Party shows appreciation for Civic’s members

The Ozone Park Civic’s Holiday Party — a gesture of appreciation for the organization’s members — was a hit.
Civic President Howard Kamph quipped, “They [attendees] ate all the food, so I guess that was good - unless they were just hungry.”
In lieu of a DJ, Kamph brought a boom box, and said guests danced “until about 9:30, a lot longer than I thought they would.”
Kamph said he held the party to thank the members of his civic organization.
“I just wanted to give back to everyone that comes to all my meetings,” he said.
City Councilmember Joseph Addabbo, State Senator Serphin Maltese, and Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer showed up in person to greet locals and wish them happy holidays. Democratic District Leaders Frank Gulluscio and Lew Simon attended as well.
“It was a neighborhood thing, and that’s what [Kamph’s] civic is really about,” said Gulluscio. “Grassroots, local, neighborhood issues. That civic has been around a long time. It has a lot of history.”
“[The party] was less about arguing and fighting and addressing issues and more about socializing,” added Addabbo. “For a moment, we stopped and enjoyed the holiday season, and I think it’s healthy to break bread and socialize like that once in awhile.”
Kamph said about 35 people turned out for the party, comprised of Ozone Park Civic members and their guests.
“It was open to the public, too,” said Kamph. “I never turn anybody away.”
All in all, Kamph said the party was a “relaxing” time to come together with friends and neighbors.
“There was talking, gossiping, mingling - things we usually don’t have time to do when we’re taking care of our agenda.”