Each March, in recognition of Women's History Month, every Nassau County Legislator selects a woman in his or her community who they feel is a "Trailblazer to the New Millennium." This year, Dennis Dunne, who represents the 19th Legislative District, has selected Lisa Vanderburg, a North Wantagh resident who is very active in the Levittown community, as the recipient of that honor.

Vanderburg, who lives in the Levittown School District and works at the Levittown Memorial Education Center, has been involved in many different facets of the community. She is currently finishing her term as the president of the Levittown PTA Council; she served as Lee Road Elementary School PTA co-president from 1994-1996 and again in 1997-1999; she is a member of the Levittown Kiwanis Club; is the Kiwanis advisor for the Salk Builders' Club; is the secretary for Levittown's newly established Dollars for Scholars Program; is a member of the Levittown Community Council; served on the Nassau County Cancer Task Force; served as the Forest City Community Association Vice President for two years; and is a member of the St. Frances de Chantal Youth Group Board. In addition, Vanderburg has served on the Citizens Advisory Budget Committees and Bond Committees, served on the Attendance Zone Committee, and has served on various other district committees and has been involved in the district's Shared Decision Making Process, as a parent.

Dunne said that he selected Vanderburg for this distinction because of her active involvement in the community. "She's just a terrific girl and really a role model."

When asked what criteria he used to make a selection, Dunne said he has chosen women who are good role models that children in the community would want to emulate. He noted that the two most recent honorees from Levittown, Roxane Boneillo and Dr. Jacklyn Nogan have both fit this criteria, as does Vanderburg. He further commented that in speaking with Boneillo after he had selected Vanderburg, she told him that Lisa was the first person who came to her mind as well. "She's been so very active and proactive and the ladies and other people in the community admire her," said Dunne.

Vanderburg said she was "honored and overwhelmed" by this recognition. When asked why she believed she was selected, Vanderburg stated, "This award is given during Women's History Month and I guess Dennis Dunne felt that my commitment to the community and all my involvement in community organizations is what made me worthy of the award." Vanderburg adds that she would not be able to do as much as she does without the support of her husband Leo, who is also active in many different organizations, and her daughters Tara and Tina.

"I find all my community involvement to be a very enjoyable experience and, being that I am very fortunate in my life, it's a joy to give back to the community," concluded Vanderburg.