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A Few Clouds East Meadow's 'Women of Distinction'
Norma Gonsalves and Elinor Hunt, both of East Meadow, were honored by the New York State Assembly as Women of Distinction at a ceremony sponsored by Assemblymen Dave McDonough and Tom McKevitt at the Merrick Library on Aug. 22.
Elinor Hunt
Elinor Hunt, of East Meadow, has dedicated her life to her work, her community, and her family. Elinor has worked as a registered nurse in St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, and had a long career as the school nurse at Woodland Middle School until her retirement.
Besides showing dedication to her job as a nurse, Hunt has been devoted to her family and to her community.
Hunt’s six children are professionals in the community, and she is fortunate to have 14 grandchildren with whom she shares her love of music and art.
The award committee said Hunt is a selfless and kind woman who finds great joy in the happiness of others, helping those around her, and giving back to her community.
Norma Gonsalves
Legislator Norma Gonsalves, who represents the 13th Legislative District, has proudly served her constituents for over 10 years. She currently serves on seven committees, among them Education, Health and Social Services, Public Safety and Veterans. She is also the Project Director for Crime Watch and Civilian Patrol and is a member of numerous organizations, such as the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow and the Edward J. Speno Lodge #2568 Order Sons of Italy in America. She is the founder and immediate past president of the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations and has also served as chairperson of the East Meadow bicentennial committee.
Gonsalves has also received several awards for her community service and legislative work, including recent honors by the Nassau University Medical Center as its “Heroes in Health” award. She is also the proud recipient of “The Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation Fellow Award” from the New York District of Kiwanis International. She was also named the chamber’s Woman of the Year twice, once in 1976 as the bicentennial chairperson and again in 1999.
Gonsalves lives in East Meadow with her husband John, and has three children and four grandchildren.
The award committee called Gonsalves’ community involvement “extraordinary” and “widespread.”
