Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) announced Syosset resident Lenore Sylvan as her selection for the Women: Trailblazers of the New Millennium during a special ceremony at the Nassau County Legislature on March 20.

"One person cannot accept the award because without many people, you cannot make many changes," said Sylvan at the ceremony. "Everything gets done because of the effort from a group of people."

Sylvan was a schoolteacher in the Glen Cove School District for 25 years. Since she has the reading and special education degree license, she taught first grade readiness class. "I took the children before they were labeled and took a little extra time and gave them what they needed to see what could be done for them," said Sylvan.

In 1994, Sylvan joined the National Council of Jewish Organizations and the Child Care Council of Nassau. After a long struggle, she was a driving force in the opening of an enlarged Children's Center at Family Court of Nassau County.

"There were children sitting in the waiting room hearing the horrible things their parents were saying in the court room," said Sylvan. "There was a small room there and the hours were very sporadic. With the help of Child Care Council and National Council of Jewish Women, we put it together. There were so many people involved behind the scenes and I did not even know it. Everyone was so helpful."

The new center, which is being run by Family and Children's Association, is able to provide care for up to 20 children as their parents handle court matters.

In 1997, Sylvan dedicated a Children's Garden to the Children of Nassau County. Sylvan, along with residents and local businesses within the Jericho and Syosset School District lines, formed a Child Care Partnership under the auspices of the Child Care Council of Nassau. As chairman of the partnership for the past five years, she has assisted the partnership in compiling many accomplishments including the updating of outdated zoning codes making it easier and less expensive for new child care facilities to be established.

"Lenore is unparalleled in her dedication and commitment to the children of this county," said Jacobs. "Her efforts will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on not just the lives of Nassau's children, but everyone."

Now in its fourth year, the Nassau County Legislature's "Women Trailblazers" awards ceremony looks to highlight and recognize the extraordinary work of women throughout the county.