Local businessman and philanthropist, Scott Charney was presented with the Hagedorn Little Village School's coveted "Golden Rule Award" for his service to the local community. During a gala dinner ceremony at the Garden City Hotel held Oct. 18, Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg declared the day "Scott Charney Day" in recognition of Charney's being selected as this year's "Golden Rule" award winner and for his many contributions to society. Charney's long-time friend and neighbor, Mrs. Michelle Walsh who is an alumni parent at the Hagedorn Little School located at 750 Hicksville Road, in Seaford/North Massapequa presented this year's award.

As president of Charney Marketing Services (CMS), LLC located at 95 Grand Avenue in Massapequa, Scott is busy 24/7 with the day-to-day operations of his wholesale insurance business. Charney Marketing Services, LLC recently celebrated its tenth year in business. All of this 20 plus employees were in attendance to participate in the award ceremony.

However, business does not stand in the way of Charney's community involvement with many child-related charities - specifically the Hagedorn Little Village School. When it comes to providing for a child's needs, Scott's size is miniscule to his heart, his caring, and his giving. He has coached Little League, worked with children with physical disabilities and is on the site-based committees for his children's elementary and middle schools being endorsed by the Special Education PTA (SEPTA). Scott likes to live by the adage, "A man never stands as tall, as when he kneels to help a child," which was the theme of this year's dinner.

The school was honored to have in attendance four past Golden Rule Award recipients: Monsignor Thomas Hartman, Mrs. Amy Hagedorn, Mr. Edward D. Miller and Mr. Michael Intrabartola. Local philanthropists, John and Kristin Miller were the dinner sponsors for the 200 plus guests in attendance.

Founded by Drs. Caryl Bank and Barbara Feingold in 1969, The Hagedorn Little Village School started with three children and a philosophy of providing the finest educational and therapeutic services for infants and young children diagnosed as autistic, neurologically impaired, Down Syndrome, emotionally disturbed, speech and language impaired, learning disabled and/or multiply handicapped. Over the years, thousands of children, and their families, have benefited from Little Village programs and services. The school presently provides services to hundreds of children annually.