O'Mara kicks off Women's History Month by accepting local nominations for Senate's 17th Annual 'Women of Distinction' program

Elmira, N.Y., February 28—Kicking off New York State’s celebration of Women’s History Month throughout March, Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) announced that he is accepting nominations for the Senate's 17th annual "Women of Distinction" program to honor local women making outstanding contributions to area communities.

The deadline for submitting a nomination is Monday, March 24, 2014.

"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, as his inaugural “Woman of Distinction.”

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.

Last year, 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.

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 13, 2014.  

Nominations must be received no later than Monday, March 24th.  

They can be submitted online HERE.

A downloadable nomination form is attached below, which can be printed, filled out and returned to any of O'Mara's offices.  

Forms can also be requested by emailing a request to omara@nysenate.com, or by calling any of O'Mara's offices.