Trunz Family, Port Volunteers Honored at Senior Center Gala.

Those who have lived in Port Washington for decades may recall Trunz Market on Port Washington Bouelvard where Uncle Giuseppe’s is now located. Yet many are not aware that The Trunz family owned and operated The Swan Club for the past 20 years. On November 6, the Port Washington Senior Citizens Center honored the Trunzes during its annual golden gala held at The Swan Club.

For years, the Trunz family has shown extraordinary devotion and generosity to the Senior Citizens Center. Since the Trunzes were born and raised in Port Washington they no doubt have a special place in their heart for our community. But the family is devoted to giving back to worthwhile organizations in general. Also the Trunz family recently sold the Swan Club, they are still managing the facility.

Three additional honorees, selected for their devotion to the Senior Center and volunteerism throughout Port Washington, were Howard Blankman, Barbara Faticone and Edna Turner.

Howard Blankman has volunteered for a multitude of causes during his 89 years. He served on the boards of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, Community Chest, the Children’s Center, Rotary and the Cow Bay Theater Company, and as Chairman of the Nassau County Planning Commission. He authored the much-loved “Everybody’s Port” column in the Port Washington News and is a member of many local organizations, just to name a handful of Howard’s accomplishments.

Barbara Faticone has served as a member of the board of the Senior Citizens Center for more than 20 years. A consummate and omnipresent volunteer, she is busier now than when her three children were young and she worked full time at Publishers Clearing House. A lifelong resident of Port Washington, Barbara has been married to her high school sweetheart, Tom Faticone for 60 years.

Edna Turner has worked tirelessly running Twin Pines Consumers (aka the Food Co-op and Thrift Shop) for 30 years. Through donations from Island Harvest, Edna provides fresh produce to the Senior Center, which saves the Center thousands of dollars a year in raw food costs for its hot lunch program.

The Port Washington Senior Citizens Center is an active, vibrant place where adults 55+ meet to take classes, enrich their minds, go on trips and social with friends. Member dues are a nominal $20 per year and all programs are free with membership, and the Town of North Hempstead offers free bus transportation. Call 883-6656 for more information.