In honor of Women’s History Month, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the Department of Human Services recently held the Town’s 25th Annual Celebration to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of not only women in history but also those in our community. The theme for this year’s ceremony was “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage & Commitment.” Amityville Village Justice Judge Debra Urbano-DiSalvo served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event, where ten local women were honored for their service to the community. Among the honorees was Regina Calcaterra, Executive Director of the New York State Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption., who also delivered the event’s keynote address.
Also in attendance for the celebration were Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature DuWayne Gregory, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilman Tom Donnelly (who serves as the chairperson for the Department of Human Services) and Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon.
Honored at the event were:
• Regina Calcaterra, Keynote Speaker
• Jacqueline Fleming-Mitchell - Gertrude Van Kirk Woman in Government Award
• Deborah Harrigan - Government Appreciation Award
• Danielle Oglesby - Phoenix Award
• Marie O’Dell - Community Service Award
• Janet Walerstein - Commissioner’s Recognition Award
• LaKesha Jackson and Ganesa Taylor of Pink S.H.O.E.S., Inc. - Phoenix Award
• Theresa DePietto-Roesler and Kim Skillen of Neighbors Supporting Neighbors Babylon Inc. – Community Service Award
The celebration featured live performances by In His Steps Studio, musician Priscilla Raine, and the Amityville High School Jazz Band. There was also a marketplace featuring vendors from local businesses.
Pictured from left to right are Councilman Donnelly, Department of Human Services Chairperson; Supervisor Schaffer, Judge Debra Urbano-DiSalvo; County Executive Bellone; Councilwoman Gordon; Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner Traci Fonville; honoree Ganesa Taylor; honoree LeKesha Jackson; honoree Kim Skillen; honoree Theresa DePietto-Roesler; honoree Danielle Oglesby; Department of Human Services Commissioner Madeline Quintyne; Presiding Officer Gregory; honoree Marie O’Dell; Dennis Bennett, District Representative for State Senator Phil Boyle; honoree Janet Walerstein; honoree Deborah Harrigan; honoree Jacqueline Fleming-Mitchell; and Deputy Supervisor Martinez.