On Thursday, March 20, Supervisor May Newburger and the Town of North Hempstead honored this year's inductees to the Women's Roll of Honor at the Tenth Annual Women's History Breakfast, which is now in its 10th year. Eighteen residents from seven different areas of town were recognized for their outstanding achievement. Out of those eighteen, three are Port residents: Nancy Cowles, Rosemary Konatich and Maxine Andrate.

In Supervisor's Newburger's absence Ann Galante, Receiver of Taxes and Michelle Schimel, Town Clerk, led the program. Deputy Supervisor Tony D'Urso and Councilman Fred L. Pollack joined Ann and Michelle at the ceremony congratulating each inductee.

While the beginning of the program might have been solemn due to the recent development of war only hours before, the ceremony soon turned more joyous after the words of Supervisor May Newburger ran via audiotape. "It is such a regret that I cannot be here with you this morning, but I am so proud of all the new inductees on their special day." said the Supervisor. Each year we believe that we will not be able to find as many special women as we already have inducted, and each year I am so happily surprised.

Honoree Nancy Cowles is currently vice president of the Port Washington Board of Education, on which she has served from 1997-2000, and 2001-present. With a keen interest in our schools, Mrs. Cowles was Gambol Chairperson in 1978, '80 and '84, and a trustee and past president of the Port Washington Community Scholarship Fund.

Mrs. Cowles has also devoted many hours to the larger community, as well. In addition to being a Committee Chairperson for Cancer Care, she is a board member of the Port Washington Community Chest.

School Board President Laura Mogul said of the board's vice president, "We are all very pleased to see the Town of North Hempstead recognize Nancy Cowles' contributions. Her many years of public service in so many capacities will surely have a lasting impact on our community."

Honor Roll inductee Rosemary Konatich is currently the Senior Environmental Analyst for the Legislative Commission on Water Resource Needs of LI and New York State. Her boss is NYS Assemblyman Thomas Di Napoli. He notes that Ms. Konatich has spearheaded numerous initiatives and activities that have helped protect the environment, preserve natural resources and enhance the quality of life throughout Long Island.

Ms. Konatich's contribution to the environmental health of our area is well known. She has worked tirelessly to help the Town of North Hempstead improve its air, drinking water, ground and elevate the quality of life of all its citizens.

Her long list of positions in local organizations for the past 20 years include:

New Salem Civic Association-past president

Salem School PTA/Guggenheim PTA-past president

Weber Jr. H.S., ASA: Schreiber H.S. A.S.A., Port Washington Parents Council-past board member

Port Washington Council of Civic Associations-founding member

Hempstead Harbor and Manhasset Bay Protection Committees-assisted in he formation of this organization.

TONH Ecological Commission-hardworking member-helped to write the new Town Organic Method of Pesticide Control used by all Town buildings, grounds and parks.

Environmental Legacy Fund (ELF)-Advisory Committee

Port Washington Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee-chairperson

Gateway to Great Neck

Stanton Cleaners Area Community Group Inc. Great Neck Superfund.

Ms. Konatich also represents Assemblyman DiNapoli on the following county/state committees:

Nassau County Resource Board

L.I. Source Water Assessment Program

Nassau County Non Point Source/Soil and Water Committee

Long Island Citizens Advisory Committee on Hazardous Wastes-past president.

Indisputably an important friend of the environment and local treasure, Ms. Konatich is well thought of by many, including her "boss" Assemblyman DiNapoli. When asked to comment, he said, her personal gifts and attributions make her a role model, not only for women, but also for all people. The contributions that Rosemary and all of the other honorees have made to society continue to strengthen and enhance our community."

Rosemary, in turn, says she is grateful for all of the opportunities Tom Di Napoli has given her. "It's been my honor and pleasure to work with so many wonderful women... and...men, in Port Washington. The wealth of intelligent, dedicated people here has given me incredible experiences. Most importantly I've learned that if you stick with it, sooner or later you can fix it."

Many consider inductee Maxine Andrate an "Angel of Mercy." She is the administrative director of pediatric oncology at Winthrop Hospital, where she has worked for the past 18 years. Those who nominated her said that Maxine not only does an amazing job of running the Cancer Center for Kids, but she treats each sick child and his/her family as if they are her own.

However, Ms. Andrate says that she and the excellent staff at the cancer center are not the real heroes as everybody says. "The kids and their families are the true heroes," she declares. "It's very rewarding and important work," she says, adding that losing one child is losing one too many. She points out that she and her staff treat the emotional needs of the entire family during their difficult times. "It has become my life."

Always "on the job" and seizing opportunities to help her kids in any way possible, Ms. Andrate also wants readers to know that the Cancer Center for Kids is always looking for volunteers. (Call 663-9400 for further information.)

The popularity of women's history celebrations like the town's has sparked a new interest in uncovering women's unacknowledged heritage. In many areas around the country, state historical societies, women's organizations, government programs and groups such as the Girl Scouts of America have worked together to develop joint programs that address women's issues. They have coordinated their efforts with educators, workplace program planners, parents and community organizations in thousands of communities like ours to turn National Women's History Month into a major focal celebration, and a springboard for celebrating women's history all year-round.

Since 1994, North Hempstead has held a Women's History Month Breakfast to honor women who have made a contribution to their community, possess a special personal talent, or have accomplished a significant achievement through public or quiet work.

At the present time 186 outstanding North Hempstead women have been honored. All candidates are evaluated on their respective merits and a special confidential committee makes final selections. The Women's Roll of Honor is on permanent display on the second floor at Town Hall.