The Community Chest of Port Washington

Myron Blumenfeld To Be Honored By Community Chest As Citizen of the Year 2011

Tuesday, 27 March 2012 12:45 administrator

Myron (Mike) Blumenfeld will be honored as Community Chest of Port Washington’s Citizen of the Year at a ceremony to be held on Monday evening, May 7, 2012, at the Port Washington Public Library. The program, to which the public is invited, will begin at 7:30 pm. The Community Chest’s Citizen of the Year Award recognizes “a lifetime of outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the citizens of Port Washington” and has been awarded annually since 1969.

A Port Washington resident since 1965, Mike has made contributions in many areas, most notably in those involving the environment; decisions and actions in this area affect every facet of the lives of Port’s residents. Mike never hesitates to “speak out” and in many ways has become Port’s “environmental conscience”. His major efforts have resulted in the provision of numerous parks and trails for the community to use and enjoy. Throughout his years in Port Mike has also been involved in many other activities within the community that continue to improve the lives of all.

In 1968, Mike and a group of likeminded friends formed Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington (RMBPW). Initially, their focus was on planting trees, expanding parks and improving bay water quality. With Mike as Chairman all these were addressed and accomplished. Their mission expanded as they became aware of the dangers imposed by the disposal of garbage in Hempstead Harbor and in a surrounding landfill, and later of a plan to construct a new, larger mass burn incinerator adjacent to it. Concerned about the affect spewing toxic gases could have, under Mike’s leadership RMBPW banded with other groups and individuals to stop these hazardous practices and plans. Despite the loss of many law suits, the resultant publicity and flow of information about these environmental health threats inflamed residents to the point where they voted out the town officials who were proponents of the incinerator. Today, Harbor Links Golf Course, senior housing and a planned industrial park have been built on the site.

Why Give to The Community Chest

Your neighbors need your support. Please help the Community Chest of Port Washington provide that assistance.

The Community Chest helps provide funding that 24 nonprofit organizations depend upon to operate programs that serve Port Washington residents of all ages. Approximately one in every four persons in Port Washington directly benefits from services provided by our funded organizations.

This past year has been a difficult year for the entire community, MAKING THE MISSION OF THE CHEST EVEN MORE ESSENTIAL. In these challenging economic times, we need your support more now than ever before.

With your donation to the Chest, your are supporting 24 organizations that make our community a better, stronger and healthier place to live and work.

Join your neighbors in helping continue these essential services.

Chest Overview

The Community Chest of Port Washington is a not-for-profit organization established in 1949 to raise funds for distribution to local charities dedicated to improving people’s lives. Community Chest funds — your donations — support these charities’ programs in Port Washington, including services for senior citizens, children and teenagers, victims of domestic violence and others in need.

Contact The Chest

Phone: (516) 767-2121
Fax: (516) 767-2147
Email: jmharnick@portchest.org
Website: www.portchest.org
Address:
382 Main Street
Port Washington, NY 11050

Agency Highlights

PW Community Action Council

The Chest grant helps to fund the CAC Youth Enrichment Program; providing elementary and middle school students with academic assistance, nutrition, and recreational activities after school.
Camp HorseAbility, Inc.

The Chest provides scholarships and partial scholarships to children and adults with disabilities for participation in a fourteen week Therapeutic Horseback Riding series.
Landmark on Main Street

Funds provided by the Chest are used for tickets to cultural events for children and their families, who would otherwise not be able to afford to attend performances.
Littig House Community Center

Chest funds support the Center’s operating budget, which offers year around education programs, support services and recreational activities for youth and families.
LI Alzheimer’s Foundation

Funding from the Chest helps maintain early stage Alzheimer’s client support groups, an adult day care program, and caregiver support groups and retreats.
North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center

Chest funds are used by this multi-disciplinary agency for program expenses to help Port Washington families in need address developmental, social, emotional and education issues.
Parent Resource Center

The Chest is the major supporter of the Outreach Program enabling low income families with children from birth through age four to participate in child development classes, workshops and activities.
Port Counseling Center

The Chest provides funds for operating expenses for confidential substance abuse treatment, relapse prevention and recovery programs for adolescents and adults.
PW Boy Scouts

Funds for scholarships are provided by the Chest to local troops only. This allows boys with need to participate in activities that develop leadership skills and help them become good citizens.
PW Children’s Center

Funds are used for scholarships and operating expenses to provide year-round, affordable, quality child care. Full time, before and after school, and vacation programs are offered.
PW Senior Citizens Center

Chest funds support the operating budget enabling the center to provide nutritious meals, and opportunities for socialization and activities for senior citizens.
PW Soccer Club

The Chest provides soccer scholarships for fees and equipment for those youth who otherwise could not afford to participate.
Port Youth Activities (PYA)

Funds provided by the Chest support scholarships for children in need which enable them to participate in over 18 team sports.
PWEF - Education Support Center

Chest funds aid an after-school program for third grade students for whom English is a second language or who are in need of additional academic support in language arts.
Sousa Band Shell

Funds from the Chest are used towards operating expenses in presenting free outdoor concerts throughout the summer that feature student, community and professional bands.
Twin Pines Consumer Association

Chest funds support a work training program for young adults with disabilities and provide operating expenses for a van to distribute food to organizations that assist the needy.
Child Abuse Prevention Services

Funds from the Chest support this organization in carrying out its mission to prevent child abuse and neglect through school and community awareness education programs.
Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Chest funds help this agency in providing emergency safe housing, 24 hour hotlines, and counseling to victims of violence.
Community Scholarship Fund

Every year the Chest funds scholarships based on need to qualified high school seniors who are going on to post-secondary education.
EAC - Sr. Community Services Center

Funding from the Chest is used to provide seniors with transportation to and from the Center, for shopping and trips, and to supply entertainment and materials for special events.
EAC - Youthworks

Chest funds support EAC’s program that offers youth age 17 -21 educational and vocational training enabling them to qualify for a GED and obtain employment.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Chest funds support training for local leaders, provide program materials and scholarships so girls can participate in activities that develop self confidence and leadership skills.
Hospice Care Network

Chest funds are used to help provide physical, emotional and spiritual care to patients and their families enabling them to live in dignity and peace during the final stages of life.
Community Mainstream Enterprises, Inc.

The Chest grant supports the Sweet Comfort Bakery & Café which provides an alternative learning approach for men and women with developmental disabilities.