Thursday, October 1, 2026
Lifelong Five Towns resident David Friedman was an honoree for this year’s Make A Difference Award, a Town of Hempstead recognition that celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on their communities.
In a written statement to the Herald, Councilwoman Melissa “Missy” Miller, who nominated Friedman for the award on May 29, said there was no one more deserving than Friedman, adding the two have known each other for a decade.
“Always eager to lend a helping hand, David embodies the spirit of community service,” Miller wrote. “I was proud to nominate him for this recognition.”
As a grade-school student, Friedman said he and his late sister, Joan Harris, were raised to help others. While attending sleepaway camp in Upstate New York, they volunteered at a nursing home.
“My parents, Sheldon and Francine, instilled [community service] in us as young children,” Friedman said.
Friedman, 69, was the Herald Person of the Year in 2018 and has served as president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association since 2015.
Known affectionately as “the mayor of Hewlett and Woodmere,” Friedman has hosted hundreds of local ribbon-cutting ceremonies, fundraisers and community events. He is also involved with the Hewlett-Woodmere school district, the Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club, the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Endowment Fund and other civic groups. He is also on the Nassau County Police Commissioners Community Council.
One community member who has known Friedman for decades is John Roblin, chairman of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Endowment Fund. Roblin moved to Woodmere in 1994 and met Friedman shortly afterward at a Memorial Day Parade. Since then, the two have worked together through the business association and the endowment fund, most notably on Arts Below Sunrise.
Roblin, who attended the award ceremony, said he was proud of Friedman’s accomplishments and believes he deserves the recognition every year.
“It’s nice to see him appreciated for all the good work he does in the neighborhood,” Roblin said. “David does more himself than 90 percent of the people combined in this neighborhood.”
In 2012, Friedman was among the community leaders who helped reviving Veterans Memorial Plaza in Hewlett, after Hurricane Sandy washed it away. Along with the business association’s then-president Jaime Wysocki-Azcona, and Roblin, Friedman said the group came up with a plan to have vendors sponsor the repairs.
Reflecting on the recognition, Friedman said he enjoys helping people and seeing the positive effects that come from community involvement.
“People are always calling me asking to help in various projects,” Friedman said. “I like to help people and I love my community.”
