This May marked an annual celebration in the Town of North Hempstead.
For the 44th consecutive year, the town came together for the Senior Recognition Luncheon. The luncheon honors outstanding seniors in the community who go above and beyond in their dedication to helping others and bettering themselves. This year’s festivities were spread over two days (May 17 and 19) and held at Harbor Links Golf Course.
The lunch began with a warm welcome in the lobby, where recipients were given either a corsage or boutonnière and photographed with their friends and family. Everyone was then ushered into the main hall where appetizers were served while a clown juggled for good fun. As the main event began, elected town officials gave opening regards.
As the award presentations began, it became clear that the recipients of this honor are truly amazing, diverse and deserving individuals. Each honoree has found their own unique way to give back. For example, there were those who had served for decades in lodges such as the Knights of Columbus or the Order Sons of Italy, or for boards such as Project Independence. Others were honored for their dedication to teaching at local high schools, colleges and community centers.
Every award-winner was called up to the podium in front of the ballroom after a summary of their accomplishments was read. Each recipient smiled with well-deserved pride as they were presented with certificates and proclamations from elected town officials while their friends and family cheered. Lunch followed the presentations and then a raffle. The festivities came to an end with closing remarks thanking the honorees for their service.
This year’s recipients and the towns/organizations they represent are:
• Joseph Amplo—Leisure Club of Greater New Hyde Park
• Emiliana Barrera—North Shore University Hospital
• Jerry Berkson—Sid Jacobson JCC
• Louis F. Biundo—John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 Order Sons of Italy in America
• Vincent L. Capasso—Cellini Lodge #2206 Order Sons of Italy in America
• Anthony Carpinelli—Knights of Columbus, Port Washington Council
• Mary Castrianni—Herricks Senior Community Service Center
• Marion Goldchmidt—North Shore University Hospital
• Barbara Heslin—Carle Place Seniors
• Dorothy A. Holt—First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury
• Mansur Jamal—Ismaili Cultural Center
• Lily Kashani—Sephardic Heritage Alliance and The Great Neck Social Center
• Dina Khordi—Mashadi Senior Club
• Ram Kriplani—Milan-Herricks Indo-U.S.
• Phoebe W. Lazarus—Project Independence Great Neck Advisory Board
• Karen Lee—Joy Fu Chinese Senior Club
• Florence Licurse—Mineola Golden Age Club
• Rosa Lobos—EAC Port Washington Senior Community Service Center
• Dorisanne Loeschorn-Butera—Knights of Columbus Seniors
• Anne Maurice—Leisure Club of Greater New Hyde Park
• Mary Mikowski—Irish American Society
• Habeebuddin Mohammed—Islamic Center of Long Island
• Barbara Nelson—Magnolia Gardens
• Dolores Oliphant—Manhasset Valle Residence
• Mary Ann Plaia—Leisure Club of Mineola
• Bernice Roberts—Westbury-Carle Place Project Independence Advisory Board
• Edith Rosen—AARP Chapter #3983
• Selwyn “Jerry” Rudnick—Project Independence Port Washington Advisory Board
• Ellen Schaier—Port Washington Senior Center
• Dan Scheidel—AARP Chapter #4202
• William “Bill” Vesely—Williston Park Seniors
• Marianna Wohlgemuth—Project Independence New Hyde Park Advisory Board
This celebration of achievement and service illustrates the appreciation that the community has for these generous seniors. They prove that with drive and heart there is no age limit on what an individual can do, especially for others, in the community they love.
