Town of Hempstead recognizes Women’s History Month

Five Towns female business owners highlighted

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With March being Women’s History Month, the Town of Hempstead honored two women business owners in the Five Towns, along with five others.

The town honored Sandy Lachman of the Chateau Coffee Shop in Woodmere and Roseann Irwin of Hewlett Jewelers in Hewlett. Lachman received her certificate on March 15, because of a scheduling conflict. The town ceremony was on March 16.

Councilman Anthony D’Esposito said the idea to honor women business owners began a couple of years ago. “It’s similar to Small Business Saturday except we highlight women who have been successful with their businesses while also being positive contributors to the community,” he said. “Owning a small business can be tough, but we appreciate them for persevering and thriving in our area.”

The town and local business groups or village governments select the honorees. In the selection of Irwin and Lachman, the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association was asked for its input.

David Friedman, the HWBA president, called both Lachman and Irwin to inform them that they would be honored. He also praised both of them for not just their businesses, but for their civic involvement. “Both of these women are hard-working and are always willing to contribute to the community,” Friedman said. “When we’ve hosted events for the Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club, Sandy has given us huge dessert spreads for these events.”

Lachman said she was quite surprised to find out that the town was honoring her. “I was shocked when I received the call from David,” Lachman said. “But I’m very appreciative that I’m being recognized by this community.” Sandy and her husband, Larry, have owned Chateau since 2005 after Larry took over the store from his cousin Norman Negrin, who had owned the shop since 1958.

Hewlett Jewelers has been in business since 1996, when Irwin and her husband, Seth, established the endeavor. While Seth unexpectedly died eight years ago, Irwin has been running the business by herself ever since. “It’s remarkable how she’s persevered and taken over the business while at the same time raising kids,” Friedman said. Irwin is a member of the HWBA and credits Friedman for assisting with business matters. “David and the HWBA are a great resource for anybody who owns a business in the area,” she said. “I chat with David on a consistent basis and he always provides me with good insight.”

D’Esposito explained why it was important to acknowledge women-owned businesses in the town. “I am proud to recognize women business owners for their significant contributions to local commerce here in America’s largest township,” he said. “Local businesses help our small communities thrive and these women demonstrate leadership coupled with a love for their community.”