Sen. Young Honors Two as “Women of Distinction”

Mrs. Betty Flynn of Mount Morris and Mrs. Maclain Berhaupt  of Jamestown honored at ceremony in Albany

ALBANY - State Senator Cathy Young (R,C,I – Olean) honored two local women at the State Capitol in Albany yesterday at the annual prestigious “Women of Distinction” ceremony.  Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Flynn of Mount Morris and Mrs. Maclain Berhaupt of  Jamestown were recognized for dedicating themselves to improving the quality of life in their respective communities.

            Mrs. Flynn, has made an extensive contribution to improving the quality of life in Livingston County as an outstanding teacher, volunteer and community leader.  Betty has served on the Board of Trustees of the Mount Morris library for more than 35 years.  Her fundraising efforts have allowed the library to expand its services and programs. 

            Betty is well known as a volunteer for many local organizations including the Genesee Valley Council of the Arts, Livingston County Cancer Society, Catholic Charities and the food pantry in Mount Morris.  For these efforts Betty has received many honors including being named Senior Citizen of the year in Mount Morris in 2003.  Betty is the widowed mother of three sons and has four grandchildren. 

            “Betty Flynn truly defines what it means to be a Woman of Distinction,” said Senator Young.  “She has spent her life devoted not only to her wonderful family, but to her volunteer work and achieving positive results for Livingston County.  She deserves to be recognized for all the work she has done to improve the lives of her community.  Allegany County is a much better place because of Betty Flynn.”

            Maclain Berhaupt, a lifelong resident of Chautauqua County, has been instrumental in community and economic development work throughout the region.  Maclain is currently the Director of Urban Design Plan for the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation.  In this role she has been the driving force behind the City of Jamestown’s award-winning plan to redevelop its downtown area. 

            Prior to serving in her current position, Maclain was the Director of Planning and Development for the City of Dunkirk, where she was instrumental in spearheading downtown and waterfront development.  Her efforts were recognized in 2008 when she was chosen the recipient of the Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award.  Maclain and her husband Justin live in the city of Jamestown.

            “Maclain Berhaupt has successfully worked very hard to stimulate economic growth in Chautauqua County,” said Senator Young.  “Her drive and commitment to a variety of issues has greatly impacted the lives of those in her community.  She has dedicated herself to common sense approaches that have moved Jamestown and all of Chautauqua County forward.  ”  

            The Women of Distinction program was created in 1998 as part of the 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.  Honorees are selected from nominations submitted from across the state.

            Previous winners in the annual event have included leading women from the worlds of business, academics and civic life, as well as those who have performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries or provided examples of personal excellence against difficult odds.

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