Chabad of Port Washington will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary at a Gala Dinner which will take place on April 7th in Chabad’s brand new Adam Katz Athletic Center, a high school size gymnasium which is being completed right on time for the event. The Guest of Honor will be Adam Katz, Chabad’s president and the gym’s main patron. In addition, local residents John Maura Jr. and Bryan & Orly Sherman will be honorees to the dinner. For more information about the dinner or to RSVP for tickets or Scroll of Honor inscriptions, visit www.chabadpw.org or call 767 TORAH.
John Maura Jr.
Community Service Award
John Maura Jr. was born in New York City, New York, the first child of Ann and John Maura Sr. and raised in the family home in Manhasset, New York.
John attended St. Mary’s Elementary School, Eastern Military Academy, and Manhasset High School. Following graduation John was accepted to Tampa College where he earned a degree in business.
John then enlisted in the United States Navy serving on board the USS Shenandoah, which was attached to the sixth fleet.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, John resumed participation in the family business, Maura Bros. & Co. Inc. which was founded officially in 1939 by John Maura Sr. and his brother Mario, who were following in the footsteps of their father Michelangelo. In 1967 Maura Bros. moved to Port Washington under the leadership of John Sr. while their Garden Center remained in Manhasset operating under the watchful eye of Mario who remained at its helm.
John Jr. became instrumental in the daily activities of Maura Bros. and assumed the title of President in 1976 following his father’s retirement.
John met his wife Gina in 1976 as well whom he married two years later. He is the proud father of four grown children, John, Kristiana, Robert, and Jacqueline, delighted father-in-law to Michael and Suzanne, and the happy “spoiler” of two beautiful grandchildren, Riley Lynn, and Robert James. John also enjoys a close bond with his younger brother, Ronald, his wife Patricia, nephew Brian, and niece Jessica.
John became an active member of the John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 Order Sons of Italy in America in the 1990’s and was elected and honorably served as President from 2005-2007, in conjunction with their Centennial Year. John demonstrated his flair for the organization and love for the lodge, by overseeing two of the Grande Festa Italiana feasts, and other events during his tenure as lodge President. John continues to be an active member of the lodge.
Today Maura Bros., entering into its 72nd year, continues in the traditions started in the 1930's, with brothers John Jr. and Ronald embracing those same principles of integrity, honesty and customer satisfaction that their grandfather instilled in the business at it's inception.
In 2006, Chabad purchased a 12’ steel Chanukah Menorah for Main Street. It needed someone to erect it, so the rabbi contacted Peter Dejana. Peter reached out to John asking for his help. John and Ronnie came through for Chabad. Each year since, Maura Bros., now affectionately referred to in Chabad circles as Menaura Bros, erects and then removes Port Washington’s giant menorah.
When it comes to helping the community, especially children, John will always be there. He’s truly a man of kindness and community.
Chaim (Bryan) Sherman & Orly Calderon-Sherman
Community Builders Award
Orly and Bryan Sherman arrived at Port Washington within weeks of each other and joined the Chabad House almost at the same time, 3 years ago. They have made their first acquaintance with each other during the Shabbat Kiddush luncheons, where they have heatedly debated the status of women in the Torah. Eighteen months later they were standing under the chupah, held by their four wonderful children, Kfir, Maya, Thomas and Nicole, right here at the Chabad of Port Washington.
Orly, a psychologist, and Bryan, an engineer, enjoy sharing their home and table with family and friends. Bryan is especially known for his home-made challah and latkes.
They are grateful to G-d for blessing them with each other, their family and this community.
