By Mary Malloy
A selection committee nominated notable women from Barra's 14th Assembly District representing a range of careers and avocations: business, community and civic affairs, education, government, health care, law and military service. Their names were submitted to the committee by friends, neighbors, relatives and coworkers - and a few by Barra himself.
"Over the years, I have met countless outstanding women who work tirelessly to make a difference in our community," Barra said, "yet their selflessness goes largely unnoticed." He called the women "shining examples" of how we all can enhance the quality of life in our communities. "We should look to these women not only as deserving of special recognition," he said, "but as community heroes who go above and beyond their call of duty to help make this a better place to call home."
During the ceremony and dinner reception, each recipient received an embossed copy of a state Assembly resolution honoring women of significance throughout history, as well as a certificate of merit.
Joyce Berry
Lynbrook resident Joyce Berry is an energetic advocate for children and education who serves in a variety of demanding roles for the Malverne School District's Parent Teachers Association.
"I was surprised when I was told I was nominated," said Berry, "and seeing the other women who were nominated with me, well, I realized that I was in such good company." She said she never expects a pat on the back for her work, but rather does it for the good of the children. "But I have to say, to be recognized is wonderful," she added.
Since 2005, Berry has been the president of the Davison Avenue PTA. She is also the president of the Howard T. Herber Middle School PTA and co-president of the district's Central Council. She has two sons, 11 and 8, and she volunteers at many of their activities.
As a dental hygienist, she visits classrooms each year during Dental Health Month, armed with free toothbrushes. In addition, Berry is a eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Lynbrook, and an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Mary's Maris Stella Knights of Columbus.
Nancy Fischer
Nancy Fischer is described as a true friend of the Lynbrook community - a cheerful and enthusiastic neighbor, friend and civic-minded woman.
Fischer has lent her talents in research and community awareness to efforts to improve the village, volunteering to organize and implement the Neighborhood Watch Program and creating a presentation on behalf of her neighborhood for the Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals. She has also found time to help her neighbors research options for financing their children's college education.
"I'd like to thank one of my best friends, Amy Chrein, who nominated me," said Fischer. "It always feels good to have people take time out to thank you, even though this was totally unexpected."
Fischer is an active Community Emergency Response Team member, working with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management. She has organized community emergency management lectures and drills, and assisted in the recent planning for a possible swine flu epidemic.
Maryann Hughes
If you have reason to call Lynbrook Mayor Brian Curran's office, you will most likely speak to Maryann Hughes. Over the past 26 years, Hughes has been secretary to the mayor and the Board of Trustees, and is an invaluable thread in the fabric of the village.
She has worked for four different mayors over the course of her career, and has been instrumental in helping residents and elected officials alike address concerns and solve problems - a smiling, friendly conduit to village government that the people of Lynbrook have come to count on, know and love.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to Assemblyman Bob Barra for the nomination, and for extending this recognition to me," said Hughes. "It really was a privilege to be included with the other woman [who have] really made a difference in their communities or workplace."
Hughes said that she treasures the time she spends with her family, whose members live both here and in Ireland. She and her husband, Ken, have been married for 40 years, and she considers herself fortunate to be able to still enjoy time spent with her beloved 90-year-old father, as well as her siblings. Maryann and Ken have three grown children and three grandchildren, and in her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading and vacationing in Montauk.
Diane LauKaitis
Diane LauKaitis, of East Rockaway, has been a member of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police since 1981. She worked her way up the ranks, and was promoted to captain in 2003. That year, she also became the commanding officer of the East Rockaway Unit, where she doubled the membership in one year, gaining the respect of the unit and the community. In 2004 she joined the Nassau County Auxiliary Police Executive Board, and has lent a hand in the program's recruitment and fundraising efforts. In 2005 LauKaitis was promoted to deputy inspector.
Her colleagues credit her with giving "110 percent" of herself to the unit and the program. She puts in more than a thousand hours a year, never asking for anything in return.
"It's an honor to be recognized," LauKaitis said. "They say that there's a good woman behind every man. Well, in my case there are 13 great men behind me in the auxiliary who have helped me with everything I've done."
Diane and her husband, Dan, also a longtime member of the auxiliary police, have two children, both of whom plan to follow in their parents' footsteps in law enforcement.
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