Another year of service

Members and friends of the East Meadow Kiwanis, the largest and one of the most prestigious chapters in the state, celebrated the installation of the organization’s new officers at Verdi’s last Saturday night.

Prior to the ceremony, newly installed President Jim Mancuso talked about the excitement of leading a Kiwanis chapter known for its dedicated membership and its array of service projects.

“There’s so much interest in this organization, so much enthusiasm,” Mancuso said. “You just turn around and bump into a new service project.”

One of those projects is the holiday food basket drive, which occurs around Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hanukkah and Easter/Passover. Weeks of food collection are culminated by assembling meals into baskets, which are then delivered to families in need during the holidays. This year, the delivery will be on Nov. 21.

The following day, Nov. 22, is another hallmark for the East Meadow Kiwanis — the annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner at East Meadow High School.

For Mancuso, it is important to continue successful programs such as these, while also keeping the future of the organization in mind.

“A theme will be to celebrate the legacy of the club and all the good things we’ve done,” Mancuso said. “At the same time, we will refresh the club.”

Mancuso was introduced by Kiwanis Long Island South Central Lt. Gov. Tony Genova during the installation ceremony.

Immediate Past President Rich Santer reflected on the past year, noting the implementation of a new Builders Club at W.T. Clarke Middle School, and a new key club headed by East Meadow students at Sacred Heart High School in Hempstead. Santer also touted the recognitions recently attained by the Bowling Green K-Kids. Furthermore, during Santer’s tenure, Kiwanis donated mobile ADA-compliant science labs for each of the district’s elementary schools.

“This year, without exception in every decision facing this club, we decided to help more children by doing more or giving more,” Santer said. “It just doesn’t get any better than that.”

East Meadow Kiwanis Officers 2009-2010

President: Jim Mancuso

Immediate Past President: Rich Santer

1st Vice President: Harry C. Demiris

2nd Vice President: Mitchell Allen   

Secretary: Debbie Kirsh

Treasurer: James J Smith

Board of Directors
Debbie Coates
David Diamond
Dan Feldman
Alan Hodish
Brian O’Flaherty
Ted Rosenthal
Jay Steinmetz
James M. Surless
Eric J. Vogel