Congratulations to Two of Our Own

Town Honors Outstanding Women At Annual Pathfinder Awards

March 9, 2010

Supervisor Kate Murray and members of the Hempstead Town Board honored 9 women who live or work in the Town of Hempstead for their outstanding contributions to the community at the town's annual Pathfinder Awards ceremony on March 9th. In addition, an award was presented posthumously to music legend and Levittown native Ellie Greenwich.

An inspiring keynote speech was delivered by Rebecca Campbell, the first female president and general manager of WABC-TV in New York. Shattering the glass ceiling in a male-dominated industry, Ms. Campbell oversees the highest rated television station in the nation's largest television market.

"Recognizing the achievements of women in all areas of society and encouraging young girls to realize their fullest potential are at the very essence of this event," noted Murray. "What the women we are recognizing this year have achieved serves as an inspiration to all those who will follow their example."

The two local winners of the prestigious Pathfinder Award are as follows:


Community Affairs: Elizabeth Gottlieb- For 30 years, Elizabeth Gottlieb of Garden City South worked in various capacities at J.P. Morgan Chase before she decided to be a stay-at-home mom, devoting more time to her family and volunteer activities. Elizabeth has served as the Recording Secretary and President of the Washington Street School PTA, Recording Secretary and Vice President of Softball for the Garden City South Little League, Team Parent Manager for the Franklin Square Warriors Cheerleading, Second Vice President of the Franklin Square Interschool PTA, and Recording Secretary of the Sewanhaka Central Council PTA. Even after Elizabeth's husband James passed away in 2005, she remained active in the Keynoter Chorale and continued to volunteer her time with the PTA, the Garden City South Little League and the Franklin Square Warriors Cheerleading. Elizabeth Gottlieb's contributions to the community have been vast and far-reaching.

Town of Hempstead Employee: Peggy Mahoney- Peggy Mahoney's career with the town includes 35 years of distinguished service. From her early days as a seasonal employee, organizing and creating athletic programs, Peggy was tough to keep up with. She captained the team that ran the flag football and softball leagues, achieved all her goals with the street hockey program, spiked interest in the March of Dimes Volleyball Tournament, and staged the legendary crab races at East Meadow Pride Day. Peggy also runs the town's Cheerleading Program, welcoming every youngster with open arms in a spirited and fun-filled program that culminates in a packed, energy charged gym. Every year she helps costume all 9,000 kids, even paying "out of pocket" for the occasional kid who finds it hard to afford an outfit. In 30 years, Peggy has welcomed over 100,000 girls to the program. Her affection and attention for children is also apparent in her work with the Child Safety Program. She has trained with the FBI and other federal agencies to understand and implement town-wide safety initiatives. A computer expert, Peggy introduced a "Stranger to Danger" Internet Safety Program and toured local schools to share her expertise.

"Each of these women is truly extraordinary," concluded Murray. "They are all deserving of this honor and it is an extreme pleasure to have this opportunity to recognize them for their many accomplishments."