Steve Orlando named W.H. Person of the Year

    The West Hempstead Community Support Association named photographer Steve Orlando 2010 West Hempstead Person of the Year.
    It was Orlando’s dedication, generosity and service to his community, where he has lived most of his life, that earned him the title, according to association President Rosalie Norton. Orlando has, for years, volunteered his talents as a photographer to virtually every organization in the community, she said. “Participate in the Memorial Day Parade, and Steve is there to chronicle the event. Attend a Concert in the Park and you’ll see Steve and his camera. Whether it’s a West Hempstead Fall Street Festival or a holiday at Hall’s Lighting Ceremony, you will see Steve taking photos and sharing them with the organizations sponsoring the events,” Norton said.
    “His love for West Hempstead and for the residents in the community is evident to anyone who knows Steve,” she added. “In discussing Steve with others, you really begin to fully understand the depth of his wonderful personality and generosity of spirit.”
    Honored to have earned the title, Orlando had some words of his own to share.
    “Being named person of the year was a surprise and an honor,” Orlando said. “I was really attempting to give something back to a community which has always give me its support.” Despite having lived in West Hempstead most of his life, Orlando said he continues to be “amazed by the unity and cooperation apparent in our diverse community.”

    He went on to say, “West Hempstead has produced leaders in a variety of fields, from music to medicine and all the arts and business concerns. We are fortunate to have many organizations and individuals who donate their time and energy towards serving the community.”
    Orlando began his career as a commercial photographer 30 years ago, taking pictures of local groups and events. From there, he was able to move on to photographing music icons, medical procedures and models, among other things, publishing his work in newspapers and magazines, and on television.
    But Orlando said that he continues to photograph community events and landmarks to maintain his connection to his community, and so that others can “observe and appreciate the activities and the beauty of West Hempstead.”