By: Jeff Lipton
The 16-year-old student at Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls in Hewlett Bay Park devotes time and energy to many different causes, focusing mostly on helping those with special needs. She was among 13 residents honored last month by Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town Board at the 2004 Make a Difference Awards, recognizing people who have made significant contributions in their neighborhoods.
Another Five Towner, Don Esopa of Cedarhurst, past president of the Peninsula Kiwanis, was also singled out for honors.
"We pay homage to men and women who have touched the lives of so many in our township," said Murray during the eighth annual awards ceremony. "These individuals have never looked for recognition or rewards for their hard work and dedication. They simply enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping others. We honor them, and offer our thanks for all that they have done to improve the lives of others and to make our communities better places to live."
The honorees have all dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of others, Murray said. About 150 nominations for the award were received, and those selected, Murray said, have quietly carried out acts of selfless generosity for many years.
Each week, Stein participates in the Sunday morning Kulanu Program, mentoring a disabled child and sharing a fun-filled morning. Last year she shadowed a Kulanu child on Saturday mornings so that a parent could attend religious services.
Stein is active with Young Israel of Woodmere, and co-chaired Yachad weekend, making sure that there were enough homes available to host 75 disabled young adults in the community. In addition, she co-chaired the soup-kitchen program at her high school, and always made sure she brought enough food to meet the program's needs.
Stella K. Abraham Principal Helen Spirn said Stein "is an outstanding young woman who is really able to put other people's needs first. By helping others, she makes the world a better place." Spirn described the 16-year-old as "a hard-working and diligent student and an enthusiastic learner. She's very accomplished and growth-oriented."
"Alyse has truly made a difference in the lives of young children," Murray said. "She is a wonderful young person filled with great kindness, and we know that many good things will come from this truly remarkable young woman in the years ahead."
Cedarhurst honoree
For more than 25 years, Esopa has been making a difference in the Five Towns with his active involvement in Peninsula Kiwanis, Murray said. He has served as chairman of virtually every committee in the club. During his tenure as president, the club established the Peninsula Hewlett Kiwanis Foundation, to assist with the education, health and welfare of special-needs children. The foundation has provided funds over the years for the town's Anchor Program, including an annual Anchor barbecue. Anchor is a life-enhancing social and recreation program for the mentally and physically disabled.
As chairman of Kamp Kiwanis for more than 25 years and district chairman of Kamp Kiwanis for the Long Island Southwest Division, Esopa has helped send underprivileged children to camp each summer. During the holidays, he's an active participant in the Toys for Tots program, delivering toys to local hospitals, child-care centers and the Crossroads School for the Handicapped in Inwood.
Thanks to his efforts as fund-raising chairman, Peninsula Kiwanis has been able to donate pediatric trauma kits to local fire departments and the Atlantic Beach Rescue Squad. Also, scholarships are given out to children who live in the Town of Hempstead to assist with college expenses.
"Don is always available to offer his kind words and guidance," said Murray as she presented him with the award.
Esopa said that although he doesn't donate his time to win awards, "It was nice to be appreciated for the work you do. I've been doing it for 30 years and I'm not going to stop now."
Murray said that it's important to highlight the positive and inspiring people and stories in the township. "Volunteerism is alive and well," she said. "What's more, people are doing remarkable things to enhance the lives of others. While priorities have been reordered across our nation over the last three years, these honorees have quietly carried out acts of selfless generosity for many years, helping neighbors, strangers and those who are less fortunate. Our Make a Difference Award recipients have contributed to the well-being of others in such awe-inspiring ways that they are uniquely deserving of our recognition and gratitude."
Comments about this story? Nassaueditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
