Lindenhurst Rotarians Present Service Awards

George Walters. Father James T. Stachacz. The Chemical and Rescue Company Number One of the .

If you’re from Lindenhurst, then chances are you know they’re familiar – and welcome – faces around town. If you’re not, then the Lindenhurst Rotary Club’s stamp of approval is a good recommendation.

They’re the winners of this year’s annual Rotary Service above Self awards, and picking them was a pleasure, said outgoing Rotary President Maryann Weckerle.

“There are so many good people in our community, it’s easy to come up with candidates,” said Weckerle, prior to Thursday night’s awards dinner at . “I’m especially happy with these. Father Stachacz is such a beloved person, over and above his service to the parish. Mr. Walters is a wonderful community member.”

As for the rescue squad? “I have access to fire radio, [and] the number of calls they attend to is non-stop, 24 hours a day,” said Weckerle, a Village of Lindenhurst board trustee. “Most of us couldn’t make the sacrifices they make.”

In addition to recognizing community service award winners, the Rotary announced its scholarship award winners for 2011:

• Alissa Fajek
• Tyler Rieger
• Ryan Rene Rosado

was also at the event as outgoing president of the Interact Club, along treasurer William Kienle and incoming club president .

“There are about 20 members in the Interact Club,” said Weckerle. “It’s a community club. We [the ] started it this year.”

George Walters is well known as an electrician in town. Active in the Boy Scouts for 47 years, he delivers food from Good Samaritan Hospital to the Sisters of Mercy Soup Kitchen, and volunteers at the Mercy Inn Soup kitchen in Wyandanch.

For several years he’s been finding and repairing bicycles for distribution at Gerald Ryan Outreach in Wyandanch for migrant families in the Riverhead area.

The ’s was founded in 1926 after a plane crash on Barto Avenue, making Lindenhurst the first department in New York State with a rescue company.

Consisting of 37 men and women, it operates two ambulances, one heavy rescue truck and one first-responder vehicle, and average more than 2,000 calls per year - or seven or eight per day.

Father Stachacz, who’s been named Person of the Year, is soon moving on from OLPH after serving as a moderator for such ministries as Family Life, LifeTeen, Fr. Prior to the Squires and Squirettes of the , Preparation for Marriage, as well as day-to-day activities as parish priest.

The event, which included the Rotary’s annual installation activities, celebrated 57 years for the local service organization.

“We like to honor and recognize special individuals in the community who’re involved in community service areas,” said Weckerle, whose job as president goes to incoming President . “What we especially celebrate is the main idea of - service above self.”

Weckerle, a member of the , was joined by Suffolk County Legislator Wayne Horsley, Mayor Tom Brennan, fellow Village Board Member Mike Lavorata, and Barbara Poldino.