Dr. Jacklyn Nogan, a Levittown chiropractor, who is involved in many different aspects of the local community, has been selected as the Trailblazer to the New Millennium from the 19th Legislative District.

For the past few years, each member of the Nassau County Legislature has been asked to select a woman from their legislative district who has distinguished herself as a positive female role model, in recognition of Women's History Month.

In explaining why he selected Nogan as the Woman Trailblazer from Levittown, Legislator Dennis Dunne stated, "When I was asked what female in my community would fit the title of Trailblazer to the New Millennium, somebody outstanding in the community, she was it. She was the first person who came to mind. She exemplifies the award. "

Nogan was raised in East Meadow and has been a member of the Levittown community for over eight years. She is currently serving her second term as the president of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce. She is the vice president of Yours, Ours Mine Community Center, is the secretary of the Levittown Library Board, is a member of Levittown Kiwanis, an honorary member of the Levittown Historical Society and is a charter member of the Levittown Community Council, for which she also serves on the by-laws committee. In addition, she was a sponsor and chairperson for the Levittown 50th Anniversary Committee.

Dunne described Nogan's activities in the community as being "very fruitful." He added, "She ran the most successful fair, behind the Tri-County Flea Market, that I can remember in Levittown, she took part in and ran bowl-a-thons, softball games, picnics, so many different things and each and every year for the last eight years, she has provided toys for needy children over at the YOM Center, not looking for a pat on the back, not looking for anything but the smiles on the children's faces."

Prior to being named a Woman Trailblazer, Nogan had received a Citation of Dedication to Levittown and the practice of Chiropractic Medicine from the Nassau County Legislature and received a Meritorious Community Service Award from the Levittown Historical Society.

In speaking about her selection as a Woman Trailblazer, Nogan stated, "I was very excited and elated to receive such a distinguished honor amongst all the distinguished women from around the county. It was really a thrill."

When asked if she saw herself as a Trailblazer, someone who leads the way for others, Nogan responded, "I don't see myself as a trailblazer, per se, to have people follow me, I like to make things better for people and make life better quality and if people can follow in that pursuit then, yes I would like to be a trailblazer." She noted that she was very surprised when Dunne called her to tell her that he was selecting her for this honor.

In response to the question of why she does all that she does in the community, Nogan stated, "Half the time it doesn't seem like a question of why, it's just what I do. I love being active, I love making the quality of life better for myself and everyone around me. I have grown to love Levittown, the people in it and the community and I always like to give some things back for the fortune I've been granted in life."

Nogan added that she feels that it is an important step that the legislature is recognizing women for the roles that they play in the community. "I'm glad to see that the world is recognizing women for the prestigious jobs and community service that they do. Women have been doing that for years upon years and centuries and its nice to see that they're being recognized for that."

In speaking about all that Nogan has accomplished, Dunne concluded, "She sets a high standard. She's really become a great role model for the young women growing up in our community. She's doing such a wonderful job in my community and I am just so very proud of her."