Tom O’Mara is asking residents to help recognize outstanding local women by submitting nominations for the New York State Senate’s 28th annual “Women of Distinction” program.
Each year, state senators select one woman from their district who has made exceptional contributions through leadership, service, or volunteerism. Honorees are recognized during a ceremony in Albany in May.
The deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, March 11. Nominations can be submitted online through O’Mara’s website or by emailing his office directly.
O’Mara said the program shines a light on women who make a difference every day in their communities, whether through public service, education, healthcare, business, law enforcement, or volunteer efforts.
The 58th Senate District covers Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga and Yates counties, along with several towns in Allegany County.
Past “Women of Distinction” honorees from the district include:
- Carol Berry of Hornell, longtime library professional and director of the Dormann Library
- Virginia “Ginny” Houseknecht of Watkins Glen, longtime Cornell Cooperative Extension educator and founder of the Southern Tier Parkinson’s Disease Support Group
- Beverly “Bev” Stamp, co-owner of Lakewood Vineyards and ambassador for New York’s wine and grape industry
- Lauren R. Snyder of Penn Yan, former Yates County Public Health Director
- Linda Thomas, owner of the Wellsburg Diner and recipient of a U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Excellence Award
- Dawn R. Smith, Transition and Care Management Program Manager at the Bath VA Medical Center and veterans advocate
- Carmella Hoffmann, owner of Sunset View Creamery
- Kathryn J. Boor, Chemung County native and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University
- Pauline “Polly” Holbrook, longtime civic leader in Hornell and the Canisteo Valley
- Natasha Thompson, president and CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier
- Nancy Kirby, advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurship across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes
- Melinda Marquart, longtime Seneca County law enforcement professional and the county’s first female Undersheriff
- Leslie Church, chair of the Yates County Legislature and community leader
Residents who know someone deserving of recognition are encouraged to submit a nomination before the deadline.
