Mohamed Farghaly
Gloria Macaig proudly holds her Community Service Award, recognizing her unwavering dedication to serving the Maspeth community through her involvement with AARP and the Frank Kowalinski Post.
MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Two remarkable women were honored at last week’s award meeting hosted by the Frank Kowalinski Post 4. One recipient, celebrated for reaching the rare milestone of 100 years of age, stood as a beacon of vitality and endurance. The other, recognized for her dedicated service to the community, exemplified the profound impact of compassion and generosity.
The Polish Legion of American Veterans post is dedicated to Frank Kowalinski, who holds the distinction of being the first U.S. Army soldier of Polish descent to lose his life in combat during World War I.
In collaboration with AARP, the Post held a ceremony where the two women were honored. AARP, previously known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for older Americans on various federal health and fiscal matters, including Medicare and Social Security.
Lucy Winsko, speaking as Vice President of the Post, highlighted the significance of their contributions and the importance of community involvement. She emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting veterans, nursing home residents, and underprivileged children through various initiatives.
Gloria Macaig was honored by the AARP and Frank Kowalinski Post for her outstanding contributions to the Maspeth area. For the past five years, Macaig has been an active member of AARP, the senior citizen organization, where she dedicates her time to community service through the program.
Beyond her involvement with AARP, Macaig has been a stalwart member of the Frank Kowalinski Post for the past few years, passionately supporting veterans and managing events to honor their service. As the President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Macaig plays a pivotal role in organizing parties and providing assistance to veterans in need.
She is also an active member of the Maspeth Lions Club, where she contributes to fundraising efforts for community projects, including purchasing guide dogs for the blind. Reflecting on her upbringing, Macaig credits her parents for instilling in her the values of community service, a tradition she continues with her own family.
When asked about the importance of her work, Macaig emphasized the need to help others and the joy she finds in giving back to her community. With upcoming events like the Grand Avenue parade, Macaig and her fellow volunteers are gearing up to provide essential support to participants, showcasing their unwavering commitment to service.
“My parents raised me to help not only myself but also to assist the community, neighbors, friends, and family,” Macaig said. “I think it’s important to encourage others, including my own son, to engage in community involvement. We receive a lot of support here, and I’m grateful for the assistance.”
Helen Sokol, a beloved member of the community, was also honored for her remarkable achievement of reaching the centennial milestone at 102 years old.
Recalling the recent award ceremony, Sokol, expressed her surprise at being recognized. Her commitment to the organization spans many years, dating back to its origins at the Presbyterian Church on Seabury Street. Despite various relocations due to rent issues and building fires, Sokol,’s loyalty to the organization has remained.
Describing the organization’s meetings as a platform for open discussion and community engagement, Sokol, highlighted the importance of providing women with a space to voice their concerns and ideas. With a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, members gather regularly to address local issues and support one another.
Sokol, emphasized the sense of community fostered by the bi-weekly meetings and organization’s activities, including weekly donations and outreach efforts to local churches in need. With her positive outlook and unwavering commitment to community involvement, Sokol, embodies the spirit of service and resilience that defines the organization’s mission.
“I think the women who attend here genuinely enjoy it because they feel that they can speak their minds and see that it can lead to positive changes in the community,” she said. I think it’s a nice, friendly organization.”
At its core, the Post stands as a symbol of unity and goodwill, bringing women together in service and solidarity. With the unwavering support of the AARP, they continue to uphold their mission of making a positive difference in the lives of others, embodying the values of compassion and civic responsibility.
Mohamed Farghaly
Helen Sokol, accepts her Centennial Milestone Award, commemorating her remarkable achievement of reaching 102 years of age and her enduring commitment to community engagement in Maspeth.
