Brian O'Flaherty Named Kiwanian of the Year

A Kiwanian of the Year is sharing his award with all fellow members who he says share the common goal of serving their community.

"I am very honored in receiving this award," said lifelong East Meadow resident Brian O'Flaherty. "Being a member of East Meadow Kiwanis is like being on a team with family members where we all share the same goals, objective, while enjoying each other's company. The amount of community service we performed this past year was enormous so this award belongs to all our Kiwanian members."

Debbie Kirsh, immediate past president of East Meadow Kiwanis, described O'Flaherty as the "epitome of the word volunteer" when she presented him with the award Sept. 24. "He gives all of his free time to helping the community and supports the Kiwanis objectives and motto of 'serving the children of the world,'" she said.

Kirsh has known O'Flaherty since 2004 when they served together as East Meadow Board of Education trustees. O'Flaherty later served as board president for two years and remains a trustee.

"Over the last year, he attended every one of our Kiwanis functions, donated to every fundraiser, worked 'hands on' helping on every committee and did so while serving as the club's secretary. He also stepped in this year as treasurer, when our club treasurer was unable to fulfill his commitment. No one was surprised that he was named Kiwanian of the Year. No one deserved it more."

Distinguished past president of East Meadow Kiwanis, Alan Beinhacker, said O'Flaherty took on the role of treasurer without hesitation.

"When Superstorm Sandy hit our area, our treasurer of the club was unable to perform most of the duties he was required to do because of personal loss from the storm. Brian stepped in without hesitation and took over both roles in our club, that of treasurer and secretary, for most of the year," he said.

"Brian is very dedicated ... His commitment to helping others is without question. He attends almost all of our club events and is always willing to help in any way he can. Brian's endless effort and dedication earned him our club's Kiwanian of the Year. Very well deserved."

O'Flaherty first joined East Meadow Kiwanis in 2005 and has worked on numerous community service projects. He has delivered meals to families in need, cooked homemade dishes for East Meadow's senior citizens, assisted with the Kiwanis golf outing, which raises funds to send underprivileged kids to Kamp Kiwanis, and served up pancakes to help raise money to provide scholarships to graduating seniors at East Meadow High School and W.T. Clarke High School. O'Flaherty also helped Kamp Kiwanis with its spring clean-up.

Harry Demiris said Brian is one of the most generous people he's ever met. "He donates his time and money to our Kiwanis Club and other needy worthwhile charities. Brian never looks for accolades but always deserves them," Demiris said.

Fellow Kiwanian Gary Fromowitz agreed. "Brian is always there. He goes to all of our functions and many of those outside of our home club," he said. "He's the strong, silent type. Not a man of many words but always gets the job done. I couldn't think of a better Kiwanian to have been chosen for this award."

O'Flaherty humbly said he's just this year's representative for a successful year. "Next year, another one of our members will step up and carry on our tradition of successful community service to East Meadow," he said.

Debbie Coates has known O'Flaherty for more than a decade. He served as vice president of the East Meadow school board during her tenure as president. Coates said she's proud to call him a friend.

"He is a truly dedicated individual who gives his all to benefit the community of East Meadow. He works tirelessly to help those in need and always finds time to be with his family and friends. He participates in almost all Kiwanis events as a leader and he is never afraid to get his hands dirty!" Coates said. "He works hard for all. And he never asks for anything back. He is one of the most caring and kind people I know."

Coates, now a member of the Nassau BOCES school board, nominated O'Flaherty for an education partner award with the Nassau BOCES educational foundation. "He won! That is because of all of the wonderful deeds that he has done over his years of service to East Meadow and the children that he serves," she said.

For O'Flaherty, it's the great people he's met that makes it all worth it. 

"I enjoy being a member of the East Meadow Kiwanis. The best part of being a member is the great people I met, people who I would have never met if I wasn't a member. I am glad these people are in my life, I wouldn't have it any other way," he said.