From assisting seniors on behalf of SPRYE to raising money for the Rye Rotary Club’s high school scholarship fund to countless other volunteer activities, Hal Schwartz is almost busier now as a retiree than he was during his career.
By Georgetta L. Morque
From assisting seniors on behalf of SPRYE to raising money for the Rye Rotary Club’s high school scholarship fund to countless other volunteer activities, Hal Schwartz is almost busier now as a retiree than he was during his career.
With all his work helping others, particularly seniors, it’s no wonder that Schwartz, 76, was inducted into the Westchester Senior Hall of Fame on December 4 at a luncheon at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown. Schwartz was one of 34 seniors from 20 county municipalities honored this year. (Rye resident Carolyn Cunningham was another.) Now in its 33rd year, the Hall of Fame is a tribute to older adults who have generously given their time and energy to improve the quality of life in their communities or the county at large.
In nominating Schwartz for the honor, SPRYE Executive Director Betti Weimersheimer noted his commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors and to making sure they have access to services that will improve their health, relieve isolation and loneliness, and enable them to fully participate in community life. “Hal never sits by waiting for others to take on tasks,” said Weimersheimer. “He is truly civic-minded, compassionate, patient, and always ready to lend a hand when needed.”
“I feel very flattered,” said Schwartz. He also feels good when his deeds are appreciated by those he helps. “It really gives me great satisfaction when a senior comes up to me and, in a very sincere way, thanks me.” He realizes that seniors have a lot of needs, especially when they don’t have family nearby. He’s happy to drive them to the supermarket or social functions and even help with changing a light bulb, which may sound like a simple chore, says Schwartz, but climbing a ladder can be dangerous for many.
In addition to serving as a volunteer driver and board member of SPRYE, Schwartz is also on the city-appointed Rye Senior Advocacy Committee where he represents SPRYE to assist seniors in legal, environmental and recreational activities. He is still active in Rye Rotary Club, of which he is a past president. He’s also treasurer of American Legion Post 128. He serves as secretary and member of the board of governors of the Rye Fish & Game Club and enjoys the once-a-month social get-togethers, which “helps keep your mind going.”
Schwartz is busy every day. “When you’re busy, you don’t age as much,” he noted. To stay healthy and fit, he tries to exercise three times a week at the Rye YMCA, takes multivitamins, and eats well.
Prior to retirement, Schwartz enjoyed a fascinating career in new product development with General Foods Corporation’s Research Center in Tarrytown, and was instrumental in the commercialization of the popular candy, Pop Rocks. He set up plants in Japan, Europe, and the U.S., and at one point took a six-week road trip to speak about Pop Rocks on television and radio news shows.
Schwartz loves Rye, where he has lived for over 40 years and where he met his wife, Sue, on a blind date. They have three grown children, who went through Rye schools, and five grandchildren within babysitting distance. In addition to his volunteer work, his other passions include photography and travel, particularly river boat trips. He and Sue have enjoyed visiting southern France, Germany, and China; they plan to take a paddleboat cruise to Mississippi this spring. For Schwartz, everything is full steam ahead.