By KAREN RICE and LIZ McBREEN
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Rich Guardino hosted the sixth annual Make a Difference Awards at Hempstead Town Hall last week. The awards celebrate the efforts of people who regularly give of themselves for their neighbors, and recognize the positive impact they have on their community through their volunteerism.
I think it is particularly appropriate that we do this during the week of Thanksgiving a time when families come together to reflect on their blessings and express gratitude for the wonderful way of life we have in America,said Guardino before presenting the medals and certificates to the honorees. It's heartwarming to know that there are so many extraordinary individuals who unselfishly give of themselves for the betterment of our community.
Schwartz received an award for the quiet generosity she has shown through community service and volunteer work. She has donated a great deal of time to the Adult Day Treatment program at the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County (UCPN), where she feeds people who have trouble eating and offers kind words and encouragement. She also volunteered at the dental treatment facility where she was trained to help out, she said.
For more than 40 years, Schwartz, whose daughter, Susan, has cerebral palsy, has helped make the UCPN a better place in many ways, according to the town. Each year, Schwartz also helps the Adult Day Treatment chorus with various holiday productions.
It's a very special honor and I am grateful and pleased,Schwartz said. But there are so many people at the UCPN who are such wonderful volunteers. I just do what I do there and I don't know why I was singled out. I am proud to be among [the volunteers].
Each year Schwartz visits schools across Nassau County with her friend Nancy Pedersen of the UCPN, who has cerebral palsy and is a terrific young woman,Schwartz said. The pair present puppet shows depicting physically challenged children, which help students learn about the daily challenges confronted by people with disabilities and give them an appreciation for people with special needs.
The shows include a disabled child in a tiny wheelchair,Schwartz said. It helps children learn about disabilities, because it's important for them to learn to be accepting. The shows teach them to treat others the way they would like to be treated.
One morning each week, Schwartz volunteers at the Peter J. DeSibio Five Towns Child Care Center in Inwood, she said. She assists the teachers in the class of 3-year-olds, bringing music and movement exercises to the children. Schwartz brings her guitar, and offers stories, support, concern and abundant love to the children, according to the town. Her enthusiasm, understanding and ease in engaging children in conversation have made her special to the staff as well as the kids.
Schwartz said she hopes she makes a difference in the lives of those she helps, and she encourages others to reach out and volunteer as well. I do it because it pleases me,she said. I didn't expect to be honored for it. But if it inspires other people to try and do something out of the ordinary to reach out then it is wonderful.
Every year, the Town of Hempstead asks residents for nominations for the Make a Difference awards. About 200 were received this year, according to Guardino. A committee then sifts through the nominees and chooses the winners. It's always a difficult decision for the committee, because there are so many great stories out there,Guardino said. This is always an inspiring evening.
The recipients were congratulated by family, friends and fellow award winners at a reception after the ceremony.
