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Thanking the women who lift others up By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald
Honorees at the 12th annual Women of Distinction ceremony on March 16 were recognized for their extraordinary career accomplishments and community contributions.
Nine women from Elmont, Franklin Square and Valley Stream were honored for their contributions to their communities at Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’s 12th annual Women of Distinction ceremony on March 16, at Sewanhaka High School. The 2025 honorees were Gabrielle Barry, Jennifer Bellamy, Erum Hanif, Sonya Jones, Aviva Kane, Claire Leon, Julie Soffientini, Aisha Stevenson and Althea Thomas. “These honorees uplift others,” host Tawana Gosley said. “They break barriers and inspire future generations in education, business, advocacy, health care and beyond.” Solages recognized not only the honorees, but also every woman in the community ContinueD on page 10
Valley Stream’s commemorative centennial swag is here By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
As centennial fever takes hold in the Village of Valley Stream, the village has rolled out the merchandise to commemorate a century of growth, pride, and history. From elegant to cute, village officials say the collection of centennial merchandise promises to delight locals, former residents, and memorabilia collectors alike. But this isn’t your average “anniversary swag”—they are meant to serve as durable keepsakes and the centerpiece is none other than Congo the lion,
named after the lion-shaped water fountain at the Arthur J. Hendrickson park pool. The lion has garnered local celebrity status enough that it has become the unofficial mascot of Valley Stream’s 100th anniversary. For years, it’s been called ‘Leo’ until “resident village expert” and for mer Valley Stream Fire Chief Richie Sullivan dug up a newspaper article from the 1960’s that confirms the mascot’s original name was ‘Congo.’ “I stand corrected,” Mayor Fare admits, laughing. “I thought it was Leo, but after digging through archives, we
found it was Congo the lion all along.” And let’s be honest— Congo has a far more adventurous ring to it, he said, evoking the spirit of the African savannah rather than a local service organization. Congo’s plush likeness has now been immortalized in a series of centennial merchandise, including a keychain and a stuffed version complete with a c o m m e m o r at ive T- s h i r t emblazoned with the anniversary logo. “We thought it would be cute to give out Congo the lion keychains at the pool or to kids who participate in our community pro g rams,” he says. “It’s about creating new
memories for the next generation.” Mayor Ed Fare said the depth of the town’s centennial planning committee is evident. The committee, which has been meeting for nearly a year, sought input from the village historian, local residents, and even the Historical Society to craft a line of items that would
resonate with both the young and the elderly. “We wanted something that kids would love and that seniors could appreciate too,” the Mayor shared. The result? A diverse mix of commemorative products ranging from pens and keychains to tumblers and a commemorative coin. ContinueD on page 10