Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto recently announced the winners of the fifth annual Town of Oyster Bay 2003 "Women of Distinction" awards. The town bestows this honor upon local residents annually in the month of March, which is Women's History Month. Until the end of December 2002, residents had the opportunity to nominate somebody they felt met the criteria and distinguished themselves in one of eight categories, including the arts, business, community and civic affairs, education, government, health services, humanitarian and volunteer.

"The program is designed to recognize exceptional women who either live or work in the town for their contributions and achievements," Venditto said. "By instituting the 'Women of Distinction' awards program, I hoped to begin a tradition that would continue for decades to come. I think I can safely say that a memorable tradition has been launched and that each woman so honored will stand as a role model for young women throughout the town."

Among the eight recipients is Mary Ellen Hribok of Farmingdale, who is the recipient of the Distinguished Women Humanitarian award. The criteria for this category stated that the nominee should be an "outstanding woman who has made a contribution to the community. This individual may or may not be affiliated with a commercial, professional or non-profit agency or group."

Hribok was recognized for her efforts in leading a successful community fundraiser to help the Farmingdale Community Summit Council's quest in collecting funds to erect a monument memorializing those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The monument is expected to be finished soon and will be placed outside the Farmingdale Public Library once completed.

To assist in the project, Hribok raised thousands of dollars for the memorial fund by selling commemorative candle holder figures designed by a local business. After she first noticed the commemorative pieces, Hribok met with the owners of the company who created them and eventually obtained dozens of the pieces, prepared to sell them strictly to her friends and family.

Over the course of the next several months, through word of mouth only and no advertising, Hribok had an overwhelming response from friends, Girl Scout members, leaders and parents; St. Luke's parishioners and the LaSalle community, among others, who showed an interest in purchasing the pieces. She noticed that everywhere she went, residents were asking her how they could obtain a World Trade Center Candlelight Commemorative.

On September 11, 2002, during the Farmingdale Community Summit Council's memorial site dedication ceremony at the Farmingdale Library, Hribok presented checks on behalf of local organizations to the Council totaling over $800 and raised even more funds for the organization in the following months.

Hribok did not receive any monetary compensation for her efforts. She noted last year that she took on the project just as she has other projects in the past, simply because she enjoys them and even more so enjoys helping others. Hribok, a member of the Junior League of the Women's Club of Farmingdale, photographer for LaSalle Regional School, and Troop Leader for Girl Scouts, is considered a guardian angel by many in the community because she is always ready to help those in need. She volunteers her time to many organizations and does so without seeking any recognition.

Also selected as a Women of Distinction honoree is Massapequa resident Beth S. Goldberg, an active member of the Farmingdale community. Goldberg was selected in the category of Distinguished Woman in Community and Civic Affairs. Criteria for this category included being a leader, supervisor, administrator, manager or member who has made a contribution to the community.

Goldberg was selected by the town for her great dedication in a number of local organizations. She is an active member of the Farmingdale Jewish Center, has served on the board of education at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau (HANC) and as president of the National League of American Penn Women. In addition, she was president of the Farmingdale Lionesses Club.

In her capacities at these various organizations, Goldberg has done much to help individuals who are blind. She established a Braille training course and led volunteers in preparing Braille scripts for blind people at the Farmingdale Jewish Center. As president of the Farmingdale Lionesses, Goldberg worked with members of the Farmingdale Lions Club to secure a Braille typewriter to allow volunteers to prepare Braille scripts. In addition, she has helped raise funds for Second Sight, an organization assisting the blind.

An award winning artist, Goldberg has already had exhibits and given demonstrations at various locations throughout Long Island. Her latest exhibit, entitled "Perception," is going to be on display at the Farmingdale Library throughout the month of April.

Also included in the eight honorees is North Massapequa resident Linda Wargo, who will be awarded in the category of Distinguished Woman Volunteer. Wargo is chairperson of the Association Volunteers for the Plainedge Girl Scouts. As a deeply committed volunteer, she has given generously of her time to Girl Scouts throughout the years, and has made an outstanding contribution in serving the needs of others. She is the highest ranked volunteer in the Plainedge Girl Scout Community.

Other recipients include Hilary Hartung of Massapequa (Distinguished Woman in Business), Theodora Bookman of Locust Valley (Distinguished Woman in the Arts), Dr. Carole G. Hankin (Distinguished Woman in Education), Claire Millman of Plainview (Distinguished Woman in Government) and Barbara Bartell of Hicksville (Distinguished Woman in Health Services).

Venditto and the town board will honor this year's designees at the Tuesday, March 25, town board meeting.

"My fellow town board members and I have invited the designees and their families to join us in publicly recognizing the town's 'Women of Distinction'," Venditto said, noting that he and the town board will honor this year's designees at the Tuesday, March 25, town board meeting. Each recipient will be presented with a town citation and a special pin designed to commemorate the occasion.

"The recipients of the 2003 'Women of Distinction' awards constitute the fifth group of designees in what is a fine and lasting tradition in the Town of Oyster Bay," Venditto said. "The honorees have dedicated themselves to service and achievement, and their remarkable accomplishments are an inspiration to us all. They serve as excellent role models for our young women throughout the town and are shining examples of the outstanding citizenship that has made the Town of Oyster Bay such a special place to live and raise a family. I am honored to recognize such fine individuals as the Town's 2003 'Women of Distinction'."