Terry and Frank Freyvogel, volunteering as a way of life

Once a volunteer, always a volunteer could be the motto for Terry and Frank Freyvogel of North Bellmore. Their volunteer efforts with Boy Scouts, their church and a host of other community activities began when their son Justin, now 22, was a toddler and continue today. For their unwavering dedication to children and their service to the community, the Herald proudly names the Freyvogels its 2009 People of the Year.

They are instrumental in running Boy Scout Troop 577 in North Bellmore, having gotten involved more than two decades ago, when Justin was small. He eventually became an Eagle Scout, scouting’s highest honor, but the couple still remains active.

“They are just phenomenal people, very generous, unselfish, very special people,” said Carol Murphy, current Troop Committee chairwoman and parent of an Eagle Scout. “They are mentors to a lot of the boys, and the boys think the world of them.”

A former Troop Committee chairwoman herself, Terry Freyvogel remains a committee member, overseeing Eagle Scout submissions. She helps Eagle candidates assemble the paperwork they need to send in, she explained. Of the committee, Terry said, “You actually make sure that whatever the program is, you make it happen -- that the funds are in place, the people are in place, the paperwork is in place.”

Frank is an assistant scoutmaster, having served as troop scoutmaster from 2003 to 2005.

The Freyvogels often work together, and with other committee members and scout leaders, helping the youngsters fulfill merit badge requirements (they must earn 21 badges to qualify for Eagle Scout) and encouraging them to undertake community service, which culminates in service projects that are required for Eagle Scout.

“Even though their son is grown, they continue to help everybody’s children in the community,” said Michele Armani, an Eagle Scout parent. “I can tell you that this couple is always there for people -- for neighbors, for charities, for families. I can’t think of a couple who touches more lives and is more giving of their time.”