Town Honors East Meadow Resident At German Heritage Celebration

The Town of Hempstead celebrated its own Oktoberfest when it held the second annual German-American Heritage Celebration. The event is dedicated to recognizing exceptional German-American residents who have had a positive influence in their communities while embracing and promoting German heritage and culture.

“There are many diverse cultures in Hempstead Town, but there’s no better month than October to recognize our hard-working, overachieving German-American residents and their impressive culture," said Supervisor Anthony Santino. “I’m excited to be back for the second year of our German-American Heritage Celebration.”

Among the honorees this year was East Meadow resident Nicole Radske Miskiewicz, a former Miss German America who continues to be the vice chair of the annual Steuban Day Parade. Miskiewicz grew up embracing her German and Austrian heritage, and perfected her German while studying at St. Francis Prep. In 2006 she had the once in a lifetime opportunity to serve as Miss German America, promoting the parade and German cultural events throughout the year.

Building on that experience, she traveled through Germany in 2007 as the Good Will Ambassador on behalf of the parade committee. Miskiewicz's involvement with the parade only increased as the years went on. She became Cornflower Chairwoman and Miss German-America Committee co-Chair before becoming Vice Chair of the whole parade in 2014. She organizes several events for the parade, including the gala, which helps fund the parade. She has also initiated several new fundraising opportunities, including a silent auction and journal. Word about the parade has continued to spread as she also redesigned the organization’s website
and created a social media profile for the parade.

She has done all this while still maintaining a successful career in interior design, volunteering with the International Interior Design Association and raising her daughter with her husband Russell.

This year’s honorees include: Matt Buck, the general manager of Plattduetsche Park, the hub of almost all of the German organizations on Long Island; Theodore Heim, a successful baker with a heart of gold; Frank Honerkamp III, a decorated Scoutmaster and dedicated volunteer; Mary-Ellen Kreye, a founding member of the Uniondale Community Council and active member of a dozen more Uniondale community groups; and John Wellenreuther, a retired Nassau County Police Officer who won numerous awards during his time in the department’s Mounted Unit and avid volunteer of many German community groups.

Glenn Meyran, a second-generation German-American and Purple Heart Veteran, was the distinguished keynote speaker. Entertainment was provided by the New York Spitzbauam Orchestra, Bremervoerder Chorus, and Gemuetlichen Enzian Dancers. Delicious German delicacies were provided by the Ugly Gourmet Mobile.

Photo: Town of Hempstead