On Aug. 16, New York State Assemblyman Rob Walker (R, C, I, WF - Hicksville) honored 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 East Meadow and Westbury residents were honored:

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.

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.