Old Beathpage, NY - March 29th, 2014 - In celebration of Women’s History Month, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announces this year’s outstanding women of achievement, who will be honored at a ceremony on Monday, March 31, 2014. The ceremony hosted by County Executive Mangano and his wife, Linda will take place at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration “Barn “and will be a fundraiser to benefit the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund (NHRF). The event entitled “Just Desserts,” will feature the signature treats of more than a dozen local bakeries and all proceeds will go to help Nassau families who still need help and have not been able to return to their Sandy-stricken homes.
This ceremony will honor 13 dedicated women who have made outstanding personal contributions for the enrichment of the lives of others in their communities. Each of these women has been selected from about 50 nominees, for a variety of efforts and will be recognized for their dedication and fortitude.
This year’s reception will honor some of Nassau’s most extraordinary women, while at the same time collecting donations and contributions to benefit the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund. The 2014 honorees include:
Arlene Pottash of East Meadow has spent much of her life helping those less fortunate, whether the need was for food, clothing, holiday gifts or school supplies.
Jenn Sommermann of Freeport has drawn on her own strength as an ovarian cancer survivor to raise more than $100,000 for research and early detection awareness.
Zephy Christopoulos of Glen Cove has always been active in her community, especially in the local PTA, she has worked to raise cancer awareness within a grass roots organization, alongtime advocate for students in Special Education and served Holy Resurrection Greek Orthodox church for over 30 years.
Jen Clavin of Baldwin was nominated for this honor by 11 different members of the community after she worked tirelessly to raise money for Baldwin students when school programs faced budget cuts.
Yvonne Dagger of Massapequa is an award-winning artist whose love and concern for animals led her to paint pictures of them and donate the paintings to help raise funds for local pet organizations.
Lillian Dent of Roosevelt owns and operates a small restaurant which serves delicious, southern style dishes and hosts various community outreach programs to benefit suicide prevention, cancer survivors and victims of domestic violence.
Hali Herman of North Merrick opened up her home to another whole family and pets for nearly a year, after Superstorm Sandy devastated the guests’ home.
Kalpana Patel of Plainview was raised in India with strong beliefs in giving back to the community, which she has done and still continues to do.
Sonia Meyer of Levittown has been a Girl Scout leader for 18 years, a longtime member of the Island Trees and Nassau County PTAs; past president and trustee of the Island Trees Public Library and the creator of a support group for the wives, girlfriends, sisters and mothers of firefighters after 911.
Joan Rondinelli of Massapequa is the First Lady of the NYS Order of the Sons of Italy in America, works full time with special needs children, operates a carpet cleaning company and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Cooley ’s Anemia Foundation, and other charities.
Ann DeMichael of Woodmere has steadfastly fought for the entitlements of Superstorm Sandy survivors, helping them rebuild their storm-ravaged lives and homes.
Marnie Hazelton of Roosevelt has motivated and inspired students in her community for 14 years, first as a fifth grade teacher, then as Director of Grants and currently as Assistant to the Superintendent for Elementary Education.
Jamie Liedtke, owner of the Long Beach McDonalds, continued to pay her staff even though the restaurant remained closed for 10 months after suffering severe storm damage.
For more information and details for the “Just Desserts” event which will be held on March 31st at 7:00pm at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, located at 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, contact Kim Collins at (516) 571-4044. Please be advised tickets for the event are sold out.