West Hempstead Residents Honored as 'Women of Distinction'

Two West Hempstead women were recently honored for their outstanding contributions and dedication to the community. 

Assemblymen Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) hosted the Women of Distinction awards ceremony on Saturday, September 28 at the Albertson VFW Post 5253 at 155 Searingtown Road in Albertson. The event honored 13 area women "who have gone above and beyond to make Long Island a better place to live, work and raise a family."

“This year’s Women of Distinction Award ceremony was a great tribute to those who have given so much of themselves to enhance our communities,” Ra said.

Rosalie Norton and Diane Hansen of West Hempstead both received the honor. 

Norton Bio: "Norton has been a mainstay in the West Hempstead community for many years, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. Think of any organization that has worked in our communities and you’ll likely see that Rosalie has played an important role in it at some point during her decades of service to West Hempstead. 

As President of the West Hempstead Community Support Association, she has actively worked to revitalize our neighborhoods and make them better than ever. She’s pushed for renovations to several town and county buildings and Hempstead Avenue wouldn’t look as well-cared for without her tireless efforts. For her work, Rosalie has been honored by Sen. Dean Skelos, former Assemblyman Alfano and scores of groups from West Hempstead."

Related: Rosalie Norton - West Hempstead's Superwoman

Hansen Bio: "Hansen exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and service that this event honors. Diane has been a Girl Scout leader for 12 years, overseeing and leading scores of girls on various projects and meetings. Her stewardship of her troops has helped to teach the lessons of morals, character and ideals that all people should learn. 

During her time with the Girl Scouts she has led up to 24 girls in projects, trips and organized community service events, events which have been attended by as many as 500 people." 

Other honorees included residents from Garden City, Franklin Square, Floral Park and New Hyde Park.