Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town board recognized 13 extraordinary community members for contributions to their local neighborhoods at the Ninth Annual "Make A Difference" Award ceremony. In addition, the town board posthumously honored a former NYC fireman and police officer who was always available to assist his neighbors and friends. His son was on hand to accept the award on his father's behalf.

"Tonight we pay homage to men and women who have touched the lives of so many in our township. These individuals have never looked for recognition or rewards for their hard work and dedication," said Murray. "They simply enjoy the satisfaction that comes from helping others. Tonight we honor them and offer our thanks for all that they have done to improve the lives of others and to make our communities better places in which to live."

The honorees have all dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of others. Hundreds of nominations were received for the prestigious award. Those selected, Murray noted, have quietly carried out acts of selfless generosity for many years.

Among the 13 honorees was Rosalie Norton of West Hempstead.

Rosalie and her husband have been living in the same home on Buckingham Road in West Hempstead for 37 years. Family members insist, that no sooner had Rosalie moved in that she was busily involved in a variety of school and community activities.

With strong voice and clear vision for youngsters and their education, Rosalie would take her children and their classmates on trips to Albany to lobby area legislators for more state aid to local schools.

As a school board trustee, Rosalie's leadership was instrumental in the district's restructuring and consolidation of schools and she pioneered the introduction of a special education PTA. She has been selected to moderate forums and conduct seminars on topics such as state aid to education, school property tax reform and special education needs.

Rosalie has also organized after-school bowling leagues for children in the community and she frequently volunteers to transport members of the West Hempstead Senior Center to meetings, appointments and events.

Rosalie is currently the president of the West Hempstead Civic Association where she works feverishly in all facets of community life.

Rosalie is indeed West Hempstead's ambassador for volunteerism and a model for the importance of helping others.

Ask anyone in West Hempstead involved with the school district, the PTA, the civic association, the historical society, Friends of the Library, or the chamber of commerce, who in their group has really made a difference and the answer would be one and the same: Rosalie Norton!

An answer the Town of Hempstead endorses tonight, with our own 2005 Make A Difference Award presented proudly to Rosalie Norton of West Hempstead.

"Our Make A Difference Award recipients have made a profoundly positive impact on the lives of others," concluded Murray. While we can never hope to adequately repay these men and women for their efforts on behalf of those in need, we are honored to have this opportunity to thank them."