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Community Corner

Malverne, West Hempstead neighbors named NYS Women of Distinction by Curran

Assemblyman Brian Curran named several Malverne and West Hempstead neighbors as 
New York State Women of Distinction.

Curran honored two-dozen area 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. 

Marie-Antoinette "Toni" Vitelli, Sheila Norris and Heather Senti were 
recognized from the community.

Toni Vitelli, a former public school home economics teacher and fundraiser for local charities, continues to make a positive difference in the 
lives of neighbors and friends.  And she has a sewing machine to thank.

It got Vitelli started in her chosen educational career. Today, Toni is involved in the Malverne Women’s Club, where she participates in fundraising activities and remains actively involved in Strides for Breast Cancer.

Sheila Norris, president of the United Hempstead League and the Council 
of Leagues, also serves on the Executive Board of the Nassau-Suffolk Council of Hospital Auxiliaries.  As her children grew, Sheila became active in their schools, as well as other areas of interest to her.
Over the years, she served as president 
of the Mother’s Club at Sacred Heart Academy, president of Our Lady of Lourdes Rosary, as a coach for CYO Girls’ Basketball, and as a member of the Malverne 
Women’s Club.

Heather Senti continues to shatter the glass ceiling. As the first female 
Chief of Department of any Long Island Fire Department, Heather continued her 
family's legacy of service and sacrifice in the Lakeview Fire Department.

Fifty years before she became fire chief, her grandfather was chief of the department, and 30 years ago her father held the post.  Today, her brother Fred is the 
assistant chief.

A first-responder, Heather is always putting herself in the line to 
help protect our community and keep our neighbors safe.

 “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, Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino and Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby.

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