Town of North Hempstead Notebook: Celebrating the Women of North Hempstead

March is National Women’s History Month, and the  has been honoring it's most worthy of notice since 1994.

This year another thirteen names of outstanding women were added to the May W. Newburger Women's Roll of Honor. Newburger, a former town supervisor and first woman to hold the office, wanted to draw attention to these positive role models by letting the community know about their unique accomplishments, involvement as volunteers and their  personal stories and  special challenges. 

Aware of what was introduced in other states to put women in the spotlight, Newburger brought the national project home to North Hempstead because she saw a need for an award ceremony organized to honor only women. It’s a salute to special women for their tireless efforts to enhance the communities of the Town of North Hempstead. 

On Wednesday, March 16, the 18th Annual May W. Newburger Women's History Breakfast and Honors Ceremony was held at the Roslyn Claremont Hotel. It was attended by the honorees and their guests as well as town and county elected officials and guest speakers.

“Once again we have found women who have made a unique contribution to our town, they all deserve our admiration.” said Fred L. Pollack, member of the town board.

“This town, and the people in it, have been the impetus I need to continue my work,” Jane Thomas, an honoree and president of  Port Washington-Manhasset chapter of The League of Women Voters said. “It has been 35 years of joy.”

“It was one of the  loveliest ceremonies paying great tribute to the deserving honorees of the Town of North Hempstead,” said Helen Tom Chin of Port Washington. Chin is president of the Chinese Center on Long Island, a member of the TONH Board of Ethics, and also sits on Port Washington's Senior Affairs Advisory Board. “I am so proud to have been included,” she added. 

“I consider it a privilege, not a duty, to be able to give back to my community and I'm proud to represent my village, Mineola,” said Sara Danzi, Ph.D., an honoree who serves as a research scientist at North Shore University Hospital. She is also a charitable fundraiser and volunteer for Ronald McDonald House.

Among the honorees was Elise Ledda, of Port Washington, an advocate for pedestrian safety, and a a member of Mothers Against Drunk Driver’s Victims’ Impact Panel.

Anyone can nominate someone in the TONH who has in some way added to the quality of life for the community and serves as an inspiration to others.

2011 May W. Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor:

• Sara E. Danzi, Ph.D. - Mineola
• Helen Tom Chin - Port Washington
• Jane Thomas - Port Washington
• Elise Ledda - Port Washington
• Alice Chin - Albertson
• Evelyn Atanas - Williston Park
• Elaine Kennedy - Westbury
• Vicki Laura - Westbury
• Dr. Phoebe Lazarus - Great Neck
• Edith L. Mendel - Great Neck, posthumously
• Jean Pierce - Great Neck
• Dorothy Royal - Westbury
• Julia Shields - Great Neck