Assemblyman Joseph Saladino once again hosted his annual Women of Distinction event, where he honored five local women for their work in the
community and for serving as an inspiration to girls and young women across Long Island.
“This event is very important to me,” said Saladino. “I host this event each year not only to show appreciation to the women who go above and beyond to better our communities, but also so that young girls, like the Girl Scouts who were present at the event, have role models to look up to and can aspire to great things.”
Saladino honored Rebecca Alesia, Oyster Bay town councilwoman; Diane Klein, West Babylon School District board member; Carol Leff, legal administrator and manager of the Law Office of Leff & Leff, LLP; Olga Hopkins Murray, Town of Islip clerk and Carol Quirk, Town of Babylon clerk.
All of these women have long worked hard to improve their communities, towns and services to others. Leff, for example, originated and ran th
e organization of the Massapequa Park Merchants Association and managed their events for years. She is responsible for helping to give downtown Massapequa Park an identity and driving residents there for fairs, safe Halloween and many of the events that are the staples of this important downtown.
Klein has been exceptional at providing for the education of the students in the West Babylon School District. She is also a longtime volunteer and vice president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the West Babylon Fire Department.
“All of the women we honored play an important role in the betterment of Long Island and set a fine example for all young people to emulate,” said Saladino, who spoke of his agenda to protect women and their families. He stated the need to increase access to mammograms and sonograms for women and is working to reduce the hurdles and expense that make it difficult for women to obtain these lifesaving services.
Angelina Flaherty, 13, from Berner Middle School sang at the event as each of the women honored received a beautiful New York State Proclamation naming them the 2015 Women of Distinction.
