by Jerry Burke
The awards, the brainchild of New York State Assemblyman Tom Alfano, were designed to honor the numerous contributions that women from all walks of life make to the mosaic of Elmont. "This ceremony is celebrating and recognizing the contributions,
achievements and leadership of women in our community," said Alfano, who, along with Elmont Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Palandra, hosted the morning event. "When I look around this room, I see the reason why Elmont is a great place to live -- it's because of all of you."
The Covert Avenue gymnasium was packed with family and friends of the 35 honorees, each of whom was presented with a plaque commemorating the event. "The strength of community derives from the contribution made by each of its members," said Palandra in her opening remarks. "Elmont has been blessed with many intelligent, industrious and caring people."
Franklin Square Munson Fire Commissioner Doris Griffin, herself the first female non-firefighter elected to that office, gave an overview of the ceremony. "I'm so honored to be here today and be surrounded by such talented and community-minded and spirited people," she said.
Alfano praised the nominees, many of whom he has worked with in the past in solving community problems. "Some of the people up here have two or three jobs, but yet still find the time to improve their community," said Alfano. "No matter what, they are always there to help."
Guest speaker Iris Johnson, executive director of the county's EOC "Displaced Homemakers" program, knows first hand how vital the contributions of women in the community are. "I see how Displaced Homemakers make an impact in our communities," said Johnson about her agency, set up to help women make the transition between home life and the workforce. "I see them excel against the odds using their vision, integrity, structure and accountability."
Elmont Memorial high school students David Dangerfield, Vladimir Crevecoeur, Jessica Diaz, Samantha Pagan and Tiffany Pierre-Louis each read letters of congratulation from public officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney, Governor George Pataki and state Attorney General Elliot Spitzer.
For Dangerfield, Pagan, Diaz and Ian Feurtado, the readings were a great way for them to honor their mothers, each of whom was a recipient. "I'm really proud of my mother," said Dangerfield, whose mother, New York City Police Officer Erica Dangerfield, is active in the Elmont Cardinals Football League. "She's always helping out those who are in need."
"We were here up until 1980 and came back in 1991," Erica said of Elmont. "There have been many changes, but Elmont remained strong. We've grown into a real family."
Honoree Norma De Bartolo, who works for the Elmont School District as a community liaison, agreed with Dangerfield's family analogy. "We all have one common goal -- our children," she said.
"If you'd ask, 'Why Elmont?'" said Haitian community leader and AIDS educator Elsy Gilbert when asked what brought her here, "I'd answer, Why not? I heard so many good thing about the community, and they were all true."
The honorees came from an eclectic mix of backgrounds, from religious, school and civic leaders to teachers, volunteers and even author and comediene Pat G'Orge Walker, who was honored early in the ceremony because of a book promotion tour.
As each honoree came to the podium, Alfano interns Eldon Phillips and Greg Allen read a brief biography. In preparation for the event, the school had trees and bushes donated by Home Depot and Charmayne's Florists, as well as artwork compliments of Alice Katz and her summer academy art-immersion students. Murals illustrating the contributions of women were hung everywhere.
The ceremony was an idea Alfano came up with to encourage and thank community volunteerism. "In all my activities in Elmont, I see many people who volunteer their time selflessly and never get the recognition they truly deserve," he said. "This is a small way to say thank you for all their hard work in improving our qualify of life."
First Annual "Women of Distinction" honorees:
Laura Barfield
Beverly Bowen
Jackie Brown
Pamela Byers
Magda Carrie
Erica Dangerfield
Norma De Bartolo
Lisa Diaz
Janice Feurtado
Cathy Ferrigno
Elsy Guibert
Sandy Ifill
Ruth Jakab
Tamara Johnson
Mabel Johnston
Evelyn Jordan
Kathy Kluger
Chris Ladalia
Debbie LaRosa
Cheryl Lee
Jo Ann Manetta
Theresa Weston Morris
Pam Monteverde
Arleen Morales
Claudia Pagan
Latanya Perry
Robin Phelps
Valerie Reese
Judith Seldon
Sandy Smith
Doris Soblick
Joyce Stowe
Judy VanHaaren
Pat G'Orge Walker
Dotty Werner
