Who's Who in East Meadow: Helen Meittinis

What do you do for a living? I am an assistant in the Kindergarten Intervention program for 18 years since the pilot began in East Meadow. It's always been fun working on the ground floor of our children's education. The little ones are quite comical.

How are you involved with East Meadow? A loaded question. Volunteerism is the first word that comes to mind. All of what I do has revolved around it in one way or another. I started with PTA 28 years ago, then had to help rebuild the Central Nassau Little League, which for me lasted 13 years. Being involved in all areas of our schools was a major part of my commitment. 

I still try to make as many board of education meetings as I can and keep my finger on the pulse of what is happening in our school system. Twenty-six years ago, I became involved with a group of citizens with civic issues, which led to the founding of Community Association of Stewart Avenue (CASA).

I also taught religion for St. Brigids's, then on to East Meadow Security Council,  Advisory Committee, Citizen's Police Academy Alumni, community committee and it kept on going. 

Presently I am a member of East Meadow Kiwanis. The bottom line is I believe we deserve a good quality of life in the safest possible environment. My mission is to instill in our residents the importance of being involved in one's community and schools in one way or another. 

What’s the best thing about East Meadow? Having originally come from Queens and living so close to transportation and highways, it was easy to make the transition. We are so centrally located that all we have to do is reach out and whatever we want is just steps away. East Meadow was the hub for Nassau County long before the phrase was coined. 

How did you end up in East Meadow? Quite by accident. A friend of our family was a real estate agent and he said "I have just the house for you. It has a school district with a stellar reputation." And the rest is history. We felt at home right away and never wanted to leave or move on because we became part of the fabric that makes East Meadow/Salisbury so special.

What do you do for fun?  I love to play cards, especially poker. Once in a while, I like going to the casinos to play the slots. But not too often. However, I do love to read which is my way of relaxing. I do love to ride out to our Long Island beaches as well.  And now, I have a grandson to play with and spoil...a little. And that is the best fun of all.

Tell me about your family. Do you have any children or grandchildren? Paul is my husband of 37 years, and we have two sons Michael and Christopher. I have a daughter-in-law Jennifer and a grandson, Jake. 

What are your favorite places in East Meadow?  The baseball field, where I spent many years enjoying the game. , which holds so much for our residents — from history to sports and entertainment. I am proud to say it also has a special place to honor our veterans.

Finish this sentence. You know you’re from East Meadow when… You are driving down Carman Avenue or Salisbury Park Drive and you hear the Sound of Music, and you know it's coming from our East Meadow schools. East Meadow schools have the best music program by far. Then, on a Saturday morning, you can hear the loud voices of excitement coming from our baseball fields. And you say to yourself...there is no place like home.

Have you interacted with Helen? Tell us about it in the comments.