Senate Honors Local 'Woman Of Distinction'

Albany, N.Y.-- Gale E. Wolfe, Director of Environmental Services for Chemung County and owner of Gale’s Equine Facility in Big Flats, was honoredTuesday as a "Woman of Distinction" by State Senator Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) and his colleagues in the New York State Senate.

Wolfe, who was nominated for the award by Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli and the entire staff of the Chemung County Sewer Districts, represented Winner’s 53rd District and joined honorees from across New York State at the Senate’s 9th annual "Women of Distinction" tribute. The awards ceremony was held in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

"I'm fortunate to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions and service of an outstanding local citizen like Gale Wolfe," said Winner, whose legislative district encompasses Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and a portion of Tompkins County. "She stands for quality and excellence in her professional life and in her dedication to the community."

A Southern Tier native who has lived in the town of Big Flats nearly all her life, Wolfe was appointed Chemung County’s environmental services director in 2003. She manages the facilities of the Chemung County Sewer Districts along with overseeing the activities of the county Solid Waste Management District. Under Wolfe’s direction the facilities, including the award-winning Milton Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, have earned national recognition for their operations and safety.

Wolfe also owns and manages the well-known Gale’s Equine Facility, one of the Southern Tier’s largest horse boarding and riding facilities. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County and leads the 4-H horse group "Carousel" through which she volunteers her time teaching clinics and assisting horse shows for the youth programs.

Wolfe is a graduate of Corning Community College (CCC) and Cornell University. In 2001 she was awarded an Outstanding Alumni Award from CCC.

The Senate's "Women of Distinction" program began in March to coincide with Women's History Month in New York State. This year senators statewide selected one honoree from their respective legislative districts. Winner appointed a panel of community leaders to review the nominations he received and select his district’s "Woman of Distinction."