O'Mara seeking nominations for Senate's 16th Annual 'Women of Distinction' tribute

Elmira, N.Y., February 25—As part of New York State’s celebration of Women’s History Month throughout March, Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) announced today that he is accepting nominations for the Senate's 16th annual "Women of Distinction" program to honor local women making outstanding contributions to area communities.

The deadline for submitting a nomination is Friday, April 5, 2013.

"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).

In 2011, his first year in the Senate, O’Mara honored Carol Berry of Hornell, a long-time regional library professional and currently director of the Dormann Library in Bath, as his inaugural “Woman of Distinction.”

Last year’s honoree was Virginia “Ginny” Houseknecht of Watkins Glen, a long-time area Cornell Cooperative Extension educator and leader, and founder of the Southern Tier Parkinson’s Disease Support Group.  

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 once again unveil, in mid-March, an historical exhibit 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 on Tuesday, May 7, 2013. 

"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," said O’Mara.

Nominations must be returned to O’Mara’s office no later than Friday, April 5th. 

Nomination forms can be obtained by emailing a request HERE, or by calling any of the senator’s offices. 

You can also print out and return the attached nomination form below, or submit a nomination online HERE.