Long-time community leader Flo Hirsch stepped down as president of the Bergen Beach Civic Association after 29 years of service on May 23, amid a well-attended ceremony at the Hudson River Yacht Club, where she received plaques, proclamations, and many a kind word from local politicians and her colleagues in civic service.
“Flo has set the gold standard by which all civic leaders should be judged,” said Michael Benjamin, who is replacing Hirsch as president and was sworn in at the meeting. “She’s set the bar high and, by her example, showed how one person can get things done for their community.”
Assemblyman Alan Maisel acted as Master of Ceremonies for the retirement bash and he, along with Councilman Lew Fidler and a representative for District Attorney Charles Hynes, presented the honored civic leader with proclamations of acknowledgment for a job well done.
“Flo’s been an extraordinary civic leader for, well, forever,” said Maisel. “She’s been really involved, really very devoted.”
Hirsch, who, in addition to her work with the civic was, until recently, the president of the 63rd Precinct Community Council and a practicing nurse to boot, plans on spending her free time with her grandchildren — all seven of them.
“Now I can enjoy my grandchildren,” she said.
And just because she’s stepped down doesn’t mean she won’t have a presence with the association. She’s promised to lend support and guidance to her chosen successor, Michael Benjamin.
“I told Michael I’ll be around if they need help,” she said. “I’m not giving the civic up, I just felt I needed a rest.”
Reach reporter Colin Mixson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.
