Turning hardship into hope

At its first annual meeting under a new name — Community Chest South Shore, formerly Five Towns Community Chest — the organization renewed its mission of neighbors helping neighbors, named a new president and presented awards to local leaders in Gold Hall at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library on Monday.

Steven Spiro, president of the 85-year-old umbrella group that helps to support 24 institutions and charity organizations, stepped down after five years. Cal Nathan is the new president. Spiro now becomes Community Chest’s chairman succeeding Eric Keslowitz, a longtime member of Chest, who served seven years as chairman.

“We are raising more funds, helping more neighbors and our new name reflects that,” Spiro said.

In expanding the reach of Community Chest, Executive Director Bob Block said that the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program helps people in “our backyard” and speaking on behalf of Keslowitz said, “turns hardships into hope.”

A nearly five-minute video was shown explaining Community Chest’s mission and touting some of its successes.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino along with Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and County Legislator Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) administered the oath of office to Chest board members.

“I would like to say thank you on behalf of all town residents, Community Chest has grown into a major force,” Santino said. “One of the first places we turned to was Community Chest. You were there to help after Hurricane Sandy.”

Community Chest recognized four people who live or work in the Five Towns for their service to the communities. Deputy Inspector Danny Gluck was presented with the Community Award He is commander of the volunteer auxiliary police, Fourth Precinct — South unit that patrols the Five Towns,. “I am proud to be a part of the community,” said Gluck, who has lived in the Five Towns for nearly 50 years.

The Public Service Award went to Atlantic Beach Mayor George Pappas. He was not in attendance. Community Chest board member Craig Spatz noted Pappas’s enthusiasm for his village to host Chest’s 5K run. “He said ‘I’m in’,” Spatz said. “It is people like George that are exemplary; you want to lead. You have elevated public service to a new level; you are the people’s mayor.”

Michael Einhorn, owner of the Royalton Catering Company, that caters affairs at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club, was given the Public Appreciation Award. Spatz also spoke on Einhorn’s behalf and said Michael is always asking, “how can I help.”

The Joseph M. Sokol Award was presented to Beth Raskin, the executive director of Kulanu, the school for special needs children and young adults in Cedarhurst. The award is given to a business leader in the community.

Picking up on the spirit of Community Chest Raskin said, “There is no I in team. I will share this with my team,” as she held her plaque.