Local leaders

Joe Bonin Jr. gets 2022 Heart of Gold Award

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Kiwanis Heart Of Gold Recipient for 2022 is Joe Bonin Jr., an Oceanside Physical Education teacher and coach for the past twenty-three years. Bonin’s love for education and sports began at Commack High School, where he played basketball and baseball. He then attended SUNY Cortland and earned the Anthony Thesori Award for his outstanding student teaching efforts.

Bonin received his master’s degree from Hofstra University, as he began his teaching career in Oceanside. In addition to teaching, Bonin owns and operates J. Paul’s Terrace Cafe. An Oceanside landmark, J. Paul’s was established by his parents Lorraine and Joe, in 1982. They have since been able to enjoy an early retirement thanks to “Joe B., Jr”, as he is affectionately referred to by the regulars, his family, and the many loyal employees who have stepped up to run the business and carry on the J. Paul’s tradition.

Known as the neighborhood “Cheers”, J. Paul’s has hosted hundreds of fundraisers over the years to assist people in need. Bonin and his crew have organized and run charitable events for numerous athletic teams at the high school, including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, cheer, hockey and lacrosse. 

In addition, they have financially supported many community organizations including the PTA’s, Kiwanis, Oceanside Community Service, Oceanside Little League and Oceanside Youth Lacrosse to raise the funds necessary to support worthy causes such as Veteran’s needs, the fight against Opioid addiction, Lyme Disease, Breast Cancer, Juvenile Diabetes and more.

Every autumn, they host an annual golf outing to raise money for local families in need. Over the past few years, these events have raised an estimated $100,000. At School #3, Bonin has also raised over $100,000 for the American Heart Association through his annual Jump Rope for Hearts campaign. In 2018 Bonin was named Citizen of the Year by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce for his involvement in the community.

As a teacher and coach, Bonin has become a mentor and role model to his students and players. He has frequently provided them with their first employment opportunity.

Bonin lives in Oceanside with his wife Danielle and their two children, Kylie and Joey. In his free time, he enjoys being with his family, golfing, going on vacations, to concerts and Yankee games.

Bonin and Alison Eriksen, the recipient of the Special Service Award, will both be celebrated at the 77th Anniversary Kiwanis of Oceanside Charter and Installation dinner on Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. at 3050 Oceanside Rd. The dinner is 85 dollars per person and includes dancing, raffles  and more.