4 Massapequa Residents Named Women Of Distinction

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NY — Last week, the Town of Oyster Bay honored 11 women who have made significant contributions to their communities. These "Women of Distinction" live and work throughout the Town of Oyster Bay, and give back in numerous ways.

"These extraordinary women all have outstanding qualities and have truly made our town a better place," said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "Together with my colleagues on the Town Board, we salute these outstanding residents for giving back to the charities, our hometown and the neighbors they love so much."

"All of our honorees went above and beyond in their communities," said Councilwoman Michele Johnson. "Even with the crazy times that have been upon us with the onset of the COVID pandemic, these women went even farther above and beyond. The honorees selected should take pride in their great achievements as they are true role models in their various fields and communities."

The honorees from the Massapequa area are:

Judy Carey of Massapequa

Looking for a volunteer opportunity when her children started school, Judy Carey turned to Canine Companions for Independence, which helps place highly-trained service dogs with people in need. She has helped raise several dogs and while it's difficult for her to part with the amazing animals she raises, the reward of seeing someone in need get a service dog is all the reassurance she needs. One of her pets, a trained service dog, helps those in need at organizations such as DogAbility, where he helps both children and adults.

Melanie Duffy of Massapequa

Melanie Duffy is the owner of Broadway Gourmet Caterers in Massapequa. Over the years she has made countless contributions to the community, and especially so during the height of the COVID pandemic. She worked to give back to those on the front lines and to residents in need, donating hundreds of meals to staff at hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. She initiated the 'Feed our Heroes Mission,' through which she matched all donations to feed healthcare workers. She also teamed up with retired police officers to help feed over 1,000 of New York City's police force and helped coordinate meal delivery giveaways to seniors living alone.

Catherine Flanagan of North Massapequa

Catherine Flanagan is the president of the Plainedge Board of Education and a staunch advocate for the children and taxpayers of the community. She has been recognized numerous times by the state School Boards Association, earning awards in areas of leadership, mastery in boardsmanship and board excellence. She is a board member for the Nassau/Suffolk School Boards Association Executive Committee, representing all Nassau County school districts and advocating for all children and all public schools, and also serves on the state School Boards Association Champions of Change Committee.

Christie Jacobson of Massapequa

An accomplished attorney, Christie Jacobson serves as general counsel to public school districts throughout New York and is often called upon to speak on legal issues for various organizations, including the state School Boards Association. She has been recognized by organizations for her leadership in law, and was named an Outstanding Woman in Law and a New York Women Leaders in Law. She is also involved in her local PTA.

Photos courtesy Town of Oyster Bay