Several members of the parade committee…
By Kathianne Boniello
The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Organization, Inc. has put out a call for volunteers, but the word has not gotten to the longtime contributors who voiced anger at the parade group’s new structure.
Several members of the parade committee expressed concern and frustration this spring at the new format of the volunteer group, chaired by Auburndale civic leader Jim Rodgers. Formerly a loose-knit collection of community volunteers, the parade organization is now an incorporated nonprofit with an executive board, formal sub-committees and an application process for volunteers.
Last week Rodgers defended the changes as necessary to streamline the operations of the parade. An application process was necessary, Rodgers said, after the group discovered last year that one of the parade volunteers — who has since been ousted — was a convicted pedophile.
The new leadership of the parade said last week it was looking for more members, but several longtime volunteers who have spoken out about the changes said this week they had not been contacted about returning.
The parade organization held its first meeting April 10, which included about 16 volunteers. Group spokesman Victor Mimoni of Douglaston, who joined last year, read a statement explaining the changes.
“It must be understood that as a registered non-profit, it is necessary to abandon less than businesslike practices which sometimes establish themselves in informal organizations,” Mimoni said. “This will result in accountability and transparency in finances, better organization, stringent record keeping, and longer- term planning.”
The statement also included an expression of “deep regret” for what some volunteers called an intrusive and unnecessary application form.
“I’d like to reiterate the organization’s sincere regret that good hardworking people have been upset by this transition,” Mimoni said.
The volunteers Mimoni attempted to apologize to were never told of the meeting. He said last week those who did not return application forms were not informed that the gathering was taking place. Some volunteers withheld the forms to protest the changes in the group.
When asked if the parade committee was seeking more volunteers, Mimoni said “absolutely.”
One member who has spoken out about the changes attended last week’s meeting. Volunteer Charles McBride submitted his formal resignation from the committee.
Whitestone volunteer Margit Johnson, a 22-year member, said she was contacted by the parade organization but does not expect to return.
“I’m not going to work where I have no say,” Johnson said. Some volunteers have said they were concerned that the structure of the nonprofit was not approved by the full parade committee nor were the members of the executive board. They also have been disturbed that there had been no meetings up until April 10. Previously the group had met weekly from January to May.
Mimoni said there was a general consensus last year on how the nonprofit should be set up and who would be chosen for the executive board. Mimoni said no one was being excluded from the parade and suggested anyone upset by the changes contact the organization.
People should “resolve their personal differences personally,” he said. “They’re welcome to come.”
Karen Dinegar, an eight-year volunteer, said no one has reached out to her.
“I think it’s really ironic,” she said about the call for volunteers. “They have an entire network of people who have experience and they won’t call on them. From my point of view, [they] uninvited us.”
Rodgers told the TimesLedger last week that some volunteers who had concerns about the changes had called him, while others had not.
Doug Bergman, a Baysider who spent two years on the committee, has not been contacted by the group’s new leadership. Bergman said Rodgers was tough to get on the phone.
“Who gave Rodgers the right to cut out open meetings and volunteers from all decision-making when we provide the money and the work?” Bergman said.
Denise Sodaro, a 20-year volunteer, said she has not been contacted by the parade committee.
“I think they’re totally ignoring the community,” Sodaro said.
But Dinegar touched on a common theme among those volunteers upset at the changes in the group when she wished the parade organization well.
“I hope it’s successful,” said Dinegar, who said she would like to see the parade continue.
Reach reporter Kathianne Boniello by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 146.
