Caldwell honored as a Woman of Distinction

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) is pleased to announce that last month Christa Caldwell of Lockport was recognized as a 2011 New York State “Woman of Distinction.”

“Christa’s community service in Lockport is unmatched,” Senator Maziarz said.  “She is proud to call the city her home, and she has worked tirelessly to make it a better place.  I was honored to be able to salute everything she has accomplished and pay tribute to her shining example.”

Retiring as Director of the Lockport Public Library in 1996 after serving in that role for 15 years, Christa was credited with many accomplishments to better serve patrons, including the computerization of library materials, a multi-million dollar building addition, and impressive fundraising.  She continues to care deeply about library services and now serves as President of the NIOGA Library System Board of Trustees.

As a devoted community servant in the Lockport area, Christa has served on the Boards of Directors of many organizations over the years.  She has generously shared her time, talents, and leadership skills with groups such as the Lockport Jaycees, the Lockport Junior Services League, Eastern Niagara United Way, Niagara County Council of Girl Scouts, the Dale Association, First Niagara Financial Group and First Niagara Bank, the First Niagara Foundation, the Niagara Area Foundation, and the Grigg Lewis Foundation.  Christa also remains a very active member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church.

It seems that Christa has been as busy in retirement as she was during her work life.  Indeed, her record of service has raised the bar for what women can achieve when they work for the betterment of their community.

Christa Caldwell and other Women of Distinction from around New York State were honored at a special ceremony in Albany’s Legislative Office Building on May 24.  Each of the 62 State Senators nominated one deserving woman from his or her district for the recognition.

The Senate’s “Women of Distinction” program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity, or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.

#####