The honorees are shown above: Carolyn James, Debbie Podolski, Mary Ann DiGuiseppi, Saladino, Gracemarie Rozea, Norma Recco and Carol Ann Hasenstab. The First Annual Women of Distinction Awards ceremony, hosted by Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, was held at the Farmingdale Library on Sun., May 18th. Six local women were honored for their contributions and commitment to our communities.

"All my life, and even more so since taking office, I have met countless outstanding women who work hard to make a difference in our community and provide an excellent role model for teens and all women. In today's hectic world, these women find the time to give more and more of themselves, and often their exceptional acts go unnoticed. That is why I am proud to honor these six outstanding women and name them this year's Women of Distinction," said Saladino.

This year's honorees are Mary Ann DiGuiseppi, Carol Ann Hasenstab, Carolyn James, Debbie Podolski, Norma Recco and Gracemarie Rozea.

• In addition to raising three children, Mary Ann DiGuiseppi has always made time for community involvement. Currently, she is an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82, Nassau County.

• Vice President of the Massapequa and Massapequa East branches of TD Commerce Bank, Carol Ann Hasenstab has the distinction of being the first manager in the history of the bank to manage two branches simultaneously.

• After raising five children, Carolyn James returned to her lifelong passion of journalism and today is the proud owner of the Massapequa Post, Amityville Record and Babylon Beacon. In 2003, she was named Journalist of the Year by the Press Club of Long Island.

• The Director of the Farmingdale Library, Debbie Podolski has established programs for special needs children and teens and updated the website at the library. In addition to her full-time position at the library, Debbie serves as president of the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce.

• An ambitious entrepreneur, Norma Recco founded Recco Home Care Services, Inc., Recco Visiting Nurse Services, Inc., and Certified Management Corporation. She continues to be an active healthcare industry leader today. Gracemarie Rozea has dedicated her life to serving children. She is involved in the PTA and currently holds the position of Director for Nassau Region PTA.

Assemblyman Saladino honored all six women for their accomplishments and selfless dedication to their families, professions and community. "We must make a point of thanking the outstanding women in our community who have helped us all prosper. Their tireless work and unwavering commitment has not gone unnoticed and I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank all the special women in our lives for giving so much," he said.