Migdal, the chapter of Hadassh at North Shore Towers, held its annual luncheon at Towers on the Green on Thursday, May 21, at which time they honored resident and on-site realtor Linda Rappaport.
During the luncheon, area vice president Joan Newman thanked the Migdal board for its work and spoke of the impression they have made on others involved with Hadassah.
“You are spoken of in awe and amazement at the progress that your chapter has made in just one and a half years,” she said,
Newman also explained some of the many accomplishments made by Hadassah.
“The impact that the work of Hadassah has had over the growth of the State of Israel for the past six decades in the areas of medicine and health and children and their future is quite exciting,” Newman said.
Newman also installed the new Migdal Board and presented member Eva Kessner with a certificate for having been selected as “Woman of the Year” by the chapter.
Migdal President Carolyn Dinofsky then began speaking about honoree Rappaport, who she described as “a true friend to all of us who reside in the Towers.”
Dinfosky said that the chapter was acknowledging the personal contributions that Rappaport had made to the community. After speaking about some of the ways Rappaport has helped Migdal, Dinofsky described her as someone who is always there and has enthusiasm and zeal for what they do.
Rappaport’s husband, Dennis, also spoke about her commitment to helping others. He said that she has compassion for her neighbors and truly cares more about giving than receiving.
“I am very proud to share this journey [of life] with a gal who truly is selfless,” Dennis Rappaport said. He continued, “She’s a person that passionately cares.”
North Shore Towers Board of Directors President Bob Ricken also spoke about Rappaport during the luncheon. He called her “a very special person” at the Towers who always goes above and beyond to help others.
To illustrate this, Ricken shared the story of Rappaport helping a friend of his who had gone through a divorce. He explained that, not only did she help this person downsize their apartment, but Rappaport went to the extra effort of helping with aspects such as decorating since the person was too depressed to do so.
“We’re honoring a person who always goes beyond her job,” Ricken said. “Linda is one of North Shore Towers’ most precious possessions and, on behalf of the entire community, I thank you for recognizing her with this well-deserved honor.”
North Shore Towers General Manager Glen Kotowski also spoke on Rappaport’s behalf. He spoke of her commitment to the entire community, adding that she is also doing things that will benefit the Towers.
While talking about the different ways Rappaport has assisted him since coming to the Towers, Kotowski said that she has helped him become a better manager. He also said that he is a better person since meeting her and the community is a better place with her there.
In addressing those gathered for the event, Rappaport explained that her family has had a tradition of being involved with Jewish organizations, including her mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother working with Hadassah. She also said her parents stressed the importance of being nice to others.
“I’m so honored to be recognized by Hadassah,” she said. “It means more to me than you will ever know.”
