HEMPSTEAD TOWN

Town honors Bellmorite with Women’s History Month accolade

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In honor of Women’s History Month, the Town of Hempstead recently held its annual Pathfinder Awards ceremony to celebrate the profound contributions of women in a variety of endeavors. A Bellmore woman was one of nine honored for outstanding contributions to the community.

Michele Hanson, a Bellmore resident and an administrative supervisor in Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad’s office, received the Angie Cullin Town of Hempstead Employee Award at a March 10 ceremony. The award is named for a longtime councilwoman who retired from a long career in government this year.

Town officials said Hanson deserves the honor because she always puts the needs of others before her own, noting that many residents have benefitted from her engaging personality as she explains the resources available to them through town government.

When Hanson and her husband, Drew, suffered considerable damage to their home during Superstorm Sandy, town officials said, she never brought a hint of her family’s struggle to the office. “Staying calm and collected in the face of a daunting life challenge, Michele remained a picture of consistency on the job,” a biography prepared for Pathfinder ceremony explained. “She pours heart and soul into every challenge that confronts her.”

Town Supervisor Kate Murray said she marveled at how Hanson and the other honorees overcame adversity and rose to their individual challenges. She explained that the town received many Pathfinder Award nominations for truly deserving women.

“As the first woman to be elected supervisor in Hempstead’s 371-year history, I take unique pride in this event,” Murray said. “I am proud to be supervisor of a town with so many accomplished and inspiring ladies.”