.:

• Susan Dooha, Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York City;

• Shelly Nortz, Deputy Executive Director for Policy of the Coalition for the Homeless;

• and Michael McKee, who recently retired

as Assistant Director of Tenants and Neighbors. Presenting the award was Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who, as Assemblyman Stringer, chief sponsor of D.R.I.E. in the legislature.

City Councilwoman Inez Dickens presented the Eileen Healy Community Service Award to Christina Curry, Executive Director of the Harlem Independent Living Center.

Former Public Advocate and current Attorney General candidate Mark Green presented the Joan Kinzer Award for service to the 504 Democratic Club to Assemblywoman Sylvia Friedman.

The Sandra Schnur emerging leadership award was presented to Lawrence Carter-Long, Network Director of DNNYC by City Councilwoman Gale Brewer.

In an emotional ceremony, Thomas Smith, past President of our sister club, the Stonewall Democratic Club, along with his father, accepted a special mental health advocacy award for this mother, Kathryn Smith, a leader of Staten Island NAMI, who passed away in February. Presenting the award was Dirk McCall, Tom's successor as Stonewall President, who is also Director of External Affairs of Quality Services for the Autism Community.

Among others who spoke before us were:

• Assemblyman and Democratic State Party Chair Denny Farrell,

• Congress Members Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney;

• Denise O'Donnell, candidate for State Attorney General;

• as well as a host of other elected officials and candidates from throughout the city.

Among those present was:

• retired VESID Deputy Commissioner Brian McLaine, who made the trip all the way from Albany, and who announced that he was associated with the establishment of a disability policy institute at Syracuse University.

• Daniel Feldman, Executive Director of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association;

• Edith Prentiss, Vice President of Disabled In Action;

• Lorraine Samuels, representing the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled;

• Greg Bell, Bronx Housing for Blind and Partially Sighted;

• Alan Goldblatt with his group from CWA Local 1180 Disabled Members Committee;

• Pam Bates and Pat Walls, Co-Chairs of 504 North Star.

In addition, a 40 page journal was distributed, with ads from more elected officials, candidates, community organizations, and individuals.

Our thanks to Lois Marbach, who organized the luncheon and journal and all those who helped make this possible.