Michael Anderson from the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Allison Cohen from the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, Bronwyn Fugate of Curtis High School, and John Vincent Scalia Jr. of John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals have demonstrated their commitment to continually helping and supporting individuals in Staten Island.
On Thursday, May 16, the quartet were honored at the South Shore Rotary Club of Staten Island’s annual Service Above Self Gala at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. Since “Service Above Self” is Rotary International’s motto, reflecting the organization’s philosophy of unselfish volunteer service, the foursome are being cited for their tireless work.
“We are extremely excited to honor these four individuals for their work in the community. Not only do they demonstrate service above self, but as relatives of fellow South Shore Rotarians, it’s an honor to see the younger generation continue our work,” said Anthony Cerverizzo (South Shore Rotary President) and Rosemarie Sienicki (incoming South Shore Rotary President) in a joint statement.
Michael Anderson
Michael started his career as a news and sports reporter for the Staten Island Advance for 16 years. After working as a special education teacher for the New York City Department of Education for a few years, he joined the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce in 2018 as a Content Development Specialist, where he became a powerful voice for the local small business community. He collaborated and edited the annual Consumer Guide, crafted press releases, highlighted business leaders and Chamber members, and assisted in developing marketing materials.
In 2022, Michael became the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) Supervisor. As SBRN Supervisor, he directs the Chamber’s outreach efforts, visiting all Staten Island neighborhoods to connect with small businesses. Michael’s collaborative approach has helped to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding for businesses. He has also facilitated connections with city agencies, resulting in free compliance visits, legal consultations, and city and state certification assistance.
The son-in-law of Rotarian Rosemarie Sienicki, Michael is a member of the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation Inc., a Third Degree Knight with the St. Thomas the Apostle Knights of Columbus, and currently serves on the St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church’s FUNraising Committee.
Allison Cohen
Allison has devoted her career to helping serve the needs of Staten Island through communications, fundraising, and community building. She is currently the Chief of Communications & Fundraising at the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island. In this role, she oversees all marketing, media relations, fundraising, special events, and community outreach for the organization. Throughout her career, she has focused on social media marketing and adapting to new trends. Allison previously served as the Director of Communications and External Affairs for Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. She also worked at NY1 News and Dateline NBC.
She volunteers as a member of the Foundation Board of Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), the Development Committee at Staten Island Academy, and the Covenants Committee for the Gulls Cove Condominium Association. The current Treasurer of the Have A Heart Foundation of Staten Island, she also served as a past co-chair of Sunrise WALKS, RUMC’s Annual Gala, and Nonprofit Staten Island’s Annual Conference.
Allison was selected to be a part of the inaugural cohort of the Martin Pear Israel Fellowship, offered by JCC Association of North America. She is a past winner of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s 20 Under 40 Award. Allison is a graduate of Vassar College and serves as Volunteer Class Agent for their Generation Vassar fundraising appeal.
Allison is the daughter of Rotarians James & Julie Cohen.
Bronwyn Fugate
Bronwyn came by her love of theatre naturally, having been raised in a theatrical family. While growing up on Staten Island, she honed her craft with the Staten Island Children’s Theatre Association and majored in theatre at Curtis High School, where she received the Drama Recognition Award at graduation. Bronwyn has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory, and while there sang with the Boston Pops and the Boston Opera Company. She also holds a Master of Science in Special Education from Touro College and a School Building Leadership Certification from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Bronwyn has been an indispensable part of the performing arts department at Curtis High School, teaching theatre for the past 14 years while also running the after-school drama program where she directs and choreographs their yearly mainstage productions. Her recent production of Mamma Mia was chosen to perform on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre as part of the 10th Annual Shubert Festival. To further enhance the excellent theatre education afforded Curtis students, Bronwyn has secured partnerships with Roundabout Theater Company, Broadway Bridges, Theatre Development Fund, City Center Encores, Theatre for A New Audience, Illuminart, and the St. George Theatre.
Bronwyn also understands the importance of giving back and serves on the boards of directors for the Minty Organization and Spotlight Theatre Company. She has many acting credits on her resume.
Bronwyn is married to Howard and has two sons, Howard (8) and Hunter (5). Her mother and stepfather, Mimi, and fellow Rotarian Tony Verrilli have been instrumental in keeping her creative flame lit.
John Vincent Scalia Jr.
John is a Funeral Director/Owner/Manager licensed in New York and New Jersey. He is a partner in the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc. in Eltingville, the Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals and Cremation Services in Old Bridge, N.J., the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals and Cremation Services, Inc. in Matawan, N.J., and AAA Family Limousine Service, Inc. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Villanova University, he started his career at Morgan Stanley in Manhattan before graduating Summa Cum Laude at the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in Manhattan.
John is the proud parent of John Vincent III – who is married to Alexa – as well as Christopher H., and Genna R. He also recently welcomed the birth of his first grandchild, Grace McKinley. He is the son of Rotarian John Vincent Scalia Sr. and Cecilia Scalia.
