RSS 2.0 FeedThursday, November 24, 2011, Wantagh Seaford Citizen
Seaford’s Sander, Wantagh’s Stabile ‘Make a Difference’
Community members who make an impact.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AWARDS: Danielle Sander of Seaford (at left) and Florence Stabile of Wantagh (below) were honored by, from left, Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes, Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Hempstead Councilwoman Angie Cullin and Town Clerk Mark Bonilla.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town Board recognized 14 extraordinary community members for contributions to their local neighborhoods at the 15th Annual “Make A Difference” Awards ceremony.
“The inspirational people being honored are truly the unsung heroes of our communities,” said Ms. Murray. “Their selfless acts of volunteerism and leadership are true symbols of Hempstead Town, and make our township such a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
The honorees have all dedicated themselves to enriching the lives of others. Hundreds of nominations were received for the prestigious award. Those selected, Supervisor Murray noted, have quietly carried out acts of generosity for many years.
Whether speaking of people with special needs, the elderly or the less fortunate, Danielle Sander of Seaford is making a difference for so many, especially those who are particularly vulnerable. As the owner of All Stars Gymnastics in Levittown, Danielle has a successful business that she uses in her mission of making a difference.
Danielle recently celebrated her business’ 10-year anniversary by showing her appreciation to the community, hosting a free carnival in the gym’s parking lot. Each day, she makes a difference in the lives of her students by teaching them the value and rewards of hard work and building up their confidence and self-esteem.
Danielle hosts a Special Olympics program for children with autism at the gym, helping to increase their self-confidence as well. She also adopts a family in need each year, and adopts a nursing home during the holidays, donating gifts for the seniors. Demonstrating her love for people and the depth of her character, Danielle donates her hair for wigs to go to cancer patients. Danielle Sander is also an active member of the community, working with the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, the Seaford-Wantagh Broncos Organization and donating to many local school fundraisers.
Florence Stabile of Wantagh is 97 years young. Born into a gifted family, Florence first began her passion – playing the piano – at the tender age of seven. She studied classical music, with her style greatly influenced by Jimmy Dorsey and Glenn Miller.
Now in her golden years, she maintains her status as a professional entertainer and enriches the lives of others – from school children to seniors – with her talent. As the director of music at the Bellmore and Wantagh Senior Centers, Florence is continually making a difference in the lives of our golden residents right here in the Town of Hempstead.
Since 1978 Florence has been volunteering her musical talents at senior centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities from here on Long Island to Queens to the Florida Keys. She can perform just about any song the seniors request, without having any music from which to play.
She brings memories to all those she entertains and makes a difference in each of their lives. And while Florence brings joy to the lives of her fellow seniors, she also educates and enthralls the young by volunteering at the North Bellmore School District’s After School Cultural Arts Program.
“Our award recipients do not seek recognition, expect rewards or even look for a simple thank you. These special people just care. They care for their neighbors, their colleagues, their friends, their families and their communities,” concluded Supervisor Murray. “Tonight we are personally thanking them for making the world a better place.”
