Understated and omnipresent at the same time, Marvin and Jean Staiman have been leaving a mark on this community for more than six decades.
They were honored Sunday night at the Congregation Ohev Sholom, which has been so much a part of their lives.
The 150 people in attendance crossed the touchstones of the Staimans' lives: Their Jewish faith, family, and the business, civic and public service communities.
And those are the places where the Staimans have made an indelible impact on our community.
If they were involved in a fund drive, it had instant credibility.
Their business presence has had an impact downtown and beyond.
They have lent their time and efforts to a variety of public service endeavors.
And they have represented their faith with the kind of pride and distinction that is an example for us all.
Perhaps the most lasting impression of all they have done for our community is not that they have done it, but how they have done it together.
The Staimans have been a true partnership, taking their own love and using it as the facilitator for almost all of their endeavors.
When they are involved in something, they are almost always involved in it together.
The other distinctive part of the Staimans' stamp is how much they enjoy honoring others both publicly and otherwise.
They have been heavily involved for decades in most of the community's signature events that honor achievements and involvement.
And when state Sen. Gene Yaw asked for a show of hands from anyone who had ever received a congratulatory note from the Staimans, almost every hand was raised.
The Staimans have had a love affair going on with the community for all their lives.
And the feeling is mutual.
