Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering "it will be happier". 

Happy New Year to all! 

2012 was a tough year for most and certainly a busy year for me.  Sadly many families were affected throughout Long Island by Hurricane Sandy, I hope that the year ahead will see them recovering and with community efforts I am sure this can happen!

In the days that followed Hurricane Sandy, I founded Schools Adopting Schools... I was so fortunate not to have had any damage to my home, and was deeply troubled that so many children's schools were affected... I wanted them to have some sense of normalcy again. With Schools Adopting Schools I Search for & Pair schools in need post hurricane sandy with those equipped
to help.  I am currently working with about 35 Schools. 
https://sites.google.com/site/adoptingschools/recent-school-adoptions

In the Summer, my friend Kelly Stapleton and I organized Lynbrook's 4th annual Swim across America.  Kelly and I are Swim Across America Pool Swim Delegates.  To date we have raised over $50,000 for the organization in the hopes of finding a cure for cancer.  We were lucky enough to meet some of the Doctors who are researching and whose programs are directly supported by SAA. 
Swim Across America:  Fundraising for cancer research to find a cure
- I received Lynbrook citation
- I received NYS assembly citation

Lynbrook Swim Team
Organized weekly Bake sales throughout season to raise funds for swim team - end
year party, coaches gifts & new banner

In the Spring I was the Relay for Life West End Team Captain
- I put together a team to walk & we raised funds to fight cancer

St. Raymond's RC School -
Religious Ed teacher 4th grade

Lynbrook cares
With 3 of my friends I helped to create a Cooperative Community service group - of 12 4th grade girls & their moms.  We organize and participate in many community service projects throughout Lynbrook. 

Girl Scout Troop Leader for a West End Troop 2182
participated in many community service projects throughout the year.   

I am a member of Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, whose mission is to promote
friendship, unity and Christian charity. 
Created & maintain a Facebook page for group

I am a member of Glor na nGael Pipes & Drums
Color Guard for parades
Snare drum student
My son plays bagpipes and my daughter is a bagpiping student
Created & maintain a Facebook page for group

New York State Delegate to Mom Congress 2012
Chosen For my work in bringing technology to PTAs via Facebook & websites
- received Village of Lynbrook Citation
- was recognized at the Nassau region PTA Spring Conference

This September I was selected as one of New York state Assembly district 14's 2012 Women of Distinction
I was chosen for my community service efforts and dedication to the children of
Lynbrook
- awarded proclamation by NYS Assemblyman Curran & Anthony Santino
- Received Village of Lynbrook Citation from Mayor
- Received Town of Hempstead Certificate of recognition from Town of hempstead
supervisor Kate Murray
- received Nassau County citation from Nassau county executive Edward Mangano

For the past 2 years I was PTA Co-President of my daughter's elementary school.  My biggest achievement would be that I created a PTA website, Facebook and email correspondence in an effort to engage parents and allow working parents more of a window into school and events.  It has become a vital link in everyday communications between the school and home.  I actively participated in every committee, and worked tirelessly to implement many new ideas to benefit the students. 

Current Lynbrook PTA volunteer positions:

Lynbrook PTA council
recording secretary
website development & maintenance
Click HERE to view the PTA Council Website which I have created and maintain

Lynbrook Septa
website development & maintenance
Click HERE to view the SEPTA Website which I have created

Lynbrook HS PTA
Website Development

Lynbrook North Middle School PTA
Delegate to Council &
website development & maintenance
Click HERE to view the North Middle School PTA Website which I have created and maintain

Lynbrook Waverly Park PTA
Website development
& training of website maintainer
Click HERE to view the Waverly Park PTA Website which I have created

Lynbrook West End PTA
Past President
1st VP,
Assemblies chair,
membership chair,
By laws committee,
Unity day committee - helped to organize many Unity day activities for West end promoting antibullying and friendship. 
Beautification committee,
4th grade chairperson,
Website development & maintenance
Click HERE to view the West End PTA Website which I have created and maintain

I am a member of Lynbrook school district's stategic planning communications committee

I work part time as a billing manager in a Chiropractor's office and I am a MOM! My kids are very active in sports... this year the sports included swim team, ice hockey, roller hockey, track, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and a kids triathlon.  I provide chauffeur service to most of these events! :)  My kids like to volunteer in their community... I love this.  They both swam not only 1 mile for the Lynbrook Swim Across America event, but hopped back in and swam extra laps in honor of those who have passed from cancer.  They also volunteered at the Nassau County Swim Across America and worked at the refreshment table... their reward was knowing that they are doing something to find a cure for cancer!  Kids learn how to be good people and citizens by following in our examples...  Helping others begins to become natural once you practice kindness often! :)  Sometimes it's not easy... but you have to try!

If you have some spare time, I would encourage volunteering.  If we can each help one person in some small way that is a great thing! 

Happy 2013!