During her 33 years in Manhasset, Sheila Brennan has been president of numerous organizations, including the Munsey Park Association.

Together with six other professional women, Sheila Brennan founded The Working Women of Manhasset, an organization that now boasts a membership of some 200 women. She also served as president of MANA, which is associated with the Manhasset Newcomer's Club. She served Munsey Park as president of its Civic Association, and is at present the new trustee of Munsey Park. Through the Munsey Park Association, Sheila contributed many hours of time and talent to the Greater Council of Manhasset Civic Associations.

For the past 15 years Sheila Brennan has been on the board of directors of the Manhasset Community Fund. In 2000 she became co-president with Julia Collard, and later presided with Thomas P. O'Malley. She is now the special events chairperson. Sheila planned and arranged many successful affairs, including an art auction at the Village Club of Sands Point, and a dinner, all in keeping with her efforts to raise money for the charities supported by the Manhasset Community Fund.

Under her leadership, the Community Fund's motto of "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" has significantly expanded the horizons of the fund and its contributions to charities that benefit Manhasset residents. Ms. Brennan will continue to serve as the organization's special events chairperson.

Sheila's community efforts took place while simultaneously teaching full time at the James A. Deaver Elementary School in Valley Stream. Her excellence earned her a place in Who's Who Among America's Teachers and Who's Who in International Teachers. The ethical imperative of helping those in need has been an integral part of her teaching career, as her students participate in the Valentines for Veterans program and in Pennies for Patients (a project of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Association.)

Sheila and her late husband, William Brennan, have two daughters. Their older daughter, Dr. Alicia Lis, resides in Pennsylvania; she is a supervising pediatrician at Abington Hospital. Their daughter Victoria Brennan, an attorney on Long Island, works on zoning law issues. Victoria is the CEO of "Shore 2 Shore Wireless" whose customers include Nextel, Bektel, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint.

The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce applauds Sheila Brennan for her energy, her career achievements, her work with young people, her lovely family, and her commitment to those in need. Her example is a shining light among us and has helped make Manhasset a community of which we are proud.

Tom O'Malley came to Manhasset as a fourth-grader and attended Manhasset schools. He met his wife, Jeanne, in the office of Barbara Keller, as both participated in the SHOP Program.

After attending Lafayette College, Tom went to St. John's Law School, and worked for a New York City law firm. He was later invited to join his dad's law firm. He lived in Port Washington briefly after he married and then returned to Manhasset, the community where he grew up.

Tom O'Malley was president of Plandome Mills Association for 10 years and has served Plandome Manor and the Manhasset community with distinction. He has served Plandome Manor as village judge, as trustee, and now as mayor of Plandome Manor.

The benefits of the latest technology were introduced under Tom O'Malley's leadership to the Manhasset Community Fund. The fund is now computerized. In a day and age where expenses of fund-raising are rightfully scrutinized, Tom O'Malley has made the back-office operation of the Fund lean and efficient.

Tom and his wife, Jeannie, are ardent golfers and experienced travelers. They have journeyed to Africa twice and have taken a cruise to the Galapagos Islands; they have visited Italy, Ireland, Portugal and many other countries.

A person who has been born with a great talent, great energy, a great sense of fun, could devote the major portion of his time to entrepreneurial pursuits. But Tom's commitment to his fellow man has overriden all other pursuits.

So as to be aware of the needs of immigrants, of the isolated elderly, of young students needing scholarships for college, of those with disabilities, of those in need of tutoring, Tom O'Malley has inspired and guided a cadre of volunteers who investigate agencies, evaluate and review financial records, and by an informed and democratic process, grants are given both to established agencies that rely on the Manhasset Community Fund, as well as persons who attempt to respond to new needs in our community. Manhasset Basketball Allstars, a basketball team that provides athletic coaching (on condition that the students keep up their grades) and a charity that assists needy seniors with house repairs are some new recipients Tom O'Malley has benefited.

The talent, leadership and dedication of Tom O'Malley, and his devoted executive board, caught the attention of the Greentree Foundation, which asked for his guidance in helping the needy in other towns in North Hempstead. Tom O'Malley garnered a cadre of bright and committed folks, and $150,000 was made available in the last two fiscal years to charities that serve other communities.

The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce applauds Tom O'Malley for his achievements within our community and his example, which makes this a special place to do business, and a challenging place to become involved.

The officers, directors and members of the Chamber of Commerce thank Sheila and Tom, and are proud to present them as their "Man and Woman of the Year" at the annual cocktail reception to be held on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club. Call Anne Hedberg at 627-1098 for reservations which are $65 per person.