Great Neck, NY March 22, 2004 – Linda Fairstein, one of America’s foremost prosecutors of sex crimes and domestic violence will be the guest speaker at a celebratory luncheon for Womanspace on Wednesday, April 21st at 12:30 PM at the deSeversky Culinary Arts Center in Old Westbury.

Now a successful author with six best-selling crime thrillers to her credit, Ms. Fairstein will address the group that was founded 25 years ago to create a greater understanding of women’s issues and challenges. The event will also pay tribute to three dynamic community activists who have contributed significantly to the quality of life for women. They are: Dana Lehman, former director of Womanspace, May Newburger, former supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, and Shirley Romaine, the television host and actor.

“Womanspace provides a stimulating center for women, as well as an atmosphere of camaraderie and companionship,” says Phyllis Orr, Director.

Topics addressed over the years include childcare, health care, reproductive freedom, domestic violence, the abolition of sweatshops, and intergenerational and global issues. Its range of programs, support groups, and effective activism has been lauded far beyond its environs and it has been referred to as the organization that has “enhanced the social landscape of Great Neck.”

It attracts women who are concerned with political issues and who, at the same time, want to provide and receive emotional support from their peers. “Our Memoir Writing Group has received wide acclaim and was featured in a recent article in Newsday,” Ms. Orr states proudly. “It has a long waiting list to join, as many of our members have some very interesting and profound stories to share.”

The group has expanded as well. Five years ago, Great Neck resident Robin Gorman Newman approached the Board of Directors about forming a division of Womanspace dedicated solely to entrepreneurial and business women. The Independent Business Women’s Circle was thus created, and with it came new vitality and fresh ideas. That spurred even more expansion with the creation of a young mother’s group and recently, the Playwright’s Circle.

In their twenty-five years, Womanspace has evolved. But its core mission has remained the same; to support the rights and choices of women and to provide community outreach when needed. A member of the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce, it is non-profit and partially funded by the United Community Fund, Poets and Writers, and the New York State Board of Health. The anniversary luncheon is open to the public and all are welcome. The cost is $50. per person. Those interested in attending should call 516.829.6566 for reservations.