Friday, October 30, 2026
After a debilitating stroke at 53, former Glen Cove City Councilwoman Barbara Peebles’ younger brother Steven Bella became partially paralyzed. He struggled with depression and had difficulty finding hope as he adjusted to life after the stroke.
That began to change when Peebles persuaded him to visit Glen Cove chiropractor Dr. Maxine Mayreis.
For eight years, Bella traveled from Huntington each week to see Mayreis, whose compassion and encouragement helped him.
“She brought him warmth, recovery, and most important, hope,” Peebles recalled.
Peebles shared the story Oct. 24 during Glen Cove’s 17th annual Senior Recognition Day, where Mayreis was among four community members honored for their contributions to older residents and the broader community.
The celebration at the Glen Cove Senior Center recognized individuals whose volunteerism, leadership and dedication have strengthened the lives of others. The tradition dates back to 2007, during former Mayor Ralph Suozzi’s administration, when the event was established to acknowledge the contributions of older residents.
Christine Rice, executive director of the senior center, emphasized the importance of recognizing those who devote their time to helping others.
“Today is just so important,” Rice said. “We have four honorees today. They’re all people who have done amazing contributions to the community.”
Mayreis, a lifelong Glen Cove resident and president of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, received the Bob Howard Community Leadership Award. A third-generation chiropractor, she previously worked as a registered nurse at Glen Cove Hospital for 13 years and has remained active in numerous civic organizations, including Rotary, the Tribute and Honor Foundation and the Deep Roots Farmers Market.
Accepting the award, Mayreis joked about the irony of being recognized during a celebration for seniors after spending her career helping people remain youthful and active.
“Now, I have to admit, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about receiving an award on senior day,” she said. “I’ve spent my entire professional life trying to keep people young and healthy, flexible, and moving. And now they’re calling me a senior.”
Beyond the humor, Mayreis emphasized that aging well involves more than physical health.
“Good health is really about keeping people active and engaged and socially connected and finding joy and purpose in every phase of life,” she said.
Mayreis also recalled how her stepmother, whom she affectionately called Granny Franny, benefited from the Senior Center’s adult day program, which provided companionship, activities and support while offering family caregivers peace of mind.
Like Mayreis, Angelina Stanco-Stone has devoted her career to older adults. She received the SAGE (Senior Activity Generational Endowment) Foundation Award for her community involvement.
The owner of How Can I Help Elder Care, an independent senior living advisory service, Stanco-Stone has more than 30 years of experience in senior care, including 25 years in assisted living and memory care.
Stella Shank, director at the Regency at Glen Cove, described Stanco-Stone as someone whose commitment to helping others extends far beyond her professional responsibilities.
“If there’s a senior event in Glen Cove, Angelina’s there,” Shank said. “If there’s a food drive, clothing drive, community event, or family meet, Angelina will always find a way to help.”
Stanco-Stone credited the community for inspiring her continued involvement.
“I’ve always believed that helping others is about showing up, listening, and making a difference wherever you can,” she said.
Russell F. Lerch, a retired Glen Cove Harbor Patrol sergeant, was named Volunteer of the Year for his work bringing comfort and companionship to others through therapy dog visits.
Lerch began visiting the senior center with his dog, Koda, in 2023. Following Koda’s death in August 2024, Lerch and his family welcomed Aspen, who has continued the tradition.
By Saturday’s celebration, Aspen had completed 101 visits to the center, along with 79 visits to John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4, where the dog helps comfort travelers.
“He’s like a white angel that walks through this building,” Rice said. “Nobody can stop a smile on their face when Aspen comes in.”
The fourth honoree, Saul Schachter, received the BRAVO Award for his contributions to education, writing and volunteerism.
A Glen Head native and retired North Shore High School teacher, Schachter spent 35 years in education, including 33 years teaching American history at his alma mater. Since retiring in 2012, he has remained active through writing, traveling and community service.
Schachter has visited 103 countries and taught English to immigrants at the Glen Cove Public Library and volunteered as a tandem bicycle partner for people with visual impairments.
Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton recalled Schachter’s habit of remembering birthdays and sending cards to friends, an example of his thoughtfulness.
Schachter, who helped establish the senior center’s birthday celebrations, reflected on the influence of his mother, Vivian, whose compassion shaped his understanding of service.
The Glen Cove Senior Center, at 130 Glen St., offers recreational, educational, wellness and social programs for older adults. Adults must be 60 or older to become members, and membership is free. Nore information can be found at: glencoveseniorcenter.com.
