Senator Dale M. Volker Announces Patricia Standish, Sharen Trembath, And Karen Wolfson As New York State Senate Women Of Distinction Award Winners For The 59th S.d.

Senator Dale M. Volker (R-C-I, Depew) today announced that Patricia Standish of Wyoming County, Sharen Trembath of Erie County and Karen Wolfson of Livingston County have been awarded the 2005 New York State Senate Women of Distinction Award for the 59th Senate District for their contributions to enriching their communities.

"The Woman of Distinction program was created in 1998 as part of our state's celebration of Women’s History Month to honor exemplary women from across New York State whose singular professional or personal achievements, commitment to excellence and accomplishments merit special recognition," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "All three of these women exemplify what the "Women of Distinction Awards" are all about. These wonderful women have shown commitment to excellence and dedication to helping the handicap and disabled, and enriching all of our lives." Said Senator Volker.

Patricia Standish:

Pat Standish is known to many simply as the "Angel Lady". This comes from the fact that Pat founded and operates the Angel Action program at Wyoming County Community Action , Inc - a not-for-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the disadvantaged. During the early 1990’s, Pat sadly found herself widowed with 2 children and an invalid mother-in-law to care for. Community Action was able to help her through its Weatherization and HOME programs. Later, when Pat served as a member of the Community Action Board, she saw that publicly funded agencies were limited in what kind of assistance they could provide and, she wanted "to give something back". This was the start of the "Circle of Giving" which states that when you are in need and are given help, the greatest gift you can give back is your time and talents to help others. Angel Action is a group made totally made up of volunteers who do just that. Everything that Angel Action provides to families is a direct result of an act of generosity by someone who has donated items, dollars or hours to assist the program. Angel Action keeps nothing for itself - every dollar goes directly to help those in need. Angel Action also "spread its wings" to the next generation. Pat co-founded United Schools in Action which is based in Wyoming County. Young students spend time in nursing homes, tutored seniors in computers, provided books on tape, called to "check on" seniors living alone in their homes, shovel driveways and raked lawns among other things. National and world-wide companies such as Fisher-Price and Walmart have joined with Pat in providing funding and items for the less fortunate. No job is too small or too big for this organization. Angel Action is continuing to "spread its wings" and is now operating through 19 Community Action Agencies in 24 counties.

-MORE-

Sharen Trembath:

Since 1989 Sharon has been the coordinator for over 2,000 volunteers to log and remove debris along the shoreline for the "Annual Great Lakes Beach Sweep". With little or no budget, and no scientific background, she first tackled the medical waste that was polluting the shoreline. Then she tackled the problem of not only where it came from, but finding someone to listen to her. Among other things, these volunteers have "collected" the following: broken CD’s, beer bottles, newspapers, empty boxes, Styrofoam containers, plastic containers, clothes, and cigarette butts. Twice a year, Sharen has cleaned Little Sister Creek as part of the Adopt a Lake Program. An avid environmentalist, she founded the Balloon Alert Project to educate the public on the dangers of massive balloon launches, mans booths and tables at various environmental activities throughout Erie County and has successfully lobbied government to protect the counties parklands. She volunteers at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Channel 17’s "Great Auction", News Neediest Fund, Buffalo Zoo, American Red Cross , Little League, Lake Shore Hospital, as well as both girl scouts and cub scouts. Sharen has received numerous awards for her commitment to the environment and her citizenship. With little or no budget, no scientific background, she persevered until she found where waste was coming from and someone to listen to her concerns.

Karen Wolfson:

Karen Wolfson truly possesses the attributes outline in the spirit of this program. She is an invaluable member of the team in the workplace; and established herself as an example for others to follow. Her smile and pleasant greeting along with her outgoing demeanor provides customers with a feeling of ease and familiarity. Karen works as a mentor to new or struggling employees what it means to be part of a team that exceeds expectations. On a personal level, after raising 4 remarkable sons who have gone on to serve our county, Karen and her husband adopted 4 young boys and gave them the opportunity of growing up in a stable, loving household with opportunities that they would not have otherwise had. Karen is a hardworking, strong woman who has always helped others in need. She has served as treasurer of the American Red Cross , a Youth Group Leader in her church, and part of the Big Sister Program. Karen also enjoys gardening, hiking, quilting, crosstitching, and knitting.

The Woman of Distinction program was created in 1998 as part of New York State’s celebration of Women’s History Month to honor exemplary women from across the state whose singular professional or personal achievements merit special recognition.

-30-