06/03/2026
I was thrilled to emcee the Town of Hempstead Make A Difference Awards. Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Councilwoman Melissa "Missy" Miller, Councilwoman Laura Ryder, TOH Receiver Jeanine C. Driscoll and I were inspired by the stories of our honorees. Every year we gather to honor the unsung heroes who strive to improve their communities and help their fellow citizens. You will not find these people in the tabloids or on television. In fact, these honorees could be one of your neighbors, co-workers, or even a child who is making sure she is ready in case she ever needs to save a life. The honorees have all dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of others. Each of our honorees had an inspiring story of courage, volunteerism and philanthropy. Dr. Shawn K Wightman is the Superintendent of Roosevelt School District and makes the difference in the lives of the children in the district he leads every single day. He is leading the district in rising achievement, rising confidence and rising pride. Maegan Fox started Project Thank a Cop in Wantagh, which is dedicated to supporting law enforcement, first responders, and the military. Over the years, the organization has grown into a nationwide network that also hosts community events, advocates for first responders, and honors civilians who go above and beyond to support law enforcement. Lynn Pombonyo, of Floral Park not only impacts the day to day lives of the residents of Floral Park as Deputy Mayor, before she held that role, she served as Superintendent of the Floral Park-Bellerose school district for nearly a decade. She is also an active member of the executive board of the Hance Family Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that honors the lives of Emma, Alyson and Katie Hance by ensuring healthy, happy and safe children through innovative self-esteem educational programming and the support of children in need. David Friedman, President of the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association is often affectionately called the "unofficial mayor" of Hewlett and Woodmere. He is highly involved in revitalizing the local business district on Broadway, coordinating local holiday parades, and advocating for community safety. Abigail Lopez Leon of Island Park, recently became CPR certified, making her one of the youngest individuals to complete the program. Her mother, Jessica, is a member of the Island Park Fire Department. Eileen Casazza and Alison Frankel are now Co-presidents of the Bellmore Civic Association. Originally president and co-founder of the Bellmore Preservation Society, Eileen has used her collaborative partnerships to work to enhance the quality of life for all her neighbors. Alison was originally the president and co-founder of the South Bellmore Civic Association. She worked with her organization to improve her section of Bellmore. The two women merged their organizations with the goal of the Bellmore Civic Association being to improve the quality of life in the Bellmores as a whole, which includes efforts to ensure safety within the community and maintaining its appearance. The Parke Family of Levittown were recognized for the creation of the Lindsey Rose Parke Foundation, in memory of their daughter/sister who was an EMT with the Levittown Fire Department. The foundation will help others the way Lindsey always did and also raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving.
