Islip Town supervisor Angie Carpenter and the Islip Town Board recently honored six women and organizations from across the township as part of the Women’s History Month Celebration held during the March town board Meeting on Tuesday, March 14. 

Two local women, Constance Haab of Bayport and Barbara Fitzpatrick of Sayville, were honored, as well a West Islip-based women’s organization.

“The month of March is National Women’s History Month, and all of us at the Town of Islip are proud to celebrate women from all walks of life who positively impact our lives every day,” said Carpenter.

Haab has dedicated over seven decades to the service of her community. As a lifelong resident of Bayport, Haab is an active member of the Phantoms Hall of Fame Nomination Committee and a founding member of the Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association, as well as the Bayport Memorial Park Association, where she works tirelessly to honor local veterans and preserve the history of the hamlet. 

For over 50 years, Haab has been a member of the Bayport Fire Department, serving as the department secretary, and an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Haab made history as the first woman elected to serve the Bayport Fire Department as commissioner of the department, a position she has held for the last decade. 

Along with her many accomplishments, Haab has also dedicated over 32 years to the Town of Islip in the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department

Fitzpatrick has been an active member of the Sayville community for many years. Her dedication to the community has seen her serve as the co-vice president of Having Friends Inn; co-president of the Sayville Jr./Sr. High School PTA; as a member of The Women’s College Club; as well as a puppy walker for the Guide Dog Foundation. 

Currently, Fitzpatrick is active within the Sayville Civic Association, chamber of commerce, The Common Ground at Rotary Park, and the Sayville Village Improvement Society.  Through her involvement with The Common Ground, she assists in the annual 9/11 ceremony, leads guided tours of the labyrinth at Rotary Park, and creates the monthly newsletter for the organization. 

Fitzpatrick also serves as the president of the Sayville Village Improvement Society. In her role as president, she has secured two new signs listing the volunteer organizations within Sayville and is working with the Sayville Library to secure the names of the founding presidents of the Sayville Village Improvement Society, who are currently only listed by their husbands’ names. 

The Women of West Islip (WOWI) was founded in 2010 by Regina Jacoby and Patty Vorilas, with the mission to improve their community through volunteerism, philanthropy and charity. 

WOWI has established a senior scholarship program for West Islip High School girls who make an impact in the community though community service and support the West Islip School District’s essential pantry, providing necessary items to families in need. In addition, WOWI organizes the annual Family Night at the West Islip Beach, paying tribute to Sandy Hook victim Madeleine Hsu, whose memory they honor at Madeleine’s Playground. 

The Women of West Islip additionally support such community organizations and events, including the West Islip Beautification Society; West Islip Historical Society; West Islip Association; West Islip Legion Post 1738; West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition; and the West Islip Chamber of Commerce. Through all their dedicated support, WOWI aims to make sure West Islip remains a great place to live and raise families.