Joyce Schneider has been selected to receive the 2015 Trailblazer Award by Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton for her tireless dedication to volunteering, particularly with seniors. As part of the nation’s Women’s History Month celebrations, each Nassau County Legislator selects a woman of distinction within their respective districts. These women have gone above and beyond the norm, whether with regard to volunteerism or within their respective professions, usually both.
“Selecting and honoring a woman who is very deserving of the Trailblazer award is a serious task, yet so rewarding at the same time,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Yet this year’s selection was very easy. Joyce truly exemplifies everything this award is about and sets a prime example of how giving of oneself has such a positive effect on so many people.”
Schneider serves on boards or advisory boards of the Port Washington Senior Citizens Center, the Town of North Hempstead’s Project Independence, Glen Cove’s “Campaign Against Dementia,” Senior Umbrella Network, Better Brain Bootcamp and Long Island Caregivers Coalition She has also partnered with the Nassau County’s Mental Health Department to develop and implement a public awareness campaign about senior dementia, Alzheimer’s, depression and the dangers of mixing alcohol and prescription medication. Schneider also has facilitated workshops for the Epilepsy Foundation and the suicide prevention hotline, fielding calls from individuals with severe depression.
Schneider is active in community organizations, including serving as a board member of Kiwanis International of Manhasset/Port Washington, the Port Washington Lion’s Club and the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce.
“I was surprised when I learned that Delia had selected me to be honored as a Trailblazer,” said Schneider, “as I always subscribed to the belief that ‘Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth’. To be recognized for giving back was very unexpected and humbling.”
Keeping our minds sharp is important at any age, regardless of whether or not you feel your memory or cognitive ability is eroding. So, Joyce is introducing brain fitness workshops at the Port Washington Yacht Club. Open to anyone, regardless of age, the workshop will consist of six one-and-one-half-hour sessions. The cost is $99 for the entire six-week program that begins on April 1 at 3:00 p.m. and continues for the next five Wednesdays at the same start time. Call Schneider at 917-817-2207 to sign up or with questions.
