Kiwanis installs new officers, board of directors

Kiwanis welcomes new president at installation dinner

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A cool breeze blew into Westbury Manor’s warm cocktail room as incoming officers and the board of directors of the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow posed for photos on the balcony on Oct. 20. It was the club’s 65th installation dinner, and members dressed to the nines to celebrate the annual event.

Outgoing President Brian O’Flaherty, who will serve as the club’s treasurer in 2016-17, congratulated incoming President Ross Schiller, of East Meadow. Schiller accepted congratulatory handshakes and hugs throughout the evening.
“It’s your night, Mr. Schiller,” someone yelled over the chatter.

“I do feel very special, but it’s not about me,” Schiller said, red-faced. “It’s about the members of the club and their continuous efforts, which makes this club that much special.”

Schiller is an active member of the East Meadow community. He is the recording secretary for Fire Department Rescue Company #5. An attorney with his own practice, Ross L. Schiller & Associates P.C. in New Hyde Park, he is on the board of directors of the Nassau County Bar Association, and served as chairman of the organization’s Sports, Entertainment and Media Online Committee from 2013 to 2015.

“He’s a very busy man,” said Sheila Greenberg, Schiller’s mother-in-law. “We’re very proud of him. He works really hard and always gives back. He’s not the type of person who thinks of himself only. He thinks of others first.”

Continuing to think of others, Schiller already has a plan in motion. He said the club is planning to raise funds for childhood diabetes research, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, among other causes.

“We love working with different community organizations like the school boards, PTA, Nassau University Medical Center, and the East Meadow Fire Department of course,” Schiller said. “So we’re hoping to continue giving back to the community and larger organizations that help bigger communities too, especially children.”

Since the East Meadow Kiwanis chapter was founded in 1952, the membership has grown from 54 to its current 135. The Westbury Manor’s small cocktail room barely contained the crowd, and many wandered out onto the balcony for fresh air.

“Ross is a great choice,” said Frank Camarano Jr., the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce’s vice president and a Kiwanian for 10 years. This year is Camarano’s first on the club’s board of directors. “I’ve known Ross for years,” he said. “He’s a great guy who thinks about others. I’m really pleased to see him become the president, and we’re all very excited to continue doing great things with the community and helping everyone out.”

The club is currently planning its annual fall food drive, set for Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 13 in front of the Shop Rite at 1121 Jerusalem Ave. from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marcee Rubenstein, who will become president in 2017-18, said that holiday food baskets will be distributed to needy families later next month.

“It’s something the Kiwanis has done for many years, and we’ll continue to do it,” Rubenstein said, adding, “Out of all of our events, our food drives are very important, because through donating food, we ensure families in our communities are fed throughout the holidays.”