Church Honors Local 'Women Of Excellence'

On Sunday, from left, Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Assemblyman Steve Stern and Reverend Jerry Artis recognize Long Island Regional Director for the NAACP Tracey Edwards, Huntington Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman and SCPD Officer Claudia Delgado, not pictured, at the ninth annual Women’s Day Celebration. (Photo courtesy of Rev. Jerry Artis)

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

The Love of Christ Fellowship Church honored Sunday three local “women of excellence” during its ninth annual Women’s Day Celebration.

The event was held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Huntington Station, and celebrated honorees: Suffolk Police Officer Claudia Delgado; former Huntington Councilwoman and Long Island Regional Director for the NAACP Tracey Edwards; and Huntington Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman.

Rev. Jerry Artis, pastor and founder of Love of Christ Fellowship Church, said he has worked with all three women on community issues over the years, and that they were popular choices with his congregation.

“I talked to my congregation about it, and they were all very happy with the selections that we made this year,” Artis said. “Each one of these women, in a different capacity, is a great asset to our community and great role models for our young girls.”

The honorees were recognized with proclamations from newly-elected State Assemblyman Steven Stern (D-Huntington Station), who was performing his first official presentation, Huntington Councilwoman Joan Cergol and Suffolk Legislator William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport).

Artis said Delgado, who serves as the community liaison officer for the second precinct, is the “ideal example of community policing” and has the “complete respect of the community.”

“It is a true honor to be recognized by Rev. Artis and his congregation who themselves do so much to give back to the youth and the community in general,” Delgado said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Rev. Artis for many years now, and his commitment and dedication to the community makes receiving this award that much more special.”

Edwards was recognized for the youth development and other community related policies that she sponsored while on the town board that are still in effect.

“Rev. Artis and the Fellowship Church are mainstays in our community, so for them to recognize me is very special,” Edwards said.

Guthman was selected, Artis said, because of her work helping children and seniors while she directed the town’s department of human services prior to being appointed as receiver of taxes.

“Being honored by Rev. Artis and the Love of Fellowship Church holds great meaning for me,” Guthman said. “As the Receiver of Taxes for Huntington, I so truly enjoy efficiently collecting and disbursing property taxes, conducting presentations for our residents about tax exemptions, fraud, and other critical topics.”

Artis said, “Everyone in attendance agreed that you would be hard pressed to find three more deserving ladies… the community really looks up to them.”