March is Women's History Month and Senator O'Mara is seeking local nominations for the Senate's 19th Annual 'Women of Distinction' tribute

Elmira, N.Y., February 29—March is Women’s History Month and State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) announced today that he is seeking nominations for the Senate's 19th annual "Women of Distinction" program to honor local women making outstanding contributions to area communities

The Senate's "Women of Distinction" program begins in March to coincide with a variety of Women's History Month celebrations in New York State.  In addition to the local nominating process, the Senate will also unveil, in mid-March, an historical exhibit in the Legislative Office Building in Albany paying tribute to "Women of Distinction" from throughout New York’s history. 

O’Mara and his Senate colleagues select one new “Woman of Distinction” honoree from their respective legislative districts annually.  This year’s honorees will be invited to an awards ceremony and reception in Albany in early May.

"The ‘Woman of Distinction’ tribute is a meaningful recognition.  I look forward to this annual opportunity to recognize an outstanding area citizen," said O’Mara, whose 58th Senate District encompasses all of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and part of Tompkins County (the city and town of Ithaca, and the towns of Enfield, Newfield and Ulysses).  "We all know someone who makes an enormous difference to the community at large.  Whether she is a service provider, a teacher going above and beyond the call of duty, a businesswoman, or simply a community resident known for her good deeds, I'd like to see her recognized."

In 2011, his first year in the Senate, O’Mara honored Carol Berry of Hornell, a long-time regional library professional and director of the Dormann Library in Bath.  Virginia “Ginny” Houseknecht of Watkins Glen, a local Cornell Cooperative Extension educator and leader, and founder of the Southern Tier Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, was the area “Woman of Distinction” in 2012.  Three years ago O’Mara paid tribute to Beverly “Bev” Stamp, co-owner and operator of Lakewood Vineyards in Schuyler County, and a beloved ambassador of New York State’s nationally and internationally renowned wine and grape industry.  In 2014, O’Mara recognized Lauren R. Snyder of Penn Yan, a well-known public health professional in Yates County who served as the county’s Public Health Director for 28 years before retiring in 2009.  Last year’s inductee was Linda Thomas, longtime owner and operator of the Wellsburg Diner in the village of Wellsburg.

Nominations for this year’s award must be received no later than Wednesday, March 30, 2016.  They can be submitted online HERE. 

A nomination form that can be downloaded, printed, filled out and returned to the senator is attached below. 

Forms can also be obtained by contacting Senator O'Mara HERE.