Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town board recognized 14 extraordinary community members for contributions to their local neighborhoods at the Tenth Annual "Make A Difference" Awards ceremony.

"Tonight we pay homage to men and women who have touched the lives of so many in our township. These individuals have never looked for recognition or rewards for their hard work and dedication," Supervisor Murray said. "They simply enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping others. Tonight we honor them and offer our thanks for all that they have done to improve the lives of others and to make our communities better places in which to live."

Hundreds of nominations were received for the prestigious award. Those selected, the supervisor noted, have quietly carried out acts of selfless generosity for many years.

"Our Make A Difference Award recipients have made a profoundly positive impact on the lives of others," Supervisor Murray said. "While we can never hope to adequately repay these men and women for their efforts on behalf of those in need, we are honored to have this opportunity to thank them."

Garden City residents Robert Alvey and Joseph and Laurel Mancino were among those honored at the Nov. 14 ceremony.

Robert Alvey used his ecological vision to create a bird sanctuary out of a storm basin in Garden City. What was once an eyesore is now a beautiful nature preserve enjoyed by Scouts, environmentalists, bird watchers and community members.

"You could say this particular 'Make A Difference' selection is truly for the 'birds,'" Supervisor Murray said. "You could also say the man we honor today is an environmental pioneer, an ecological visionary and a guardian of our planet."

Simply stated, it was the vision and vitality of Alvey that magically and majestically transformed Nassau County Storm Water Basin Number 252 into the beautiful Garden City Bird Sanctuary. Seven acres of land strewn with garbage and festooned with overgrowth presented an eyesore to neighbors and a sore spot to conservationists. Fortunately, Alvey had a dream and Storm Basin 252 had a future.

Today these same seven acres rise proudly as a nature preserve and a landscaped greenspace. Rob would want to share the credit with the tireless volunteers from the Boy and Girl Scouts, Chaminade and Garden City High Schools, Hofstra University and St. Joseph's College, not to mention the hundreds of youngsters who helped plant the seed that would eventually grow into an environmental showcase.

But truth be told, the leadership and inspiration that truly Made A Difference in the project's success were never beholden to any time clock. 24/7 Rob pursued the ultimate goal. Even today, as the Sanctuary is celebrated as a natural treasure and regional showpiece, Rob's commitment remains steadfast. He works feverishly to secure state and federal grants to enhance the sanctuary and ensure its future.

Joseph and Laurel Mancino have dedicated their lives to those less fortunate. Joe serves on the board of the INN, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, National Center for Disability Services, Theodore Roosevelt Council of Boy Scouts and Winthrop-University Hospital.

The Mancinos have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to these worthwhile organizations and established a scholarship fund for undergraduate students with significant financial need. They have also spearheaded successful fundraisers for the Boy Scouts, INN, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, the Henry Viscardi School and more.

Joe and Laurel Mancino have made a profound and positive difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. Their generous spirit reaches anyone in need, and they encourage others to participate in worthy and charitable causes.

Jean Kelly, the executive director of the Interfaith Nutrition Network, calls Joe Mancino, "the consummate giver." He serves on the board of various organizations, including the Interfaith Nutrition Network, Helen Keller Services for the Blind, National Center for Disability Services, Theodore Roosevelt Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Winthrop Hospital.

Joe and Laurel Mancino embody the credo "Give 'til it hurts."

The Mancinos have contributed more than $300,000 to Winthrop Hospital, more than $200,000 to Interfaith Nutrition Network and more than $100,000 to the Boys Scouts, and they established the Long Island center of the Empire State Foundation Family Scholarship, given to undergraduate students with significant financial need.

During Joe's tenure as CEO of Roslyn Savings Bank, he spearheaded a coat and food drive for Interfaith Nutrition Network, and collected 500 winter coats and 6,000 pounds of food. In addition, Joe was instrumental in raising one million dollars for the Interfaith Nutrition Network.

The Mancinos also have spearheaded successful fundraisers for the Helen Keller Services for the Blind, the Boy Scouts of America, the National Center for Disabilities Services' Henry Viscardi School and Winthrop Hospital.

The Mancino's motto is, "When you are successful you should not only take what you get, but you should give back to others who are not as fortunate as you are."