Senator Fuschillo Presents Lisa Williams Schary WITH Senate’s “Woman of Distinction” Award

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently presented North Bellmore resident Lisa Williams Schary with the New York State Senate’s Woman of Distinction award. Senator Fuschillo selected Ms. Schary for the honor.

     Senator Fuschillo (center) presented Ms. Schary (left) and her husband Richard (right) with a copy of the biography and photo which were displayed in the Legislative Office Building as part of an exhibit honoring the Women of Distinction from across New York State. Additionally, Senator Fuschillo presented Ms. Schary with a copy of a legislative resolution passed by the Senate honoring Ms. Schary and the other women of distinction from across the state for their contributions to the residents of New York State.

     Lisa Williams Schary is a dedicated environmental advocate with a love for nature and a passion for both preserving and photographing it. She earned a Bachelor’s from Hofstra University, a Master’s from Adelphi University, and spent her career as an educator. After retiring, Ms. Schary began devoting her time and energy to protecting and preserving Long Island’s remaining open spaces so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

     Lisa and her husband Richard founded the Friends of the Massapequa Preserve, a non-profit organization which protects, cares for, and conserves the Preserve’s 423 acres of undeveloped woods, ponds, lakes, and fresh water wet-lands that is home to hundreds of plant and animal species. Since the organization’s inception, she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and educate residents about this natural treasure in their own community, sponsoring educational programs and even producing a video documentary that has been used in local schools and libraries.

     Ms. Schary is a founding and current board member of the Friends of Norman Levy Preserve and the Friends of Tackapausha Preserve, and sits on the boards of many other environmental organizations, including the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference and the New York State Department of Transportation’s Scenic Bikeways Committee.

     An avid hiker, Ms. Schary has led scores of educational nature hikes across Long Island and was a dynamic force behind the creation of the Wantagh Nature Trail and Trailview State Park. She has also supervised over 30 Eagle Scout community projects dealing with environmental preservation.

     Lisa and Richard Schary reside in North Bellmore. She is the proud step-mother of Brad and Jennifer and step-grandmother of Jared and Rebecca Schary.

     The Senate’s “Women of Distinction” program recognizes outstanding women living and working in New York State whose contributions have greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond.