People often say what a wonderful community this is to live in. That may very well be a result of the people honored this year as the Interreligious and Human Needs Council held its annual dinner at St. Dominic's Church social room on Monday, May 3. The people honored help make this community what it is.

This was a special year for the IHNC for several reasons: first, Ms. Shirlee Gerstein, a longtime secretary of the Youth and Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay-East Norwich, received the first "IHNC Lifetime Achievement Award."

Second, for the first time, the IHNC recognized the very valuable and special contributions made by our young people by awarding a "Youth Humanitarian Award" to high school students. These special students have shown leadership, by their actions and words, in meeting the humanitarian needs of the community.

Again, the Renee Harer Awards were given out. Every year each of the Religious Congregations in Oyster Bay are asked to select an individual or couple to receive this award. It is meant to honor individuals for their selfless service, not only to their own congregation, but also to the spirit of an inter-religious community within Oyster Bay.

Finally, in order to liven up the evening, a "Nonalcoholic Cocktail Hour" featured talents from the local religious communities. As the Rev. Kenneth Nelson sang, he was accompanied by Monsignor John Alesandro at the piano; Holly Roselle, a young girl with a great Broadway voice performed with verve; Bert and Ian Mann provided a baritone sound with skillful string playing; Baha'i youth dancers performed to a spiritual beat; Matthew Mahoski, 7, performed a charming folk song. All this talent was on display as guests mingled and enjoyed a festive "homemade" punch.

The Rev. Nelson said of the evening, "A cultural event is what we wanted from the beginning. What is different this year is that this is the first time we recruited kids into the award program."

The Presbyterian Church of Oyster Bay and Baha'i, were the co-hosts this year. The Rev. Jeffrey Prey organized the food donations for the dinner. "Feeding a multitude is not an easy thing," said Edna Standerwick of the First Presbyterian Church, "It's been like the parable of the fishes and the loaves: the more people came the more food there was." The guests brought potluck dishes that did indeed serve the multitudes.

Everyone was able to applaud for the favorite parishioners. The Renee Harer (Good Neighbors Award) winners included: Janice and Richard Longworth (First Presbyterian Church), Deacons Charles and Gloria Durrant (Mt. Olive Baptist Church), Jorge Gutierrez (North Shore Community), Dr. Carolyn Rehon (Saint Dominic R. C. Church), Shelley Mahoski (Oyster Bay Jewish Center), Ida Sedgwick (Hood AME Zion Church), Steve Gilroy (Community United Methodist Church of East Norwich), Fairdeh Siahpoosh (Baha'i Community of Oyster Bay), Patricia Collier (Christ Church).

The IHNC Humanitarian Award winners included: Jennifer Rhoades and Alex Hogg (First Presbyterian Church), Ashley Bishop (Mt. Olive Church), Jennifer Nastri (Community United Methodist Church), Marc Stanco (Saint Dominic's Church), Rory Sullivan (Oyster Bay Jewish Center), Adriana Sant'Angelo (Christ Church).

Jane Appleyard Roel of Christ Church presented their IHNC Humanitarian Award to Adriana Sant' Angelo, in absentia. A senior at Locust Valley High School she will graduate in June as one of their top 10 students. She is a member of the Interact Club, she won a NOW Young Woman of Achievement award, and has worked with Habitat for Humanity.

Monsignor Alesandro presented the Humanitarian Award for St. Dominic's to Mark Stanco, who was not able to attend because of a conflict with a scheduled ball game. Mr. Stanco is a student at St. Dominic High School and is one of their Student Ambassadors who reaches out to the elderly at Oyster Bay Manor. He volunteers at AHRC and coordinated an adopt a family program.

As the presentations ended, Mr. Azamitia announced, "It's 8:30, just as we promised you. Thank you all very much for coming. It's time to clean up. (Everyone folded up the tablecloths which in effect, cleared off the tables.) Boxed historic notecards are available for sale, as you walk out. They were made by a DBSC senior."

Leonard Kingsley of Oyster Bay Cove, a former therapist said of the evening, "There is a nice spirit tonight of love and fellowship. It is very encouraging."

The IHNC officers for 2004-2005 are: Rev. Kenneth Nelson and Professor Efrain or Efrain Azmitia, co-presidents; Kathleen Foster, vice president; Matt Morgan, treasurer; Kathy Nastri, corresponding/recording secretary. The IRHC meets four times a year.

Special thanks was given to St. Dominic's Parish for providing the venue for the evening: only their Social Room is large enough to handle the crowds the interreligious event attracts.