Dozens of community members attended the West Hempstead Community Support Association meeting last Thursday at the American Legion Cathedral Post 1087 on Woodlawn Road to honor 90-year-old Rosalie Norton, who was chosen as the West Hempstead Person of the Year.
The WHCSA recognized Norton with the award for five decades of advocacy, leadership, and dedication to her West Hempstead community.
“Rosalie has devoted decades of her life to strengthening the bonds that make West Hempstead a vibrant, caring, and inclusive community,” Maureen Mahoney, WHCSA president, said.
A Brooklyn native, Norton and her family moved to West Hempstead in 1967. Shortly after her arrival, she became closely involved with the local community, motivated by creating a good, safe community in which her three children could grow up.
“One thing that I felt really strongly about was having a community that was united,” Norton told the Herald. “We’re a very diverse community, and I felt if could do anything to unite everyone, we could address some issues in the community that needed to be resolved.”
Norton began her involvement with the community as a trustee for the West Hempstead Public Library from 1974 to 1977, and served as president of the PTA from 1976 to 1977. She then was a member of the West Hempstead Board of Education, from 1977 to 1990, including two years as president.
During her 13-year stint on the school board, Norton helped implement a trustee term reduction referendum, supported the consolidation of the elementary schools, and helped establish the Special Education PTA and the Senior Citizens Club. Norton’s achievements earned her the West Hempstead School Board Lifetime Achievement Award and the New York State PTA Lifetime Membership Award.
In 2002, Norton became vice president of the West Hempstead Civic Association, and three years later, she took over as its president. In 2008, when the civic association became the WHCSA, she assumed the presidency and held the position until she retired in 2020.
“When you enjoy doing something so much and you’ve got the community behind you,” Norton said, “it doesn’t seem fair for one person to get this award. It should go to the entire community.”
As WHCSA president, Norton accomplished several major undertakings. In 2008, she secured a $2 million grant for renovations to Halls Pond Park through the 2006 Environmental Bond Act. As a result of her efforts, a new gazebo, playground and benches were installed in the park, along with a new facade for the footbridge, new railings and landscaping, and a system of baffles, which direct water flow, to help keep the pond clean. The work was completed in 2009.
Norton helped beautify the community by securing an additional $90,000 in state grants to fund the installation of new street signs, benches and planters, as well as the creation of a community newsletter. She also worked with state and local legislators to promote traffic safety, creating school speed zones and installing stop signs throughout the community.
“My aim and my goal has always been to help our community,” she said. “And I hope I’ve done that.”
In addition, Norton was instrumental in closing the Courtesy Hotel, which community members described as a crime-ridden building that brought prostitution and drugs and caused West Hempstead property values to diminish. Norton and other residents worked tirelessly to shutter the hotel, and in 2011, the hotel was permanently closed, sold and demolished — replaced with West 130, a luxury apartment building.
“If the community didn’t stand up, help me — and really help themselves as well — then nothing would have been done,” Norton said.
Norton expressed pride that several community events she spearheaded continue to be held, such as the Holiday at Halls celebration, which unites the local religious communities with holiday spirit, and the annual 9/11 Memorial Service remembering community members lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks. In 2012, Norton established the 9/11 Memorial at Halls Pond Park, after petitioning the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and then raising funds for construction of the memorial.
“Rosalie’s unwavering dedication, selfless service, and inspiring leadership have left an indelible mark on West Hempstead,” Mahoney said. “From education to beautification, from advocacy to remembrance, she has given her heart and soul to this community. Without Rosalie’s guidance I wouldn’t be here tonight.”
Norton remains a member of the West Hempstead Lions Club, which she joined in 2010, and is an honorary life member of the West Hempstead Historical Society. The 2007 Malverne/West Hempstead Herald Person of the Year, Norton has received awards from the New York State Senate, Assembly, the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, the Rotary Club, and Vision Long Island.
Moshe Hill and Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, candidates running for the newly redrawn 5th Legislative District, both presented citations to Norton for her dedication to the West Hempstead community. Hill presented the citation on behalf of Legislator Bill Gaylor, who represents the 14th District, which encompasses West Hempstead.
After receiving her awards, Norton celebrated her achievements with cake and speaking with family, friends and WHCSA members who continuously supported her work in the community.
