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SPONSORED BY S E N ATO R PAT T Y R I T C H I E

R O S W E L L P. F LOW E R M E M O R I A L L I B R A RY WAT E RTOW N , N E W YO R K

J E F F E R S O N O S W E G O S T. L AW R E N C E C O U N T I E S

PATTY RITCHIE

S E N ATO R

May 1, 2014 Dear Friends, The New York State Senates Women of Distinction program celebrates the unique contributions of women throughout New York State history, as well as those who are enriching the quality of life in our communities today. These women have playedand continue to playcrucial roles in New Yorks political, social and economic development. As your State Senator, I am proud to recognize all the Women of Distinction from the 48th Senate District; especially those honorees and nominees whom we celebrate today. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do. Sincerely,

Senator Patty Ritchie 48th Senate District

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Jane Backus
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

retired English teacher after 25 years, Jane Backus taught seniors and sophomores at both Ogdensburg Free Academy, and Mexico Academy and Central Schools. While at Mexico Academy, Jane was three times the advisor for Los Inteligentes, a chapter of National Honor Society. She is also especially proud of contributing to the design of the schools Senior Quest Program, a collegiate-level initiative that allowed students to identify and research a topic of personal interest, culminating in a paper based on field experience and presented to a panel. Jane is also past president and scholarship chairperson of MACS Dollars for Scholars and under her leadership, the organization has been able to raise thousands of dollars for several hundred students in the community wishing to attend college. Jane is an extremely active member of her community, having served on the SUNY Oswego College Council for five years, editing the Mother Goose Nursery School newsletter, volunteering for the Mexico JROTC program and cooking for the Mexico Methodist Church Monday Meal. She is currently a sacristan and lector at St. Anne, Mother of Mary Catholic Church and serves on US Congressman Richard Hannas Military Academy Review Committee. Janes favorite and newest endeavor is sharing time with her granddaughter, Madelynne. Jane is the wife of Mark Backus, and the mother of two sons, Michael and Robert. Nominated by: Susan Weidler and Nell Schneider

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Ilene Burke
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

County, a local non-profit organization that assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She is also an avid supporter of the NO MORE campaign and highly involved in raising awareness and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Ilene also volunteers for the After Prom Committee at Potsdam High School and supports the Potsdam Booster Club. Ilene was nominated because she is an outgoing advocate for women and families affected by violent acts and is always accessible and approachable to her employees and volunteers. Ilene is a very dedicated wife and mother to two daughters. Nominated by: Ashley Keyes

I lene Burke is the Executive Director of Renewal House of St. Lawrence

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County

2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

T he staff of the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County does work both

individually and collaboratively with children who have suffered physical or sexual abuse and their families. The staff works tirelessly to ensure that children who have suffered abuse are able to cope with their feelings, recover, and once again enjoy their childhood. They are constantly faced with the challenge of providing high quality services while overcoming the barriers of limited space, resources, and time. The staff freely gives of their time to several area churches and organizations and also volunteers with the Trauma Response Team of Oswego County. They also perform training and community presentations that provide educational, child-friendly activities at various community events throughout the year. In 2012, the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce awarded them the Non-Profit of the Year Award. The staff was nominated due to the compassion they have for those they serve and their resiliency in being able to deal with heartbreaking stories and challenges in the legal system on a daily basis. The staff consists of Stacy Austin-Root, Melissa Baker, Melanie Proper, Carol Gazitano, Tracy Henry, Amanda Capeling, Norene Cook, Sandy Delano, and Maureen McClain. Nominated by: John DeRousie

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Karrie Damm, LMFT

2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

hings can get better. This is a mantra that Karrie Dunn shares with the many individuals and families she serves as Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County. In this position, Karrie has used her compassionate demeanor and exemplary leadership skills to provide healing and comfort to children who have suffered physical or sexual abuse and their families. To better serve her clients, Karrie led the charge to add a CAC satellite office in Pulaski, making it easier for children and their families in the northern part of Oswego County to access the vital services provided by the CAC. In addition to working on behalf of children and families, Karrie is also a role model for the employees she oversees, inspiring them to also advocate for those in need. A graduate of Syracuse University, Karrie is extremely involved in her community and has also received numerous accolades for her willingness to help others including the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce 2012 Nonprofit of the Year Award. She was also once named one of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Women by Girl Scouts of America. Karrie has one daughter, Kaylee, who is 14 years old. Nominated by: John DeRousie

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Virginia Davey
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

V irginia Davey works with children in crisis. As a teacher at the Childrens

Unit at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, she helps children and teens who have been sexually abused, at risk of suicide, and with a range of psychiatric disorders. For 22 years, she has taught and advocated for thousands of children from across Northern New York, working to help them keep up with their school work while they receive mental health care. Her educational programs currently serve as a model for in-patient psychiatric programs across the state, showing how children can receive treatment while also ensuring young people get the comprehensive care they need to succeed in school. Virginia also serves as president of the Public Employees Federation union at the Psych Center. When she learned that the Office of Mental Health was looking at closing some psychiatric facilities, she teamed with Senator Patty Ritchie to ensure the young people she works with would continue to receive the kind of services they and their families needed. As a member of the Save the Psychiatric Center Task Force, Virginias efforts helped convince the state to designate the Psychiatric Centers Childrens Unit as the Childrens Behavioral Health Center of Excellence for the North Country. Nominated by: Dr. Elizabeth Chadwick Burns

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Kelly Glasgow
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

W hen Kelly Glasgow isnt fulfilling her duties as Branford Elementary

Counselor, shes an extremely active member in the community. As a coordinator for the KidStart Program, Kelly is responsible for organizing donations for children in the area who are in need of supplies required to excel in the classroom. Kelly also has a hand in helping with Goodwill dinners, preparing Easter baskets for local children and making sure that children who are less fortunate have access to warm clothing and food during vacations. Kelly also goes above and beyond to make sure children who want to play sports at school are able to get the proper equipment and registration fees necessary to participate. Kelly is married with two children. Nominated by: Kim Teriele

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Michelle Hughes
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

hile being a single mother can have its challenges, Michelle Hughes has always worked to overcome those challenges and succeed. Since moving to Oswego County nearly 30 years ago, she has been a dedicated member of the community in Pulaski. Michelle is a member of the Preservation and Restoration of Pulaski Committee, is a St. Baldricks Cancer Research Benefit volunteer and a volunteer for the Pulaski Academy and Central Schools. Michelle also owns A Cut Above Full Service Salon, where she is the master stylist. During her down time, Michelle enjoys skiing and traveling. Nominated by: Tina Heckman

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Joanne Lazore
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

F or more than 30 years, the Village of Carthage has benefitted from the

dedication and love for community that is characteristic of Joanne Lazore. This loving wife and mother of six works at Carthage Augustinian-Academy as a Physical Education instructor. Joanne, who sees every opportunity as a chance to grow, has organized sports activities for area children for more than 30 years. She always gives to others without expecting any sort of acclaim or reward. Joanne has been recognized for her dedication in a number of ways: being named Carthage Citizen of the Year in 1999, and Dionne Rumble Post 7227 Veterans of Foreign Wars Volunteer of the Year in 1999. Nominated by: Elaine Avallone

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Cari McAvoy
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

n all that she does, its evident how important health awareness is to Cari McAvoy. From her career as a sexual health educator at North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council to volunteering annually at the First Frost AIDS walk in Watertown, Cari has made it her lifes passion to improve the quality of health in our communities. Its work that also includes educating students at Indian River Central School through the Teen AIDS Task Force and working with AIDS Community Resources in Watertown. A proud mother of a three year-old daughter, Grace, Cari also plays resident mom to the Carthage Augustinian Saints basketball teams consisting of elementary and junior high students. Cari has also served on the boards of both the Sci-Tech Center and AIDS Community Resources. In her free time, Cari enjoys spending time with Grace and her family, as well as watching the Syracuse University mens basketball team. Nominated by: Jason McAvoy

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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JoAnn Reed
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

J oAnn Reed has been Michelle Freislichs assistant at The Freilich Group for

20 years. She volunteers her time at her church, United Methodist, as Treasurer. She frequently gives of her time organizing fundraising events for her church as well as the Fire Department in Three Mile Bay. She also runs Caring for Cats out of her home, and takes in stray cats and kittens in need of special attention. Joann is known for going above and beyond to help a neighbor or anyone in need and was nominated for doing so much for the community without any thought for herself. Nominated by: Michelle Freislich

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Denise Simmons
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

F or Denise Simmons, theres no place that feels more like home than

the outdoors. The mother of three can often be found exploring nature right here in the North Country, fishing in our many rivers and streams and hunting in the deep wildernesses. Its a way of life for Denise, who volunteers with Baldwinsville Rod and Gun Club, Madison County Friends of the NRA, Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmens Clubs and has been involved with Central New York Friends of the NRA. In a world typically dominated by men in the past, Denise credits her grandfather and father for helping mold her appreciation for Mother Nature. Denise is thought by many to be a role model for other women with similar passion for the outdoors. In fact, to help attract more women to outdoor recreational opportunities, Denise serves as co-chair of the annual Women in Nature event that encourages women to take up hunting and fishing. Denise is known for advocating passionately for sportsmens rights, regularly meeting with lawmakers and community leaders to stand up for issues impacting outdoor recreation. In her spare timeyou guessed it Denise can be found outside. Nominated by: Stephen Wowelko

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Roxanne Stewart
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

A s a teacher, Roxanne Stewart helped mold the minds of countless

children in her native Fulton. So dedicated was Roxanne, that she even created an entire curriculum on the history of her hometown. Tying education with an appreciation of home is one of Roxannes many legacies. But, its what she has done since retiring from the education field that has helped create change and better the lives of many in our community. Through her position of president of the Resident Council at Michaud Residential Health Services, Roxanne has become a tireless advocate, pushing for better living conditions for nursing facilities. Roxanne has spearheaded campaigns to the President along with many state and local officials, pushing for a better life for the elderly. Despite dealing with the challenges presented by Multiple Sclerosis, Roxanne has worked tirelessly to better her community. Seen as a disability to some, Roxanne has never allowed that perceived setback to slow her down or stop her from making life better for others. Through her decades of selflessness, Roxanne has proven an inspiration to generations in her beloved Fulton. Nominated by: Diane Alder

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Imogene Wager
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

mogene Wager and her husband were part of the team that founded the St. Lawrence Valley chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, a small all-volunteer organization that helped improve the lives of those living with mental illness and their families. Imogene has served on the executive board and chaired different committees that helped organize parties and picnics for the residents of the St Lawrence Psychiatric Center. These parties have become the once a month Banana Split Sundays with Imogene and her husband purchasing the ingredients. Imogene has been recognized numerous times for her selflessness, and in 2003 received the United Way of Northern New York Giving Award in 2003 for her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of the mentally ill and their families. Nominated by: Lynne Matott

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Reverend Brenda Weissenberg

2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

A resident of Central Square, Reverend Brenda Weissenberg has long

been involved with the foster care program that led to the adoption of her daughter. She serves on the Board of Directors for Oswego County Foster Parents, Central Square Pop Warner, Hastings Mallory PTO, Parish Community Pre-School and the Fort Brewerton Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Rev. Weissenberg is the owner of Affordable Business Solutions. She serves as Assistant Pastor at the Mexico Church of God where she provides faith-based counseling programs and housing for abused young girls. In addition, she has also been instrumental in community food and clothing drives at the church. Rev. Weissenberg has also influenced and touched many through her sermons and radio testimonies. She is married and has a daughter. Nominated by: Dr. Ronald Russell

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Reverend Meredith Williams

2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

A resident of Oswego, Reverend Meredith Williams is a shining example

to her students both old and new. She is continually sought out for her wisdom, insight and compassion. Rev. Williams has touched many by sharing her experience of overcoming the untimely loss of her husband and child as well as providing spiritual help to those in need. Rev. Williams assists in food drives, facilitates Art Club, Christian Club and is an active member of Positive Behavioral Interventions. She is a teacher, Assistant Pastor, provides security for the church and is the owner of Trinity Art Studio. Rev. Williams councils teens, provides art credits for students who are home-schooled, and produces as well as hosts radio programs covering all of Central New York. Rev. Williams is a past recipient of Senator Ritchies Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. She is married with two children. Nominated by: Dr. Ronald Russell

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Susan C. Witmer
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

A resident of Oswego, Susan Witmers life has been dedicated to

volunteering. Throughout her life she has volunteered with Oswego Rotary, Rural Health Network of Oswego County, and Emergency Planning Committee for Oswego County, United Way Cayuga Community College, Oswego County Humane Society, Youth Soccer League and High School Sports Boosters. She was instrumental in the Stuff a Bus Bookmobile, Stone Soup canned food drive, Ronald McDonald House collection and Salvation Army canned food drives. Susan is an outstanding role model whose commitment to excellence has been a critical element in the success of the Cayuga Community College, Rotary and the community. She has encountered many obstacles and barriers, however, her diligent attitude never stopped her or the incredible impact she had on everyone she crossed paths with. Currently, Susan is the Director of Fulton Operations, Cayuga Community College. She has one adult son. Nominated by: Wendy King, Vernon A. Tryon, Ph.D., M. C. King, Melanie Trexler, Jeanne Unger

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Teresa Woolson
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

T eresa Woolson is a woman who took a tragedy in her own life and turned

it into a lesson that can help save others. A native of Oswego, in 2012, Teresa suffered the loss of her youngest child, Victor Woolson to synthetic drugs, which were purchased at a storefront. Since his death, Teresa has persevered without losing hope. She is the president and founder of the Victor Orlando Woolson Foundation, a non-profit organization created in her sons memory that aims to assist and educate the public in an effort to make the community a safer place. In addition, Teresas advocacy was also the catalyst behind comprehensive legislation addressing synthetic drugs in New York State. In addition to her work to halt the use of synthetic drugs, Teresa is also involved in a number other community organizations including Bridges out of Poverty, COACH, Friends of the Oswego Public Library, WNET, Vineyard Church and several others. For more than 20 years, Teresa has worked at Operation Oswego County, where she currently serves as Administrative Coordinator. She has been married since 1991 and, in addition to Victor, is the mother of two daughters. Nominated by: Angela Coville

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Lila Youngs
2014 Woman of Distinction Nominee

ila Youngs is described as a woman who helps until the job is done, never asking for more than a thank you. A resident of Richville, Lila is extremely involved in her community, always working to make things better for those who live there. She is involved in a number of organizations including the Council of Social Agencies, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Office of the Aging, 4-H, Cub Scouts and many more. In addition, she has also worked to create a brighter future for the young people of our region by volunteering as a Brownie leader and a Sunday school teacher. Lila devotes much of her time to volunteer activities such as the RVFD Ladies Auxiliary, the Town of De Kalb Revitalization and more. She also was a member of the villages Playground Committee, working alongside others to build a new playground for the community. Currently, Lila serves as the Richville Free Library Manager. She is married to Bud Youngs and has four children. Nominated by: Donna Deets and Linda Gilbo

The New York State Women of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Past Honorees
New York State Senate Women of Distinction 48th Senate District Muriel Allerton (2010) Janice L. Charles (2009) Nellie Coakley (2000) Sister M. Bethany Fitzgerald (2000) Cindy Intschert (2003) Mary McDonald Mascott (2007) Rosemary Nesbitt (2002) Marlene Norfolk (2004) Chloe Ann R. ONeil (1999) Jan Rebeor (2012) Karen Richmond (2011) Jean Robbins (2000) Rhonda Lyn Roethel (2013) Deborah Running (1999) Carolyn Rush (1999) Deborah F. Stanley (2006) Lana J. Taylor (2006) Suzanne Tingley (2007) Barbara N. Webber (2004)

Sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie

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