Senate Honors 'Women of Distinction'

Albany, N.Y.-- A longtime Steuben County dairy farm owner and a well-known volunteer in Chemung and Schuyler counties have been honored as "Women of Distinction" by State Senator Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) and his colleagues in the New York State Senate.

Virginia Meehan of Rexville (at left in photo above) and Maxine Neal of Watkins Glen represented Winner’s 53rd District and joined 61 other honorees from across New York State at the Senate’s 8th annual "Women of Distinction" tribute. The awards ceremony was held in Albany yesterday.

"I'm fortunate to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions and the service of these outstanding local citizens," said Winner, whose legislative district encompasses Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and a portion of Tompkins County.

The Senate's "Women of Distinction" program pays tribute to women statewide for their community service. The Senate program began in March to coincide with Women's History Month in New York State. Senators statewide selected honorees from their respective legislative districts.

Winner appointed a panel of community leaders to review the nominations he received and select his district’s "Women of Distinction." Those who served on Winner’s selection panel were: Jean S. Argetsinger of Schuyler County; Sister Marie Castagnaro, CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira; James Griffin, Executive Director of the Hornell Industrial Development Agency; John Kelley, Vice President and Dean of Student Development at Corning Community College; and Yates County Administrator Sarah Purdy.

Following are brief biographies of Winner’s 2005 "Women of Distinction":

> Virginia M. Greene Meehan, with her civic mindedness and brilliant agriculture marketing strategies, has been a diligent and steadfast woman and is noted in the community for her spirit of unity and cooperation. In 1984, she was elected as West Union Town Clerk and is currently serving her 11th consecutive term.

Besides her civic duties, for the past 60 years she, along with her husband, Francis, have owned and operated Frangin Farms in Rexville, Steuben County. While never envisioning a life in farming, Mrs. Meehan has now participated in just about every phase of the family dairy operation. Since 1953, they have bred registered Holsteins, marketed registered Holsteins throughout the world, and participated as members and leaders in numerous agricultural associations and clubs including the Allegany-Steuben Holstein Club, and the NYS and National Holstein Association. In 1989, they won the coveted Master Breeder Award from the NYS Holstein Association.

Mrs. Meehan has been a 4-H leader and is a lifetime member of the St. Mary’s Parish Church in Rexville. She has attended and contributed to the Parish for nearly 60 years, and in 1995, she served on the committee to plan the St. Mary’s 150th Anniversary celebration. Her tireless efforts also include fundraising for various medical charities and assisting other community members.

Town of West Union Health Officer and Historian Jeanne Thomson, who nominated Mrs. Meehan, said, "Virginia Meehan has served two decades as West Union Town Clerk. Her professionalism and compassion are widely recognized. No official has a finer reputation for fairness, integrity and efficiency."

> Maxine Neal and her many civic endeavors exemplify the spirit of a "woman of distinction." She embraces every board and committee she serves with total commitment. As Presidentof the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce, she brought cohesiveness to Schuyler, resulting in vital improvement to both the business and tourism communities.

To bring a higher level of professionalism to her position as chamber President, Ms. Neal attended and graduated from the Institute of Chamber Management, a six-year program at the University of Notre Dame. She is greatly respected throughout the Finger Lakes region and state for her industrious work in chamber development.

Ms. Neal’s efforts have benefited several organizations, including the Corning Community College Development Foundation Board of Directors and the Elmira College President’s Council. She also supports the Schuyler Hospital Foundation’s Family of Friends Committee and Volunteers for the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival Committee.

Ms. Neal has been recognized for her contributions by several organizations, including Volunteer of the Year by the American Red Cross and the Paul Harris Fellow recognition by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club. It has been said by those who have worked alongside Ms. Neal that serving as a volunteer is "food for her soul."

"It is wonderful to see our state government honor those women who give joy and dedication to their communities, just as Maxine Neal has. Her devotion toward Schuyler County and its people is beyond measure," said former Schuyler County legislator Patricia Hastings, who nominated Ms. Neal.

Click below onPHOTO GALLERY for additional photos from yesterday's awards ceremony.