Town Honors Women of Distinction

Some of the Town of Oyster Bay's best and brightest women were recently honored at Town Hall.

They assembled for the town's 15th annual Women of Distinction Award Ceremony. The event  honors outstanding achievements in a variety of different categories.

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,” Supervisor John Venditto said. 

This year's honorees were:

Rabbi Janise Poticha: Rabbi Poticha of Temple Sinai of Massapequa was honored as the distinguished woman in government for working with local governments to help others. She worked tirelessly as a chaplain at Ground Zero in the days following Sept. 11.  She was just as active in the days following Hurricane Sandy, working with Senator Charles Fuschillo’s office to coordinate a donation drive by Long Island Cares at Temple Sinai. She also assisted local families in reaching out to FEMA and was in contact with organizations to help families clean out their flooded homes. "I am appreciative of the Town of Oyster Bay for this award," Rabbi Poticha said. "And, I am honored to share the Woman of Distinction Award with the other esteemed recipients." Several congregants of Temple Sinai were also in attendance. "We should all stand proud knowing we have Rabbi Poticha leading our congregation and an integral part of our community," said temple co-President Leslie Eichen.

Joan Weinstein: A social worker for more than 30 years. Weinstein was honored as the Distinguished Woman in Education. She has served as Director of Family Services for Variety Child Learning Center of Syosset, a school for young children with disabilities. She has developed programs and services  to help families cope with a child who a disability  and has touched the lives of thosands of children and their families.

Danielle Delgrosso: A Syosset resident, Delgrosso was honored as as Distinguished woman in business. She has worked for Astoria Federal Savings Bank for over 20 years, where she is currently branch manager.  She has been has been recognized for her commitment to local business by a variety of organizations, including the Syosset Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, as well as the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce. 

The Massapequa Moms Group: The group, which started as a Facebook page, were honored as Distinguished Women in Community and Civic Affairs. They were honored in large part for their actions in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy when they raised thousands of dollars in hurricane aid, organized clothing drives, toy drives and visited community members in need.  "The kind words spoken about the group, reiterated all the good that has transpired," said group founder Dawn Kostakis. "We had the luxury of meeting all the board members and it was nice to hear from them that they think we are doing a great job. 

Susie Gach Peelle: Honored as the Distinguished Woman in the Arts, Pelle, who lives in Locust Valley has received praise for versatility. Her work has appeared in in the form of impressionistic-realistic, in paintings, on silk, ceramics, greeting cards and more. It'd been seen at Sagamore Hill, at art leagues, on display at senior events and at art schools. 

Amy Palmiero-Winters: A Hicksville resident who was honored as the Distinguished Woman in Health Services, Palmiero-Winters is the founder of Amy’s One Step Ahead Foundation, an organization focused on helping children with physical disabilities build self-esteem and self-confidence through athletics. An amputee, Amy continues to run in numerous events and has mentored numerous children.

Ellen Kamp: Honored as Distinguished Woman Humanitarian, Kamp who lives in Sea Cliff, is the co-founder and president of W Connection: Widows Helping Widows Rebuild Their Lives. This is a a group that assists grieving widows adjusting to a new and confusing life following the death of a spouse. A widow herself, Kamp has helped handle financial and legal matters, home maintenance, and single parenthood.

Melissa Snider: For more than a decade, Snider, has volunteered as a Parent Partner in the Massapequa School district. She has assisted the parents of special education students attain available services. She served as PTA President at the Rosemary Kennedy School and is a founding member, former chairperson and current board member of the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation. She was honored as Distinguished Woman Volunteer.

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