Assemblywoman honors heroes from Malverne, West Hempstead

Several community leaders from Malverne and West Hempstead were among the honorees for State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s inaugural Community Heroes Awards ceremony on March 7. Four of the 21 honorees were from Malverne and West Hempstead.

Each honoree was recognized as constituents who embody what a true role model is in the community. “These are individuals who have shown exceptional leadership, kindness, inclusiveness, and generosity through their acts of service and the time they’ve dedicated to others from a local level to even globally,” Griffin said in a new release.

Malverne’s recipients included Elaine Miller and Carl Prizzi. Miller is the co-founder of the Nassau County Aviation Committee, a group that aims to combat jet noise. Prizzi is an active member of the village who belongs to several groups including Boy Scout Troop 24, Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s, and the Steven McDonald Memorial Corporation.

In West Hempstead, Griffin honored Rabbi Art Vernon, of Congregation Shaaray Shalom, and West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce vice president Sagine Pierre-Charles. As spiritual leader of Congregation Shaaray Shalom, Vernon has hosted several community events such as the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony and the annual Veterans Shabbat. Pierre-Charles, who is the owner of Sage & Angie Boutique in West Hempstead, has held numerous fundraisers at her store and has helped the chamber to promote the message of shopping locally.