By Stephanie Petrellese

Standing, from left: Assemblyman Tom McKevitt, Helen Mary Tyszka, Colleen Foley and Supervisor Kate Murray. Sitting: Barbara Rodman Wilson (left) and Suzanne Alvey. Maureen Clancy, another honoree from Garden City, was unable to attend. Five Garden City residents were among 21 women honored on Saturday at the New York State Assembly's annual Women of Distinction awards ceremony sponsored by Assemblymen Tom McKevitt and Dave McDonough at the Merrick Public Library.

Suzanne Alvey, Maureen Clancy, Colleen Foley, Helen Mary Tyszka and Barbara Rodman Wilson were presented with the award by Assemblyman McKevitt, who represents the 17th assembly district. These women have a long list of accomplishments; here is just a sampling:

Alvey was honored for her efforts to preserve the aesthetic beauty of the Village and promote creativity and the arts. She is a founding member of the Garden City Bird Sanctuary and has volunteered there for more than 10 years. Alvey also is active in the Garden City Beautification Committee, which works to beautify public areas.

Clancy was the first woman to serve on the Village Board of Trustees. She eventually became deputy mayor. In 1987, she became the first female member of the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club, and six years later became the president. She runs an insurance agency, Clancy & Clancy Brokerage, with her husband Cummin and daughter Maura.

Foley currently serves as president of the Garden City Board of Education. She also works as the supervising nurse in the Elmont School District. Foley has also been involved in many civic and community services. She was president of Garden City Special Education PTA, and started the popular SEPTA street fair more than 10 years ago.

Tyszka has been involved with numerous organizations. She was elected to the board of the Kosciuszko Foundation in 2002, elected corporate secretary in 2003 and served as treasurer in 2006. She is currently a trustee and a member of the finance and honorary trustee committees, and has served on several other committees in the past.

Wilson is a survivor of the 1939 sinking of the S.S. Athenia during World War II. She has been active in the community, and is a former tennis champion at the Garden City Casino.