Senator Flanagan Honors Local "women Of Distinction"

Albany – Chosen by New York State Senator John J. Flanagan (R,C-East Northport) for their extraordinary accomplishments and contributions as New Yorkers, Kings Park’s Rosalyn Haber and Northport’s Kate Kelly were both honored as outstanding women across New York State at the 2005 "Women of Distinction" program held in Albany on June 14. The program is sponsored by the New York State Senate.

"It is an honor to recognize and pay tribute to Rosalyn Haber and Kate Kelly," Senator Flanagan said.

"For the last 12 years, Mrs. Haber has volunteered at the Huntington Breast Cancer Coalition, where her expertise and caring ways are invaluable as she ensures that each woman’s needs are met once they are diagnosed with breast cancer. Rosalyn makes a significant difference in the lives of many others, without demand for recognition. Without her help, the HBCAC simply could not do what it does," Senator Flanagan added.

"Kate Kelly, a published poet and visual artist, is an enterprising force in the arts community of Long Island. Instrumental in bringing artists together, Ms. Kelly is a founder of the Northport Arts Coalition, which is devoted to showcasing Long Island artists, writers and musicians," Senator Flanagan added.

Rosalyn Haber -- Rosalyn Haber is totally committed to three things in her life: her husband of 51 years, Herbert; her family; and the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition (HBCAC). Recently diagnosed patients and family members often struggle with simple -- and not so simple -- demands on daily life. That’s where Rosalyn Haber fits in. As Co-Chair of the HBCAC’s Lend A Helping Hand program, Mrs. Haber is personally involved with helping to provide support services. Under her wings, these free services have expanded to include house cleaning, transportation to treatment, prescription assistance, and an integrated wellness program.

Mrs. Haber’s passion for helping others was instilled in her by her Russian immigrant parents. From them she learned to love and respect the opportunities afforded to citizens of this country, along with the importance of being actively involved in community affairs.

"This recognition is not only an honor for me personally, but an affirmation of the importance of community volunteerism. Breast cancer awareness has been heightened through the efforts of New York State representatives, such as Senators John J. Flanagan and Carl L. Marcellino", says Rosalyn Haber, board member of Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition.

"We are thrilled our Rosalyn Haber was chosen to represent a "Woman of Distinction" in New York State. Under her wings, as Co-Chair of Huntington’s Lend A Helping Hand program our services have expanded over the years. If someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, we’re only a phone call away. HBCAC offers free support services to all Huntington residents, such as house cleaning, transportation to treatment, prescription assistance, emergency medical supplies, and our new integrated wellness program. All of our services would not have "gotten off the ground" if it weren’t for dedicated volunteers such as Rosalyn Haber. Thank you, Senator Flanagan for choosing such a champion woman", says Karen Joy Miller, President, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition.

Kate Kelly -- As Assistant Director of the Northport Historical Society & Museum, Kate Kelly coordinated "Sundays at Seven," a venue for artists to share their talents. In addition, she helped found its annual Do Art show, which is notable not only for its visual impact, but also for the wide range of techniques and materials utilized. She is coordinator and judge of the "Huntington Youth Writes," a contest for students in grades 4-12 covering the genres of poetry, essays, short fiction and drama. Now in its sixth year, the contest has grown from 700 submissions to over 1,500 last year.

In addition to being a dynamic promoter of the arts, for two decades she has been writing and presenting poetry that has been hailed as poignant, witty and richly phrased. In addition to her collection of poems, Barking at Sunspots, her poetry has also been published in numerous magazines, and she is an associate editor of the online poetry magazine, Poetry Bay. She has widely exhibited her art, has been featured participant in a number of festivals and is a member of the Bare Bones Theater Company in Northport.

All of the honorees received their "Woman of Distinction" awards at a special ceremony in Albany, where other recipients from across the State were also honored. Launched in 1998, the "Women of Distinction" program was created to celebrate the rich heritage of notable women from New York's past as well as to honor outstanding women today who have followed their example.

For more information on the Women of Distinction ceremony, visit Senator Flanagan’s web site at www.senatorflanagan.com.