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A standing room only crowd at the Stewart Manor Country Club was the scene for Assemblyman Tom Alfano's 5th annual "Women of Distinction Awards." The ceremony, expanded to include all communities in the 21st Assembly district, honored women for their professional, community and leadership roles. Alfano started the program five years ago to thank women for what he called their selfless contributions in making our communities and state a better place.  Alfano's keynote speakers for the event were CBS2 news anchor Mary Calvi and Citibank's "Women and Company" Director Danielle Benn.

The program began with Sewanhaka High School and Walt Disney Award winning teacher Rosemary Haigh leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Thereafter, Sewanhaka High School student Billy Rothwell wowed the crowd with a patriotic rendition of the “Star Spangle Banner.” Carla Cohen, Publisher of the Gateway Bulletin Newspapers, introduced dignitaries and shared some thoughts on the occasion. Awards MC Sandra Smith said, “today’s ceremony highlights the unique and lasting contributions our honorees have made in our community. These awards recognize the continued service, professional development and commitment to the greater community of our honorees. For far too long, the contributions of women in society were often overlooked and underappreciated. This awards ceremony is just a small step in recognizing and celebrating the role women play in today’s global economy and developing neighborhood.”

Assemblyman Alfano bestowed the first honor, a corporate award, to Citibank for their outstanding support of women through business and financial education throughout the community. Citibank representative Diane Lazuta accepted the honor on behalf of the bank. Danielle Benn, of Citibank’s “Women and Company,” gave an inspiring speech on the unique roles women play in today’s society and global economy. Benn highlighted women are constantly breaking barriers in business, communities and politics. She cited House of Representatives Speaker Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Senator Hillary Clinton a candidate for President as examples. The “Women and Company” component of Citibank was cited as a place where women could come to help achieve their dreams of not only building a business, but in enriching and building better communities.

Tama Johnson, a former “Woman of Distinction,” honoree introduced Assemblyman Alfano for his remarks noting, “Assemblyman Alfano stands for many things. What comes to my mind most of all is that he stands for social justice, equality and opportunity.”

Alfano centered his remarks on his mother who he called his “Woman of Distinction” for being a role model and someone who broke barriers for over 50 years in the workforce. “The women we honor here today are role models for our children and young adults. They work hard, they volunteer, they contribute and improve our quality of life.” Alfano also spoke about the awards and that the ceremony marked a new expanded program, “today we have honorees from every corner of the 21st district. This crowd comes from all areas and backgrounds and we are here to honor some outstanding women. Today we say thank you and encourage everyone to do a little more for the community and strive to be the best in all we do.”

The special guest speaker for the awards program was CBS2 news anchor Mary Calvi who talked about how women have broken “the glass ceiling” in many arenas. She related some of her own experiences as a reporter covering stories on the first World Trade Center bombing, the death of the Pope and her special series on sex offenders in neighborhoods. Calvi congratulated “these talented and giving individuals who serve as role models and leaders.” Calvi highlighted what she termed some of things each of the honorees had in common. “All of you have stories to tell and have achieved great things. Do more and strive higher,” Calvi said.

After Calvi’s remarks, Aliya Dorner sang a beautiful rendition of “Hero” dedicated to the honorees and the audience. Dorner is a student at 5 Towns College in the fine arts program and was recently cast in the musical “Seussical!”

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