Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, together with members of the Town Board, honored eight extraordinary recipients at the 12th Annual Town of Oyster Bay “Women of Distinction” Awards Ceremony, held at Town Hall on March 23. The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of women who either live or work in the town.
“The ‘Women of Distinction’ program has certainly proven to be a memorable tradition, honoring women who stand as role models for the younger generation in the Town of Oyster Bay,” Venditto said. “These women are a shining example of the outstanding citizenship that has made the Town of Oyster Bay such a special place to live and raise a family.”
Sharon Dunphy Bartlett of Farmingdale, named a Distinguished Woman in the Arts, is the owner of Step by Step Dance Studio in Farmingdale. Through this studio, “Miss Sharon,” as she is known to her students, expresses not only her love of dance but also her dedication to the community. The philosophy of Step by Step is to afford all students the opportunity for creative self-expression without the pressure of professional competition. Dunphy Bartlett believes the confidence, poise and enrichment that dance provides is valuable to the development of all children, but above all else, it should be a positive, rewarding and fun learning experience.
“Miss Sharon” recognizes that dance is an art form meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. She also affords her students the chance to be involved in the community, participating at many venues and various events. She has given the Step by Step Dance Studio a true family atmosphere and is not only a great teacher to the girls, but also a positive role model. The Town of Oyster Bay is pleased to honor Sharon Dunphy Bartlett as Distinguished Woman in the Arts.
Tamara Baker of Massapequa/Farmingdale, named a Distinguished Woman Humanitarian, is the founder and driving force behind “We Care Blankets,” a nonprofit group that knits and crochets blankets that are distributed to children fighting cancer in area hospitals and camps. About every five weeks, a ‘wrap’ is held, where blankets are collected, wrapped and packed for delivery, all done by volunteers. At each of these events as many as 250 blankets are readied to comfort a sick child. Any money donated to “We Care” is used to purchase yarn, which is given to crafters to transform into these comforting blankets. Baker’s tireless efforts have brought together some 100 volunteers to prepare the blankets and then distribute them to some 30 area hospitals. She has helped bring a sense of community to all who work with her in this cause, but most of all has brought comfort to countless children who are undergoing chemotherapy. The Town of Oyster Bay is pleased to honor Tamara Baker as Distinguished Woman Humanitarian.
