Lawrence-Cedarhurst Post 339 honors donors, volunteers

A seasonal, family-like atmosphere enveloped the intimate gathering of roughly 50 people at the Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion Post 339 holiday brunch on Dec. 12, and not just because Frank’s Steaks in Rockville Centre was decorated for the holidays.

Post 339 Commander Syd Mandelbaum, a Cedarhurst resident who has blended his charitable poverty think tank Rock and Wrap It Up! with helping military veterans, served as emcee for the brunch that honored donors and volunteers who support the Veterans Farmer Market that Mandelbaum and the post began in July 2020 and the distribution of 850 Thanksgiving meals this years.

The farmer’s market, which operates Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, allows veterans to “shop” for meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits and canned gods, along with other household items.

The market was created so older veterans would not have to be exposed to larger crowds in supermarkets and other stores during Covid.

It has attracted the attention of Long Island Jewish Hospital in Valley Stream that is part of the Northwell Health system.

“LIJ wants to be the first hospital to offer a veterans farmer market,” he said, adding that he will approach Trader Joe’s in Oceanside about being a part of that. Trader Joe’s in Hewlett already donates to the existing farmer’s market and Thanksgiving meal effort. “LIJ would do a farmer’s market, then do one step further. They want to give their food that is not used in the evenings, so that veterans can have a hot meal to take home with them.”

He said if the pilot program works out, he would like to see a nutrition component added. “As vets get older their nutrition sometimes falls and the hospital could not only offer the veterans farmer’s market, but also offer nutrition advice.”

Among the people honored was Lawrence Middle School eight-grader Lucas Martinez, the youngest volunteer honored. “It makes me feel better,” the North Lawrence resident said, about volunteering. “Helping other people is good to do.” Martinez, a Broncos fans, received an official NFL football signed by former Giant Janoris Jenkins.

Trader Joe’s in Hewlett managed by James Mohrman has donated 320,000 pounds of food in the past year. Called a captain in Trader Joe’s parlance, he credited his team of 150 employees being part of the donations. “It’s all about the neighborhood and giving back to the community,” said Mohrman, who was accompanied by his son, Nathan, 3.

Vito Vinceslao and his uncle, Mario Davilla, owners of Friendlier Restaurant and Pizza in Woodmere, have donated and cooked 100 turkeys and 50 hams in the past 10 years for the Rock and Wrap It Up! Thanksgiving meals.

“It’s all about unity,” Vinceslao said, “ giving back to make it better. It’s the way I live.”

Gammy’s Pantry director Sasha Young and fellow Inwood resident Bianca Bran were also honored. The pantry, inside of the Five Towns Community Center, helps 400 families weekly and many more throughout the year.

Costco in North Lawrence donated 270,000 pounds of food along with other items. Wall’s Bake Shop in Hewlett donated 27,000 pounds of goods and the Bagelry in Cedarhurst donated more 300,000 pounds of food.

Panera Bread in Lawrence, 50 pounds and Tony D’s Pizza in Hewlett. Other donors include Chipotle and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit operated by Carlene Jefferson. Both businesses are also in Lawrence.