SENATOR MARCHIONE RECOGNIZES, CELEBRATES AND HONORS EIGHT LOCAL WOMEN AS PART OF HER 2013 “WOMEN OF DISTINCTION PROGRAM” IN HALFMOON

For Immediate Release: May 31, 2013

Contact: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-2381, fitzpatr@nysenate.gov   

SENATOR MARCHIONE RECOGNIZES, CELEBRATES AND HONORS EIGHT LOCAL WOMEN AS PART OF HER 2013 “WOMEN OF DISTINCTION PROGRAM” IN HALFMOON

As part of her 2013 “Women of Distinction Program,” Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) recognized, celebrated and honored eight Women of Distinction Local Honorees during a special ceremony held last night in the Halfmoon Town Hall. The Honorable Ann C. Crowell, New York State Supreme Court Justice for the Fourth Judicial District – a 2012 Woman of Distinction herself, and the first woman ever elected to the bench to serve New York’s 11-County Fourth Judicial District – was Master of Ceremonies for the event. 

            Senator Marchione also thanked her 2013 Women of Distinction Advisory Panel that helped her select the 2013 Woman of Distinction for the 43^rd Senate District. The Advisory Panel consisted of: Sheila Lobdell of West Sand Lake; Susan Reynolds of Easton, and Linda Sharpe of Germantown. 

“As I said when my office first announced our Women of Distinction Program for 2013: every woman is a Woman of Distinction. I was proud to showcase our local honorees to recognize, celebrate and honor their lives and their works,” Senator Marchione said.    

The following is biographical information for the eight women Senator Marchione honored during her local Women of Distinction Ceremony in Halfmoon.

Dr. Kari W. Bovenzi of Wynantskill 

Kari Bovenzi, MD., is the 2013 “Woman of Distinction” for the 43^rd Senate District and is a pediatrician, and owner of Genesis Pediatrics, and has dedicated her career to helping others. Putting herself through college and medical school, she graduated from SUNY Bu­ffalo and Albany Medical College, and earned her Master’s in Counseling from SUNY Albany. Dr. Bovenzi speaks out to help raise public awareness of the growing regional concern of Lyme Disease. She has assisted many families doing personal battle with the challenges of Lyme Disease at her pediatric practice. 

A selfless volunteer, Dr. Bovenzi is very active in the community. She served as a volunteer with the Kid’s Celebration Children’s Ministry at Grace Fellowship, a board member of Alpha Pregnancy Care Center and Loudonville Christian School. Dr. Bovenzi served as Co-chair of Capital Region Heart Gallery, an organization formed to assist older children and sibling groups who are waiting for adoption. Dr. Bovenzi was a recipient of the Capital Region Leaders in Business Award and the Community Leading Women Award. She is a Diplomat of National Board of Medical Examiners, has received the American Academy of Pediatrics Residency Scholarship Award. 

She also has received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Research Endeavors and has been named to the Dean’s List. She held positions of Adjunct Professor at SUNY Albany, Physician at the Emma Willard School and as WGY Radio’s Children’s Wellness Doctor. When not devoting her time and talents to help others, Dr. Bovenzi lives in Rensselaer County with her husband Chris, Elvia, Charlotte and Elijah. She is a loving grandmother and finds time to enjoy sewing, the violin and gourmet cooking. Dr. Bovenzi’s life and work helping children and serving the Capital Region testify to her character, courage and commitment as an inspirational woman of distinction. Dr. Kari Bovenzi was nominated by Christopher Bovenzi. 

Kris Brock of Schaghticoke 

Kris Brock owns Unc Brock’s Quality Corn and is very involved in community and civic organizations. She is the organizational 4-H leader of Hooves, Paws and Claws Club, 1996 to 2007; 4-H Cattle Program Development Committee member, 1996 to 2007; served on the Rensselaer County 4-H livestock auction committee and served as chair, from 2005 to present. She was twice elected, and served two terms as a 4-H program development committee member from 2002 to 2007. In 2003, she was the vice president of 4-H program development committee.  

She is representative to the Board of Directors from the committee from 2012 to present, and a CCE Agriculture Program Development committee member. She also served on the committee of the Mechanicville/Stillwater Breast Cancer Awareness Walk for several years. Kris has interest in many things including learning, helping others, farming, catering, promoting dairy and agriculture. She also has been accepted as a member of the Cornell University LEAD NY, class 14.  

In addition, Kris is a two-year study group leader for NY agriculture. She has learned to get the cooperation of diverse people from all walks of life to accomplish good for her community and beyond. One of Kris’s major accomplishments has been mentoring her daughter and numerous youth in her community through 4-H and the Dairy Princess program. She is selfless and leads by example. Kris Brock was nominated by Maryclaire Mayes.

Darlene A. DeLancey of Green­field 

Darlene DeLancey is the Deputy Network Director for VA Health Care Upstate, NY. She directs the management, operations and clinical programs for Veterans in over 20 care sites in the VA Health Care Upstate New York. She has demonstrated, and exercised, outstanding leadership skills to allow for the quality of care of our veteran’s population. Through her eff­orts, services to all veterans including women veterans, homeless veterans and returning veterans have improved. Darlene has been employed by the Veterans Health Administration for the past 23 years. She currently volunteers as the Vice President of the Federal Executive Association of Northeast NY. Darlene has been a volunteer for the Saratoga County 4-H, Geyser Road School, and the Saratoga Booster Club for lacrosse, football and hockey. 

She has a BS Degree in Medical Technology and a Master of Science Degree in Program Development and Evaluation and in Adult Education from the University of Albany. Her many awards and achievements include American Society of Clinical Pathologist, American College of Health Care Executives, and VA, VHA, Leadership VA program. Darlene has received many awards and recognitions for her community service, including Who’s Who Among Women Executives, Under VA Secretary for Health Innovations Award, Community Education Partnership Award and the Public Service Award. Darlene lives in the Town of Greenfield. She is married and has 2 children. She has found a way to balance her work, career and family. Darlene DeLancey was nominated by Je­ffrey D. Wilkinson. 

Jane Ehrlich of Valatie 

Jane Ehrlich is former President & Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson. Jane has given her time and energy to serve the Hudson community. During Jane’s 18-year leadership, Columbia Memorial Hospital evolved from near bankruptcy in early 1994 to the second largest employer in Columbia County. Her vision built the Kellner Wing, which includes the new Emergency Department and Surgical Suites, the Medical Office Building and parking garage, the renovation of what was the Cavell House to be leased to NY Hematology/Oncology, and the addition of 29 outpatient clinics.  

She is credited with foresight to bring onboard the amazing CFO, Vince Dingman, who has made Columbia Memorial Hospital financially viable. Throughout the entire period of her community service, Jane stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor. Jane has shown impressive dedication for the benefit of others throughout her life. Jane Ehrlich was nominated by Vanessa J. Slominski. 

Wendy Guntert of Hillsdale 

Wendy Guntert is a Columbia County Deputy Sheriff­ and also serves her community as a DARE Officer. As a DARE Officer, she has been a positive role model to students in several Columbia County schools. She has 4 years military service serving in the US Air Force Security Police. Wendy has always been extremely determined and passionate about what she believes in. 

Her achievements include Zone 14 Policy Academy. She was instrumental in getting the program qualified under the GI Bill for herself, and all future veterans of the military. Her Community Awards and recognitions are many. She was named Regional Explorer Post Advisor of the Year by Boy Scouts of America in 2009. She has worked closely with several communities to establish neighborhood watch groups. She’s very involved in her community. In 2011, she founded Everlasting Hope Animal Rescue (EHAR) and has since saved over 1,000 dogs and cats. EHAR dogs participated in the Sheri­’s Department “New Leash on Life” program at the Columbia County Jail. EHAR has been active in raising public awareness of preventive veterinary care, and the importance of spaying and neutering to avoid overpopulation of unwanted pets. She was married on April 18, 2013. Wendy Guntert was nominated by Linda Guntert. 

Stana Hemstreet Iseman of Cambridge 

Stana Hemstreet Iseman is the consummate community volunteer. As the President of the Junior League of Albany, she presided over the creation of Albany’s first domestic violence shelter. She has held various posts with St. Luke’s Episcopal church. By creation and administration of the Gloria Elhat Palmer Trust & Healthy Sunday’s program she’s improved access to healthcare for underserved by providing free diagnostic screening and follow up care. Stana has recently returned from a mission trip to Peru. Through her committee work she helped develop a comprehensive plan for the Town of Cambridge. Stana has actively participated in acquiring grant funding for training and finding alternative employment for the developmentally disabled. She is a 25-year member of the Knickerbocker Historical Society, Inc., currently serving as treasurer, grant writer and project director. The Knickerbocker Mansion is a 230- year-old historic house in Schaghticoke along the Hoosic River.  

25 years ago, Stana noticed the building had deteriorated so much that the front door in the front lawn. She spearheaded efforts to bring the mansion back to its former grandeur. As the Mansion’s grant writer she has secured over $600,000 in grants that have saved the mansion from destruction. Stana serves as one of the Knickerbocker Mansion’s docents. She organizes fundraisers and is a character with the Living History program.  

She paints, wallpapers, bakes, cooks, serves authentic colonial meals and on occasion can be seen on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor. The Knickerbocker Mansion stands today, with all four walls, front door, windows, roof, interior furnishing and fireplace system, because of the hard work and dedication of Stana Iseman. Stana lives in Cambridge, graduated from Hoosic Valley Central Schools, Westminster College, and received her Master’s Degree at SUNY Albany.  She taught foreign language in public school for many years. She is married and raised 7 children. Stana Hemstreet Iseman was nominated by Leslie Allen. 

Shirley McThenia of Stuyvesant 

Shirley is well known throughout the Ichabod Crane School District and credited with dedicated service to her church, community & school district. Shirley’s work history started the day after she graduated high school when she was immediately hired by the Frederick Board of Education as an Account Clerk. She received recognition of her excellent work as a student with the school banking program. Over the next decades, Shirley and her growing family followed her husband’s work across the US and finally to the Capital District.  

Shirley was an active volunteer and contributor everywhere she went. She recalls a lady from church when she was younger being influential in determining what kind of woman Shirley would be in life: a Godly woman of service. Shirley served as a parent volunteer and Support Staff­ Substitute in the Ichabod Crane School District. She was employed by the District from 1994 until her retirement. After her retirement, Shirley went on to serve as the district claims auditor and a substitute clerk typist and is a familiar face in the offices of Ichabod Crane School where she typically and graciously brings home-baked goodies to share with colleagues. 

She has served as a volunteer member of the Tri-Village Columbia Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for over 20 years, and serves as the chairwoman. She volunteers with fundraisers and the “2^nd Hand Show” with proceeds benefiting “Operation United.”

She has been a blood donor with the American Red Cross and donates not only red blood cells, but also blood platelets, which is a more lengthy and invasive process. She won the Service Award from Columbia Memorial Hospital for over 1,000 hours of volunteer service and was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Stockport for Years, serving on Altar Guild committee, the Vestry and the Episcopal Church Women as Treasurer and Vice President. Shirley McThenia was nominated by Shannon Shine. 

Julia Johnson Rothenberg, Ph.D. of Canaan

Dr. Julia Johnson Rothenberg attended Grinnell College. After obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree at Yale University, she devoted herself to a long period of teaching and research. She worked especially with disturbed, delinquent adolescents and received an annual award as Outstanding Young Woman of Connecticut. In NY, she acquired a doctorate in Educational Psychology at SUNY Albany and joined the faculty of the School of Education at Sage Colleges in Troy. There she taught teachers and other educators at the bachelor’s and  master’s levels, almost all of whom have gone on to apply her very creative, eff­ective teaching methods throughout NY and elsewhere.  

Over and over, her students have written to her, or returned, to tell her of their achievements based on her training. While at Sage, she also carried out a good deal of research in classroom teaching factors, as well as parent-teacher relationships in the Albany schools. As a result, she rose to become the first full Professor of Education in the history of Sage education departments and schools. 

Throughout all these periods, Dr. Rothenberg was also developing her considerable skills as an artist. She is now engaged in painting full time in the mode of abstract landscapes locally, nationally and internationally. She has had numerous exhibitions in Columbia and Albany counties, as well as New York City. She is about to have a solo exhibit at the Gallery of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce. An accomplished pianist, she’s skilled and outstanding in many ways. Julia is married with 3 step-children and 8 grandchildren. Dr. Julia Johnson Rothenberg was nominated by Albert Rothenberg, M.D.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Attached with this press release, is a jpg of Senator Marchione with her “Women of Distinction” 2013 Class of Local Honorees during their recent recognition ceremony in Halfmoon.

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