Curran Names Lynbrook, ER residents as New York State Women of Distinction

Assemblyman Brian Curran hosted his annual New York State Women of Distinction event that honored two-dozen women who have gone above and beyond the call of civic engagement 
and community outreach to make Nassau County and the communities of the 21st Assembly District a better place.

Lynbrook residents Barbara Barnhart and Jane Grogan as well as Sister Ruthanne Gypalo of St. Raymond’s Parish in East Rockaway were recognized from the community.

Barnhart Barbara is the East Coast Representative for Stitches for the 
Heart, an organization that - thanks to her leadership - has donated more than 50,000 items to 29 area hospitals.  She is also very active in breast cancer awareness activities and the Wounded Warriors Project that supplies military hospitals with items for recovering and wounded service members.

Jane Grogan is similarly an extremely active advocate for many important 
local groups. From raising money for breast cancer with her employer Opthalmic Consultants of Long Island; presiding as Vice President of Special Projects for the Sudden Infant Death Foundation; hosting a cable show for Hewlett House, a breast cancer resource center in Hewlett; to her involvement in many capacities at Our Lady of Peace Church, Jane Grogan has always been an extremely busy 
woman who helps others. 

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Sister Ruthanne Gypalo entered the church
right after high school. Receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Marywood College, as well as a Masters degree in Mathematics Education, 
Sister Ruthanne holds New York State certification in School Administration/
Supervision, which she received after further graduate study at Duquesne 
University, SUNY Plattsburg and Manhattan College. She has been at 
St. Raymond’s School since 1986 overseeing the campus, curriculum and 
infrastructure of the school while fostering a sense of family among the students and their parents and siblings.

“The selflessness and dedication these women have shown to our 
community is an uplifting example of devotion to our area and residents. It is my honor to show them this small token of recognition for the hard work and perseverance they have showed for our community,” said Assemblyman Curran.

Also joining in recognizing award recipients at the event were Town of 
Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino.