Town honors two unsung heroes

Debbie Coates and Dr. Mary Carlson: women who make a difference

Posted

The Town of Hempstead has honored two women from the East Meadow-Salisbury community whose longtime activism made them overdue for recognition: Debbie Coates and Dr. Mary Carlson.

Coates has been advocating for local children and schools for more than 30 years. Carlson started a nonprofit organization five years ago to ensure that no one in the region lacks one of life’s essentials — shoes.

Both women have made an impact not only in the community in which they live, but across Long Island. And what is most special about them is their willingness to help others without seeking credit or praise.

It’s appropriate, then, that Coates, of Salisbury, and Carlson, of East Meadow, who were recognized as Pathfinder Award winners by Town Supervisor Kate Murray, were both nominated for the distinction by someone else. They were formally honored at Town Hall in Hempstead on March 10, along with seven other women who live in the township.

As the old adage goes, no good deed goes unnoticed. Given these two women’s tireless efforts aiding not only the neighborhoods of East Meadow, but communities far from East Meadow, the Herald is proud to honor them, too.

Debbie Coates, a ‘hidden gem’ of Salisbury

Debbie Coates, 61, has been advocating for children for more than half her life. In 1980, when her oldest son, Brian, entered Meadowbrook Elementary school, she joined the school’s Parent Teacher Association. Through the years she has steadily expanded her work in child advocacy, and her efforts continue to this day.

Her friends and colleagues cite her intelligence, her selflessness and her ability to create a practical approach to solving problems as Coates’s major contributions to the East Meadow School District over nearly three decades.

Page 1 / 5