Saladino Honors Local Women

They are teachers, dentists, volunteers and mothers. They have all contributed to the good of their community, and are now being recognized for what they've achieved.

The 2011 Women of Distinction were honored at a ceremony at the on Saturday. Assemb. Joseph Saladino, R- Massapequa, hosted the event, who said that it's important to honor these women, and to give young girls a model to follow.

"It highlights women who have many accomplishments, and it sends the right message for young women and women of all ages to complement their communities," Saladino said.

The women are nominated through emails, phone calls and letters to Saladino.  He has worked with many of them through civic associations and other organizations that serve their community. 

Seven women were recognized at the day's festivities. Rosemary Styne, a county resident for nearly seven decades, started her volunteer work by collecting cans as part of the war effort, and has continued in recent years as president of the Northside Civic Association. 

Aracy Sacks has been active with the Girl Scouts and as a Red Cross volunteer.  Karen Landau spent forty years as an English teacher in Massapequa, whose students included Assemblyman Saladino.

Halina Howlett works at Bethpage's St. Joseph Hospital, planning many fundraising activities and promoting cancer screenings and blood drives. Dr. Mary Ellen Nesnay opened a Broadway-themed pediatric dental office, and is a leader in treating special-needs children. 

Joan Flaumenbaum, of Farmingdale, is a member of the St. Joseph Hospital Board of Directors and over the years she has been active with the Rotary Club of Farmingdale, , and was the first female president of the Farmingdale Republican Club. 

"It's a wonderful community and there's a lot of camaraderie," Flaumenbaum said.  "Part of the reason I'm being honored is because we all work together, there's a wonderful community spirit here in Farmingdale."

Flaumenbaum is a breast cancer survivor and years ago initiated the issuing of pink wristbands for cancer patients, which has become a nationwide symbol in the fight against cancer.

"She's done so much to help those with cancer and those with so many ailments in making sure our community hospital is the best of the best," Saladino said.

Also honored was Madelyn Ann Harper, who has lived in Farmingdale for over thirty years.  Harper has volunteered with many charities, including Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC), which started on Long Island and now has over 100 chapters.  She also joined the Farmingdale Knights of Columbiettes, a group of Catholic women who assist the Knights of Columbus in their work.

"I'm blessed to live in such a wonderful community, I love my family and my wonderful church St. Kilian and the Columbiettes." Harper said, adding she's been running a support group for divorced and widowed people at the church for 18 years. "It's a wonderful place to live."