 One hundred and four people who have been
honored in Newsday’s weekly “Everyday Hero” column during the
past year were recognized, in December, at an annual reception hosted by
Newsday, along with the program sponsor Adelphi University, at the
school’s Garden City campus.
“The
event recognizes the wonderful heroes who do things big and small that make a
positive impact on other people’s lives,” said Deidra Parrish
Williams, Newsday’s community affairs manager.
Newsday publisher Tim Knight, paying tribute to the guests
said, “I congratulate each of you for choosing to be heroes in your
community.”
People
with disabilities had a large presence among the honorees. Many who are
themselves disabled were honored for their community service, as were others
who made a difference for people with disabilities.
Some of
the recipients with disabilities included Vincent Stackhouse of Freeport, a New
York City Police Officer who was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty, who,
took money that was raised for him and started a scholarship fund for
youngsters in Freeport and Uniondale; Able reporter Beth Guarino of
Queens, who, while disabled herself, manages to help others with disabilities;
Carmelo Gonzalez, of Queens, who has cerebral palsy and is dedicated to raising
awareness about people with disabilities; and Mitch Shapiro of Smithtown, who
while Ushers syndrome is taking his sight and hearing, spends his time
promoting awareness and raising funds to fight blindness.
New York is
beginning to equal Boston and Los Angeles in drawing the elite wheelchair
racers. Bob Laufer, the wheelchair race director of the marathon said,
“Our goal is to be companions with Boston and L.A.”
“New
York is on the right path because of the treatment they give the
athletes,” said Mendoza.
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