Garden City's 'Women of Distinction' Honored

Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, R-East Meadow, honored six Garden City women at his annual "Women of Distinction" ceremony, including Sallyanne Ballweg, Stephanie Healy Cullum, Margaret Jones, Felicia Lovaglio, Jacqueline Vita and Gloria Weinrich.

"What I see is a remarkable level of talent and success, but more importantly, what I sense … is really a great deal of happiness," says Village of Floral Park trustee Mary-Grace Tomecki, guest speaker and former "Woman of Distinction" honoree. "And it is a category of happiness that comes not just from receiving recognition … [but] is from the happiness that radiates from within, the happiness that sets in when sacrificing oneself completely for a cause you believe in."

McKevitt honored Sallyanne Ballweg for her work in the banking field, where she serves as senior executive vice president at First National Bank of Long Island and a mentor to younger bankers.

"It's wonderful being surrounded by such wonderful women, and to share this award. It's a wonderful recognition and I'm really very thrilled," Ballweg said.

Fellow Garden City honorees Margaret Jones and Felicia Lovaglio were not able to attend the ceremony.

McKevitt selected Jones to honor mothers of military personnel who have lost their lives during war time, as Jones lost her son during the Vietnam War in 1968.

Lovaglio has volunteered or worked at many places in Garden City, including the Recreation Dance Conservatory, the senior center and the Performing Arts Department at Adelphi University. Lovaglio is also a single mother to four, including triplets.

Stephanie Healy Cullum is a member of the Top 5 Real Estate Network, which aids consumers in finding qualified real estate agents. Healy Cullum works most frequently in Garden City and has 17 years of experience in training, management, sales and marketing.

"[I]t's an honor to be in such a very auspicious group of women. It's an honor," she said.

Jacqueline Vita has worked as a legislative aide to Sen. Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City, for the past 20 years and is also a copywriter for Clarity Writing Solutions.  Vita also holds leadership positions in Garden City Kiwanis, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation and the Young Republicans Club, among others.

"It's a humbling experience, because you don't realize the depth of what people are capable of juggling until you come here and you say, 'Wow,'" Vita said.

Gloria Weinrich is the founding president of the Carle Place Retired Teachers Organization, runs four book groups at the Garden City Public Library and has been a member of the Western Property Owners' Association since 1993.

"I think it's the culmination of all the years that I've put into service," Weinrich said. "And you know, I was an educator and I'm still educating ... It's a wonderful program, I can't believe how extensive it was, I can't believe all the things I've done in my lifetime."

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