Port residents Marie Bellon and Debra Harari were named to the 21st Annual May W. Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor.
These two prominent Port Washington residents were among 15 women recognized with this distinguished honor. This year’s breakfast was held on March 26 at Harbor Links Clubhouse.
As part of Women’s History Month, North Hempstead has held the Women’s Roll of Honor breakfast since 1994 to recognize women who have made a contribution to their community or have made a significant achievement through public or private efforts.
“I am honored to be a part of this wonderful program that recognizes women who have made such incredible contributions to our town,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “We are so fortunate that these 15 honorees are part of our North Hempstead family.”
Both Bellon and Harari are very involved in the community, each in her own different and meaningful way.
Marie Bellon
For the past 20 years, Marie has been an active force in the activities of the Port Washington-Manhasset League of Women Voters. She has been instrumental in organizing innumerable fundraisers, enabling the League to sponsor many events, such as candidate nights and various public informational forums.
During her time with the League, Marie held many leadership positions, including president, and chaired a variety of committees. She also worked on important League studies dealing with Special Districts and Financing Education K-12.
Marie also led the League’s effort in support of a major Nassau County grant for the Friends of the Sands Point Preserve.
For her church, St. Peter of Alcantara in Port Washington, Marie served as president of the Pastoral Council and became involved in important church issues dealing with immediate and long-term parish needs. In recognition of her church activities, the Bishop of Rockville Centre, William Murphy, awarded her the St. Agnes Medal.
Marie also served on the Board of the Manhasset Bay Estates Association, a group of homeowners that is involved in the social and property needs of the community.
For many years Marie was a member of the Parent’s Council and became involved in matters dealing with the Port Washington public schools. She was also appointed to the Port Washington School Board’s Legislative Task Force (2009-2010). Marie was among the first volunteer docents at Falaise, one of the historic mansions at the Sands Point Preserve.
Debbie Harari
Debbie Harari grew up in Port Washington, and after many years living in Israel and New York, she returned to Port in 2004 with her husband Yair to raise their three daughters Abby, Eden and Eve.
Debbie’s passion to volunteer in outreach began while working at the Jerusalem Post in Israel where she lobbied for, and then founded, a university scholarship program for new Ethiopian immigrants.
Since returning to Port Washington Debbie has immersed herself in outreach work by chairing the outreach committees at the Sousa, Weber and Schreiber schools.
It was because of Debbie’s vision and persistence that the Port Washington School District Spring/Summer Clothing Drive began about eight years ago.
Two and a half years ago Debbie began volunteering at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Outreach. While at Outreach, Debbie has committed herself to helping the less fortunate in Port Washington. Debbie has been able to embrace her passion for helping people through her work at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Outreach.
Debbie and Marie exemplify the giving spirit that Port is known for.
