Staten Island Advance

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While Presidents' Day is a holiday for most, the weekend for honoring our nation's leaders holds particular significance for a group of Staten Island locals.

The time slot serves as a perfect opportunity for former presidents of the Young Democrats of Richmond County to hold their annual reunion at R.H. Tugs -- the Richmond Terrace dining spot that overlooks the Kill van Kull. And Sunday evening saw the former young adults -- who have since aged just a little -- to get together to exchange poignant stories and discuss the Democratic presidential primaries.

Former District Attorney and retired State Supreme Court Justice Tom Sullivan (who, by the way, turns 83 in April) told tales of being the group's first president, back in 1954. Sullivan brought with him his wife, Rita, and daughter Clare Sullivan, former president of the Business and Professional Women's Clubs of New York state.

Tom Lloyd, another former Young Democrats president and his wife, Carol, traveled from Fredericksburg, Va., to be part of the evening's fare.

Bob Strong, deputy secretary of labor in Delaware traveled from Wilmington to renew acquaintances.

Staten Island locals with names like Kevin Corbett, Thad McTigue, Nick Pololo, Kevin McKernan, Mike Arvanites and Mike Schnall attended, as did new grandfather Steve Higgins.

Current president Keith Parascandola, chief of staff for Assemblyman Matthew Titone, was introduced to the group.

Jim Smith, president of the group back in 1976, organizes the annual event.