By:Jerry Burke
That's why almost 200 attendees crowded into Donna and Marie's Restaurant in Franklin Square last week to talk about educational and community issues as they relate to the role of women. The forum, coordinated by the Herald's 2003 Person of the Year, Elsy Mecklembourg Guibert, an Elmont community activist and health-care advocate, gathered a VIP speakers' forum for a community discussion of the questions facing women in the 21st century.
The keynote speaker, Assemblyman Tom Alfano, joined noted Haitian artists Marie Alice Theard and Jean-Max Calvin to focus on advancing health, cultural nourishment and appreciation of women. "This was a great evening, where a lively discussion was held on books, art and issues that impact women and families," said Alfano, whose remarks centered on "Equal Access to Health Care."
Calvin, a First Prize Laureate in France and a poet whose works include "La Pluie Et Ses Tamboures" ("The Rain and its Drums"); and Theard, a noted Haitian art critic, historian and author of "Petits Histoires Insolites," shared their work and answered questions from the audience, especially those dealing with their native Haiti.
A recurring theme at the luncheon was the current situation in Haiti, a country still reeling from the power vacuum left by the Feb. 29 departure of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. While a multinational force tries to restore order in the war-torn Caribbean nation, Alfano engaged audience members on the bloodshed that is tearing at the very fabric of the Haitian people. "Elmont and North Valley Stream is the home of many Haitian families who are our neighbors and friends," he said. "My heart goes out to their family members, who live in fear and want peace. We all pray for Haiti and loved ones who are there now."
During the forum, Alfano, Theard and Calvin honored Guibert, the founder of the Elmont-based EMG Health Communications Inc., for her continuing work in promoting women's health care. "Elsy is a trailblazer, and her outstanding work is helping women of all backgrounds and cultures," said Alfano. "She is a star in the Elmont community who brought together an audience who cares about their community and have a thirst for learning and sharing."
