The Merrick Kiwanis Club was among the many organizations in which Helsinger was involved. After his death, the Kiwanis Club made a donation to the library to help furnish the new children's room. Helsinger's wife, Susan, sixth from left, the current owner of Custom South Shore, matched the donation. At the dedication ceremony on Saturday, Susan spoke fondly of the many days that she and Jay spent in the old library's children's room reading with their son, Conner, fifth left. Above, from left, are Merrick Chamber of Commerce President Marian Fraker-Gutin, library Director Ellen Firer, library board Trustee Tim Whalen, former Merrick Kiwanis president Ilene Dixel, the Helsingers, library board President Sue Dillon and her husband, Marty, Kiwanis President Kim Scharoff, at back, and library board Vice President Laura Cody.
