Maxwell Park Neighborhood News

by Sarah Hipolito

Have you ever wondered if you can make a difference in your community? Do you think you need a large group to have an impact? Don't lose heart. You can have an impact, one family at a time. Think of a goal, then start with small steps, and don't look back!

That's what Gus Kostos and Helen Argyropoulous did. They wanted to help out college students. In 1974 they created a scholarship program with 10 shares of Mutual of Omaha at $147.39. The fund has been growing ever since, one donation at a time. This year's $1,000 scholarships went to seven college students, and, when possible, scholarships are renewed for returning students.

When Gus was 10, his mother taught him how to knit, and several years later he learned needlepoint at Clark Junior High in the Bronx, New York City. One of the ways they raised money for the scholarship program was by selling needlepoint kits Gus and Helen designed.

In addition to selling the kits to raise scholarship money, Gus used his needlepoint skills to reach out to children. While his wife Helen was a teacher's aide at Elizabeth Sherman School, he volunteered in the classrooms, teaching needlepoint to the youngsters there and at Maxwell Park Elementary. His instruction made lasting impressions. Even today, parents and former students stop him to reminisce. Gus is no longer teaching needlepoint, but he still reaches out to Maxwell Park children.

Gus and Helen live across the street from Maxwell Park Elementary School. One day, Helen and Gus noticed a group of students on a walking field trip to the fire station. That gave them the idea of opening up their garden for classroom tours.

The garden contains well-organized plantings of succulents grown in individual cups to make for easy giveaways to the students. Since Gus already had a long history of growing palms to give to the neighbors, it seemed natural to grow succulents to give to the touring youngsters.

What a gift to the Maxwell Park Students! What a legacy for the neighborhood! Gus can walk around and see palm trees in many neighbors' yards that he planted. What will your legacy be? What special thing can you do for local students? How can you contribute to the success of the neighborhood?

Make a Difference!

Michael Foster, director of Allendale and Brookdale Recreation Centers, recently announced that he is seeking neighbors to provide individual and group activities. A contribution of time and talent could make a difference to a youth who does not have someone special in his or her life.

Maxwell Park Community Building Neighborhood Action Team (CBNAT) is currently recruiting helpers for the Second Annual Day in the Park, a family event that last year drew over 400 neighbors. Your contribution could be in planning, set-up, tear-down, children's activities, or entertainment. Interested in lending a hand and making new connections? See contact information below.

Contacts: Michael Foster, Recreation Centers, 535-5635; Krista Gulbransen, CBNAT, Krista_gulbransen\@yahoo.com.♦

Sarah Hipolito can be reached at shipolito\@sbcglobal.net.