Frances "Mickie" Kayne, a dedicated member of many civic, church and community organizations in Elmont, was selected as a "Woman of Distinction" for the 7th Senate district, Senator Michael Balboni has announced.

"I am proud to honor Mrs. Kayne as a 'Woman of Distinction' - she is a highly principled leader in the Elmont community, and sets a tremendous example for others, Senator Balboni said.

Mickie Kayne, the widow of former Commissioner Joseph Kayne, has lived in Elmont for the past 27 years. She was a Special Education Aide in the Elmont School District, and earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1990. After six years of loyal service to the Water Authority of Western Nassau County, Mickie was appointed by Governor Pataki to the Public Benefit Corporation of the Nassau County Medical Center. She was recently appointed by Nassau County Board of Assessors Chairman Charles O'Shea to the Nassau Assessment Improvement Commission.

Senator Balboni noted that Kayne serves as Minister-elect for the Secular Franciscan Order, and as Eucharistic Minister for St. Boniface Church in Elmont. She has served on the Pastoral Council and Worship Committee, and as a voice coach and Director of the Youth and First Spanish Choirs.

This is the second year of the New York State Senate's "Women of Distinction" program which honors exemplary women throughout the state. Kayne will be honored along with other women from around the state with a Senate proclamation, and invited to a May 25 reception in Albany, where her photograph and biography will be displayed in a special exhibit in the Legislative Office Building.

"Mickie Kayne is a source of inspiration to her family, co-workers and friends," said Senator Balboni. "I am pleased to honor this extraordinary Woman of Distinction," the Senator concluded.