by Mel Rubenstein

As author of this column I am proud to be related to Elaine Rubenstein and have witnessed many of the reasons why she is Volunteer of the Month.

Elaine graduated from Nottingham High School (the original Nottingham that was located between Westmoreland and Fellows Avenues) in 1951 and attended Syracuse University.

She began a career in the field of advertising and marketing as a copywriter, then advertising manager at C.E Chappell & Sons, and later at Flah’s, until the birth of her first child. She continued working as a freelance copywriter for several retail business as well as providing marketing and advertising services for the family business, United Radio Service.

Founded in 1923 by Jacob Rubenstein, United Radio provides service to the electronic manufacturing industry, with three separate divisions that specialize in automotive, communications and consumer products.

In 1954, Elaine and her husband, Milt, established BeepCall which grew continually for 40 years to become the oldest and largest paging company serving Central New York. After Milt’s death in 1986, she operated the company until it was sold in 1994.

Elaine was also involved in the establishment of WONO-FM, the first classical music FM radio station in Central New York, as well as helping develop the first cellular telephone company in this area, Cellular One.

Growing up just after the great economic depression, Elaine devoted much of her time during high school and college years working part time in various fields. It was not until she entered the workplace full time that she was able to turn her attention toward volunteering in organizations that focused on what was important to her – education, particularly in scientific and medical fields, and in peace efforts through dialogue. Over the years, she served on scores of boards, both locally and nationally, including the Community Foundation of Central New York, Manlius Pebble Hill School, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, Crouse Hospital, Community Hospital, Temple Concord Board of Education and the Temple Board, the Ferre Institute, the Jewish Home of Central New York, and the Syracuse Jewish Family Service.

“While on these boards, I served on committees which I felt were effective in growing the organizations while adhering to their missions,” she said..

There are three organizations in which Elaine is still actively involved and exemplifies her interests in education, science, and dialogue – the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), the American Friends of Neve Shalom/ Wahat al-Salam (AFNSWAS), and Interfaith Works of Central New York (IFW).

InterFaith Works provides training classes for people in the immigrant community who are eligible to take the required government test. The requirements include understanding of the United States government structure, history, and some concept of the geography of our country. The students are from many different countries, including Cuba, Ukraine, and Sudan.  A certified teacher administrates the class, along with volunteers who can assist with proper responses to the required questions that may be asked.

Through education, service and dialogue, InterFaith Works affirms the dignity of each person and every faith community and works to create relationships and understanding among us. Their staff and volunteers provide a multitude of services to the refugee community in Central New York. Elaine served on its board for several years and has appreciated the struggles that these people encounter in order to become United States citizens. Until COVID-19 restrictions prohibited in person classes, she enjoyed the opportunity of volunteering to assist with the citizenship classes at IFW. These classes are ongoing via zoom.

The seed for a Syracuse science museum appealing to all ages was planted in 1977 when the local chapters of the Junior League, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Technology Club of Syracuse (now Technology Alliance of Central New York) recognized the need and joined forces. The Discovery Center of Science opened its doors on Nov. 15, 1981, in a storefront at 321 S. Clinton St. in downtown Syracuse. It was the first hands-on science museum in Upstate New York.

In 1992, Elaine and her children changed the name to the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum Of Science and Technology, now referred to as the MOST, in memory of Milt, and to perpetuate his vision for science education in our community. He had been fascinated by scientific principles, and he loved to share his enthusiasm with others. The MOST opened to the public on January 26, 1997 in its new location in the former Syracuse Armory building. It featured new hands-on exhibits, the Silverman Planetarium, at the time the only public planetarium in Central New York, and the Bristol IMAX Omnitheater, the only domed IMAX theater in New York State.

Through the efforts of the MOST Board of Trustees, the MOST Foundation, and generous financial support from donors, members, and visitors, the MOST has become recognized as a pre-eminent science and technology center. Here, people of all ages can explore the world of science through hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and lively science demonstrations.

“Its education professionals provide exceptional experiences for our Central New York school children,” Elaine said. “As our community navigates the unprecedented challenges of educating students during a global pandemic, when curricula and classroom conditions have changed—the MOST’s commitment to engaging, purposeful, and experiential STEAM learning remains as strong as ever.”

With unique virtual learning programs, the MOST continues to serve the Syracuse City School District through the Science Learning Partnerships, special programs that support students struggling with hybrid school schedules, and summer science camp experiences designed with attention to COVID-19 restrictions.

Keenly interested in dialogue and coexistence, Elaine has frequently visited and is a supporter of a unique village in Israel, Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam (NSWAS), The Oasis of Peace, where Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families live and learn together serving as a laboratory for peace studies. She served as president of the national board of American Friends of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam (AFNSWAS) for ten years and is still active on various board committees.  Elaine has been a long-time member of SAMED (Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue), which also has equal members of three communities who meet locally to discuss peaceful resolution to the Arab/Israeli conflict.

“There are so many ways that people in Central New York can volunteer to give help and hope to so many,” Elaine said. “I am proud to be part of this volunteer community.”

Elaine Rubenstein lives in Cazenovia and continues to be involved in all things good and meaningful.

To recommend someone with a stellar record of volunteering to be featured in this column contact Mel Rubenstein: [email protected] or call 315-682-7162.

Submitted photo

Elaine Rubenstein has spent much of her life volunteering and working to serve her community.