Off to Fiddler's Green Walter J. Handelman (8 September 1931 - 2 February 2009) Walter Handelman was a committed philanthropist and a long-time and generous supporter of the National Maritime Historical Society. Back in 2002, we conducted a readers' survey in Sea History and had asked for our members' opinions about creating pages designed for students in Sea History, with the aim of getting the children and grandchildren of our members involved in the compelling story of America's maritime heritage: 65% of NMHS members said they would subscribe for a child if we published a section specifically for younger readers. Walter Handelman wrote to say what a fine and important educational initiative this would be, and that the James A. Macdonald Foundation, of which he was director, would fund the costs if we implemented the program. From that day to the present, because of Walter Handelman's commitment to maritime education, each issue of Sea History has contained the feature "Sea History for Kids." (The section also appears on our web site.) Because of his commitment and generosity, thousands of students who never heard of Walter Handelman have learned about their seafaring heritage in a kid-friendly way, some perhaps who will make that heritage their life's work. Walter Handelman was the visionary and major funder behind many of the Society's educational projects for more than rwo decades. He was pragmatic, a careful thinker and speaker, but he had a rwinkle in his eye and a ready handshake. At his funeral service the rabbi stated that he gave so generously of his time and wealth that the many organizations he supported each thought they must be his main interest. He was an active supporter of the historic sites Lyndhurst and the Jay Heritage Center, Boy Scours of America, Hudson Link, the Preservation League of New York State, Friends of the Westchester Band, Westchester Reform Temple, Partners for Sacred Places, Education through Music, Emmanuel Day Care, the Scarsdale Historical Society, the Scarsdale Foundation and Town Club, Scarsdale Citizens for Senior Housing, and the Bronx River Parkway Restoration Conservancy, among others. Walter Handelman was born and raised in New Rochelle, where he graduated from New Rochelle High School. A Boy Scout since his yo uth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 18, served on the executive committee of the Boy Scouts of America Westchester-Putnam Council and, in 2001, received the distinguished Eagle Scout Award, given to only 1,600 of the one million Eagle Scouts. He graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude and with an ROTC commission in the Naval Reserve, serving for rwo years as an officer aboard USS Curtiss in the Pacific. He returned to Cambridge, met his future wife of 49 years, Judy Ashe, and graduated from Harvard Law School. H e joined his father's law practice in New York City, and, after his father's death in 1971 , moved it to White Plains, New York, in 1984. The Handelmans moved to Scarsdale in 1960 and were very active in the community; he was elected mayor and served from 1993 to 1995 and even played clarinet in the Westchester Band. He continued to work pro bono for the organizations he supported. Walter J. Handelman was the well-deserved recipient of the NMHS Founder's Sheet Anchor Award in 1994. He leaves behind many good friends, the ongoing work of the many organizations he nurtured , three sons, David, Dan, and Matthew, and five grandchildren. We will miss him. -Burchenal Green, NMHS President
42
Ways to Contribute to NMHS by Thomas F. Daly, Trustee, National Maritime Historical Sociery
In this difficult economic climate, the generosity of our members is integral for the success of the Society. As a 501 (c)3 not-for profit organization, NMHS is dependent on member support as the foundation on which is built all of our work for the maritime heritage. Both the Board of Trustees and the staff are often asked what options are available to best support the Society. -Burchenal Green, President Please refer to the list below when considering making a gift to the Society.
Outright Gifts Outright contributions, often consisting of cash or appreciated securities, are the most direct way of assisting NMHS.
Appreciated Securities A gift oflong-term appreciated securities, either publicly traded or from a private company. Restricted Gifts A donor may choose to designate his gift for one or more of the specific needs of the Society. Gifts of Cash Matching Gifts Many companies will match or multiply donations made to the National Maritime Historical Society by their employees and, in some cases, by employees' spouses.
IRA Account Transfers Other Gifts Life Insurance Donors who own a life insurance policy that the family no longer needs. Bequests Members are requested to please include the National Maritime Historical Society as the beneficiary of their will or trust or retirement plan. Sustaining Gifts A Sustaining Member supports NMHS at a higher level than might otherwise be convenient. A sustaining gift may be at any amount, and it can be charged each month or quarter from a credit card account direictly to NMHS. For more inforrmation from NMHS, a donor or his or her adviiser may contact the Society's President, Burchenaal Green, at 914 737-7878.
SEA IHISTORY 127, SUMMER 2009