Seven Honored at 46th Woman of Achievement Luncheon

Staten Island Advance - Thursday, November 15, 2007

Small wooden wishing wells, symbols of any penny-thrower's deepest hopes, made autumnal centerpieces at today's 46th annual Advance Woman of Achievement luncheon held in the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield.

Staten Islanders often give voice to their deepest wishes-- calling for improved health care, housing and local arts venues, care for local children, food and shelter for the needy, and dignified resting places for the borough's thousands gone.

The women honored at this afternoon's luncheon have devoted their lives to creating the kind of community that they and others wish for.

News legend Barbara Walters, the keynote speaker, congratulated the seven women accorded today with what has been called the Island's most prestigious title.

The honorees included health workers Diane Hopkins, a volunteer with the Island chapter of the American Cancer Society, and Diane Arneth, the executive director of Community Health Action of Staten Island.

Ollie Williams, a lifelong educator and the "first lady" of Fellowship Baptist Church in Mariners Harbor, was honored for her work with youth at the church, where she directs the Fellowship Learning Center.

Annette Esposito, an advocate for the people of Port Richmond, has served with local civic associations and volunteer groups to fight violence and prejudice, to feed the hungry and teach pre- and post-natal classes to women facing unexpected pregnancies.

Dora A. Arslanian was recognized for maintaining the grounds of Silver Mount Cemetery in Silver Lake, and Rosemary Cappozalo, known to Islanders as "Mrs. Rosemary," earned the Advance title by restoring life to the long-neglected St. George Theatre, a non-profit venture she runs with her three daughters.

Dr. Irene Deitch, psychology professor emerita at the College of Staten Island and the host of the CTV cable television program "Making Connections," is a volunteer at the Geller House in Arrochar, a residential facility for at-risk children and teens, the Sunrise Assisted Living facility in Sunnyside and the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Advance Editor Brian Laline presented the awards.

Close to a thousand guests, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Speaker Christine Quinn and local leaders and dignitaries, came to celebrate the volunteerism of their peers and to hear Ms. Walters, the celebrated newswoman and co-host of ABC-TV's "The View."

By Tevah Platt
Reprinted here with permission from the