Peggy Sue Vickers, a resident of Syosset, was recently named a Woman of Distinction and honored by the Town of Oyster Bay for her years of dedicated volunteer work. Town Supervisor John Venditto awarded Vickers a commemorative pin made only for recipients of the "Woman of Distinction" Award and James Stephanich, Town of Oyster Bay's receiver of taxes, presented Vickers with a town citation.

The Woman of Distinction awards program was designed to recognize exceptional women who either live or work in the town for their contributions and achievements. This year's awards program was conducted by a distinguished awards committee charged with the responsibility of delineating the eligibility categories and selecting one exceptional designee as the Woman of Distinction in eight categories.

Vickers was awarded the Distinguished Woman Volunteer Award. She has been a volunteer with Widowed Persons Services of Nassau and Queens, Hospice Care of Long Island, Adelphi University School of Social Work, Breast Cancer Support Hot Line, New York State Office for the Aging, Hypertension and Diabetes Screening, Arthritis Foundation of Long Island and Flushing Manor Care Center and has acted as an officer and a New York State ombudsman on numerous boards of directors for nonprofit agencies. She was also an election inspector this past November at Jericho High School and this past May an election inspector for Syosset's school board vote at Robbins Lane Elementary School.

About one year ago, Vickers friend Ron Traub nominated her after he saw a notice in an Oyster Bay newsletter. After being nominated, Vickers had to submit documentation proving all of her volunteer efforts.

"Until I put my documentation together, I never realized how much I was involved in - it blew me away," said Vickers. "I just like dealing with the elderly. I have always liked that. Once I put everything together, that is what I saw evolve - 98 percent of the volunteer work that I have done had to do with seniors and usually disabled seniors."

Vickers, who moved to Syosset two years ago from Roslyn, where she lived for 18 years, plans to continue her volunteer efforts in the future.

"When I instituted this program, my goal was to create both a tradition and a legacy for future generations of women in the Town of Oyster Bay," said Venditto. "I am proud to say that Vickers is now an eternal part of that priceless legacy... As a Town of Oyster Bay Woman of Distinction, Vickers stands as a role model for women of all ages throughout our town."