On Aug. 16, New York State Assemblyman Rob Walker (R, C, I, WF - Hicksville) had the pleasure of honoring 40 women from throughout the 15th Assembly District as Women of Distinction. The women were nominated by individuals such as family members, co-workers and fellow community activists who were inspired by the actions of the individual being nominated.

"These women are the true backbones of their respective communities and are the people responsible for making sure that those who need help receive that help," said Walker. "I find it tremendously rewarding to be able to honor 40 women who have given so much of themselves in the effort to help others. It is my hope that by highlighting their selflessness, it will inspire others to give back and together we may continue to make Long Island and New York a great place to live."

Walker added, "Having done this for the third year now, I am glad to see this event growing and look forward to honoring many more women in the years to come."

During the ceremony, which was held at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library and attended by over 200 friends, family and well-wishers, the following individuals were honored:

Augusta Ann Mirto is extremely devoted to the seniors that she serves and goes out of her way to care for them. Mirto also works closely with the Bethpage School District, helping the children of Bethpage as well as its seniors. Stacey Giuffre is active in the East Meadow Fire Department and volunteers much of her time to supporting the firefighters. She and her husband opened their home several years ago and adopted two boys from Russia and a girl from Guatemala. Darlene Dillon is a local business owner who volunteers much of her time to the people of Nassau County. For 25 years, Dillon has donated her time and talent to many charitable organizations such as the International Games for the Disabled.

Beth Silverman turned her survival from breast cancer into a motivation to help those who face a similar battle. She is a Reach to Recovery volunteer with the Long Island chapter of the American Cancer Society and also speaks publicly at Relay for Life events throughout Long Island.

Dawn Pipek Guidone specializes in Immigration Law. With unparalleled compassion, she works tirelessly to ensure that her clients receive positive results.

Gloria Acevedo is the site manager for Planned Parenthood and works to ease the concerns of the men and women who enter the center seeking counseling, HIV testing, cancer screenings, prenatal care and affordable heath care.

Jennifer Lentini has done much in her community to help the homeless and to increase awareness about the need for organ donors.

Donna Rivera-Downey is very involved in the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, teaching young girls about service and loyalty. She also is very dedicated to the Hicksville Jericho Rotary Club.

Eileen Glover is very active in the PTA and also works hard to fundraise for the Hicksville Baseball Association and the Hicksville American Soccer Club. She is also very involved with veterans' affairs, especially the members of the William M. Grouse Jr. Post 3211, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82.

Delores Sartor gives her time, qualities, and talents to anyone who needs assistance throughout Long Island. She collects clothes, food, furniture, toiletries, eyeglasses, gowns, tuxedos, shoes, coats, stamps and many other products for various organizations. Sartor also knits 18 sweaters and 12-18 baby quilts a year for young mothers in need on Long Island.

Patty Myers is dedicated to the children of Hicksville. As a mother of four, Patty is an active member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and has served as many committee chairs, and as vice president and president of the Woodland PTA.

Myra Kennedy has faithfully served as district clerk of the Jericho Fire Department as District Clerk for 49 years. Not only did Kennedy fill a professional role at the fire district, she always brought a smile and welcoming face to the department.

Gurmeet K. Sodhi is an accomplished business woman who encourages the South Asian community to participate in community affairs.

Yanira Raza decided that her talents would be best used helping people as a physician. She specializes in caring for the elderly citizens of the community. Raza's dedication to her profession goes beyond the office and into her everyday life. Her great compassion extends especially promoting the quality of life among the elderly population.

Barbara Ann DeStefano is a certified social worker who is very involved in the local community. In the past, she has served as the president of Special Education Parent-Teacher Association in the Hicksville School District.

Judy Frankson, along with Karen Maier, had a dream for feeding those in need. In 2007, the Hicksville United Methodist Church Food Pantry was established. Frankson's selfless actions continue to benefit the many families in need in Hicksville.

Veronica Brigandi has faithfully served the community for over 25 years as a member of the Hicksville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She is currently serving as auxiliary president, a position she has held numerous times in the past.

Ann Mastellone volunteering for the residents of Nassau when she is not busy working as a dental hygienist. She works with disabled children and adults and is devoted to the welfare of these individuals.

Maria Vikki Passaro is very dedicated to the children of Hicksville and has volunteered her services to school bands and directed and produced several talent shows. As the director of CYO Cheerleading, Passaro has taught young girls the value of teamwork and school spirit.

Suzanne Stippell is a local businesswoman dedicated to improving the economy. In 1980, Stippell established her own business, Ahead Haircutting, in Hicksville. Starting her own business was a risk, but with the support of her family and friends, Stippell has maintained her hairdressing business.

Maryanne Goldberg has worked hard for the people of Long Island for many years. For 13 years, Goldberg was an active member of the PTA and was a strong advocate for the education and welfare of each child.

Liliana Leon-Grodin is an active member of the Hicksville PTA and has been a co-chair of past talent shows as well as the Penny Auction. In the past, she has also served as a Developmental Commissioner for Hicksville American Soccer.

Rose Flanagan is responsible for bringing joy into children's lives. Each Christmas, Flanagan made sure that each of the 250 disabled children at the Hagedorn Little Village School received a gift even though she was on her sickbed.

Lorraine Huzar is a dedicated teacher in Roslyn High School for 21 years. During that time she encouraged her students to become politically aware, discuss these issues at home, and prepare her students to be voters one day.

Lisa Velotti spends her time caring for the welfare of the children of Jericho. For the past seven years, Velotti has been a volunteer and teacher at St. Paul's Church in the pre-school program.

Karen Maier serves the community by feeding people in need. Along with her partner Judy Frankson, the Hicksville United Methodist Church Food Pantry was established in 2007. Maier and her staff of volunteers serve food to about 40 families each week.

Evelyn Stahl was very active in the schools while her children were there, and she has always been involved in the Jericho Fire Department. She also served as an officer in the Ladies Auxiliary and always provided refreshments to the firefighters on major calls. For the past 20 years, Stahl has worked as a poll watcher for all elections ranging from local fire department elections to national political elections.

Rosalie Sandillo is currently the president of the Friends of the Locust Valley Library. Under Sandillo's direction, the organization has increased awareness and focused attention on library programs for children and adults.

Kathryn Prinz is a member of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum Board and the Oyster Bay Historical Society. She is co-founder of Save the Jewel By the Bay, an organization to protect the historical areas in Oyster Bay from being demolished due to new construction.

Rita Pecora is vice president of the Oyster Bay-based Youth and Family Counseling Agency, an organization which provides substance abuse counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric services, child home care and safe recreation programs for teens.

Carol Blumenberg often checks on elderly neighbors, to keep them company and brings brochures for services that they can receive. Having a prosthetic arm, she meets and talks with children who were recently fitted for prosthesis about how to live without a hand or arm. Blumenberg ensures these children that this is not a setback for them; she shows them that they can still play sports, play instruments, and be successful.

Lynette Carr Hicks is a driving force in the community and volunteers much of her time encouraging the youth to become involved with music. She used her talent to direct the Lynette Carr Youth Choir since 1999 and led her students to first place at the McDonald's Gospel Fest in 2001.

Roslyn D. Goldmacher has been instrumental in developing Long Island's economy. She is the founder, president and CEO of the Long Island Development Corporation family of economic development organizations and has created 14 finance and technical assistance programs.

Bonnie Green created the Family Law Task Force to look into the inequity in fathers' rights, which then led to the creation of The Matrimonial and Domestic Violence Centers. Green was also a driving influence for the Protection of the Second Family.

Rachele Lanzilotta has worked on the Village of Westbury and Nassau County elections and was responsible for contacting qualified members of the community who speak little English of their right to vote.

M. Jean Munro is an active member of Westbury's Church of the Advent and serves on many of its committees, including the Strawberry Fair. Munro is also dedicated to helping the needy by volunteering as a board member at the Westbury Neighborhood House, which offers food, clothing, and counseling to over 1,700 residents of Westbury, Old Westbury, New Cassel and Carle Place.

Catherine Handy is a dedicated teacher at Park Avenue School in Westbury for many years. Handy is a very caring educator and volunteers her time after school to assist with the 21st Century program, which provides academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children.

Lyn Dobrin has done great work for the local community, but also for the international community. She is a publicist for the state-wide Breast Cancer Hotline at Adelphi University. Dobrin is also the founder and co-leader of Amnesty International USA Group #74, which defends human rights and protects lives around the world.

Sandra Maliszewski works as the associate general counsel and the acting chief compliance officer at the Nassau Health Care Corporation (NHCC). In this capacity, Maliszewski represents the NHCC in all its legal affairs.

Victoria Laura is a member of the Central Westbury Civic Association Board and the Westbury Chamber of Commerce. She is also involved in the Citizens Police Academy Alumni. Laura is on the Safety Committee for the Village of Westbury, which is active in securing traffic safety and a program to provide car seats for young children.