By:Angela Marshall
Lenny Tucker of Merrick named statewide volunteer of the year by disabilities council
Tuesday is a magic day for the Tuckers. Betty and Lenny, longtime Merrick residents, like it better than any other day of the week. It is the day they volunteer for the Association for the Help of Retarded Children. It is a day unlike any other.
For Betty, Tuesday represents more than just volunteering her time. It is a way to keep her brother Simon's memory alive and to prevent other tragic deaths. Simon, who was born mentally retarded in the late 1930s, was institutionalized during his teenage years. At first, he was in a facility where he was well cared for and where family could often visit.
One day without warning, however, Simon was sent to Willowbrook, the Staten Island facility Heraldo Rivera later exposed for mistreating patients. Visiting was limited, and one time when she was allowed in, Betty remembers walking down the wrong corridor and having to step over people lying in the hallways.
Simon died in Willowbrook under "questionable" circumstances, and his death has stayed with Betty ever since.
A few years ago, after a lively career creating custom jewelry, Betty and her husband Lenny were looking for a way to add meaning to their lives. A simple ad in the paper led them to the AHRC, and they knew it was the perfect place for them.
Last month, Lenny was named Volunteer of the Year by the New York Developmental Disabilities Planning Council for his work at AHRC. He received a certificate from Governor George Pataki.
At first, AHRC's coordinators couldn't find a place for Lenny that matched his field of expertise -- weightlifting. So, he created one.
A retired physical education teacher for New York City schools, Lenny brought in his own weights and started with six willing participants.
The program has grown ever since, said Susan Brody-Wood, volunteer coordinator for the AHRC, who nominated Lenny for the honor.
Despite the word "children" in AHRC's name, all the participants in Lenny and Betty's programs are adults. Through Lenny's instruction, they develop greater dexterity and strength.
Often before they are finished with a session with Lenny, the participants will ask "When will I see you again?"
One of the biggest rewards for Lenny was the day a woman he was working with held a soda can for the first time. It might seem like a small task, but she had never been able to drink from a can on her own.
Betty, who runs improvisational acting classes for the participants, provides a great deal of love and caring in the classroom, said Brody-Wood. "Betty's arrival is usually greeted with hugs and kisses. Tuesday for the participants is appropriately called Betty day."
Last month, Betty taught a woman with Down Syndrome how to knit. "I was almost in tears," Betty said recalling the class.
The couple arrive at the East Hills Day Treatment facility at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and leave at 2 p.m. feeling elated. "Every Tuesday, it's like I don't get out of bed. I jump out of bed," Lenny said.
Betty agreed, saying, "It's the highlight of my week. I really feel like I'm getting something back."
The Merrick couple have two children and four grandchildren. In addition to their work at the AHRC, Betty and Lenny volunteer in other ways.
Lenny is scheduled to help at the upcoming New York State Senior Games, and Betty makes recordings for the blind during her vacations.
Both have been involved with the Macrobiotic Diet Association for more than 15 years and cook for cancer patients.
