The Town of North Hempstead hosted its 31st-anniversary breakfast, a momentous occasion to celebrate and induct the exceptional 2024 Women’s Roll of Honor honorees. This event occurred on June 18 at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington.
Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava and the town board, along with the honorees, their families and friends, came together to recognize and honor the significant contributions of these women in making a difference in the North Hempstead community.
“These women are honored because they are leaders who have made a difference in our communities,” said Supervisor DeSena. “We are a beautiful, diverse and passionate community. And, like these honorees, we must continue to put our hands out to reach and teach others.”
The Women’s Roll of Honor is named after May Newburger, an iconic figure for social justice, equality and environmental causes. In addition to her activism, Newburger was a member of the New York State Assembly and became the first woman to serve as a town supervisor in Nassau County.
In honor of her many accomplishments, the Town of North Hempstead names several women to the Roll of Honor every year who exemplify the same dedication to activism and community as Newburger.
“This beautiful town event allows us to recognize the remarkable sacrifices made by these women amidst all the responsibilities of their personal and professional lives,” said Town Clerk Srivastava. “Some have made a difference on a large public scale, while others contributed through quiet, consistent measures. All these women serve as outstanding models on how to live for others.”
The North Hempstead community came together to celebrate the honorees. The Albertson VFW 5252 presented the Color Guard, and United States Army Captain Ramona Jones led the attendees in the pledge of allegiance. Leah Del Orbe of the New Hyde Park Senior Chorus and Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York joined Cristina Palumbo and Reilly Toner from Kellenberg Memorial High School to sing the National Anthem.
The Westbury Middle School Select Senior Chorus, directed by Mr. Jonathan Fulcher, put on an electric performance of Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys.
Master of Ceremonies Maria Thomas and Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan introduced the honorees as follows:
Sridevi Bhumi, Old Westbury
Parvaneh Sarraf Doustan, Roslyn
Dorothy Forte, Manhasset
Rachel S. Fox, Port Washington
Michelle Golden, Roslyn
Theresa Greiner, Williston Park
Anna Hakakian, Kings Point
Priti Jain, Roslyn Heights
Agnes Kirschner, East Williston
Maggie Messina, Albertson
Joanna Palumbo, Carle Place
Mary Stein, New Hyde Park
Mary Sydor, Westbury
More about Rachel Fox of Port Washington:
Rachel Fox has been a Town of North Hempstead resident for 50 years and a Port
Washington resident for 36 years. Now serving as the Director of Children’s services in the Port Washington Library, she has been a librarian to three generations of Port Washington residents.
Rachel is an active volunteer in many community organizations such as Community Chest of Port Washington, Residents Forward, Sousa Bandshell Committee and Be The Rainbow. Twenty years ago, she created “The Great Library Card Adventure” to instill reading habits in our youth in a fun educational way.
Recently, Rachel has worked with local business Alper’s to build three Little Free Libraries in Port Washington, allowing residents to access book drops all around the community. Last year, Rachel was honored by the PWPL Foundation Gala. Rachel is a selfless and admirable role model to all generations of our community.
