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SPONSORED BY S E N ATO R PAT T Y R I T C H I E

PATTY RITCHIE
Dear Friends, The New York State Senates Women of Distinction program celebrates the unique contributions of women throughout New York State history, as well as those who are enriching the quality of life in our communities today. These women have playedand continue to playcrucial roles in New Yorks political, social and economic development. As your State Senator, I am proud to recognize all the Women of Distinction from the 48th Senate District; especially those honorees and nominees who we celebrate today. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do. Sincerely,

S E N ATO R

April 2013

Senator Patty Ritchie 48th Senate District

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Past Honorees
New York State Senate Women of Distinction 48th Senate District Jan Rebeor Karen Richmond Muriel Allerton Janice L. Charles Nellie Coakley Cindy Intschert Sister M. Bethany Fitzgerald Mary McDonald Mascott Rosemary Nesbitt Marlene Norfolk Chloe Ann R. ONeil Jean Robbins Deborah Running Carolyn Rush Deborah F. Stanley Lana J. Taylor Suzanne Tingley Barbara N. Webber

Sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie

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Rhonda Lyn Roethel
2013 Woman of Distinction

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honda Lyn Roethel has worked behind the scenes for many years to make her community a better place to live. She is employed as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service, co-founded America 1 Realty, is a partner in NAC Logistics and co-owns Hotzenmore LLC. She is also a charter member and former president of the Lisbon Lions Club. Over the years, she helped organize the regional Lions Club Lumberjack Shows, Lions Childrens Carnivals, Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk, and helped found Ogdensburgs Holiday Light Up the Night Parades. As president of the Lisbon Lions, she led the local e ort to adopt soldiers in Afghanistan. She is a member of Pro Musica, plays percussion and vocals with New York State Fiddle Champion Don Woodcock, is active with Ogdensburgs Ogtoberfest Committee, has been an active fundraiser for the Seaway Festival and was instrumental in relighting the Ogdensburg Harbor Lighthouse in 2011.

Nominated by: Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandra Porter

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Dr. Kiri Brandy

2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

Dr. Kiri Brandy is a general surgeon with a very busy practice in

Ogdensburg at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. A native of Massachusetts, Dr. Brandy came to Claxton-Hepburn in 2008. Along with her general surgery practice, she also specializes in breast health and wellness, and was the driving force in establishing the Breast Health Center at the medical center. She often volunteers her time for breast exams and colon cancer screenings through a free program o ered at the medical center. Her years of schooling, diligence and passion for what she does have enabled Dr. Brandy to meet the demands and time restraints of a thriving surgical practice with care, commitment and expertise given equally to each patient she attends to. In her spare time, Dr. Brandy enjoys spending time with her family. Nominated by: Debra Piercey

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Daryl (Dee) Brown

2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

A resident of Redwood, Daryl (Dee) Brown has spent her life helping

others. Most notably, Dee initiated and pursued the Redwood Safe Water Project, which after eight years was ultimately successful in providing safe, clean water to those residing in Redwood. Additionally, Dee also is a strong advocate for the mentally ill, and served on the St. Lawrence County Community Services Board for four years as a patient advocate for those with mental illnesses. Married to Reverend Gene Brown, Dee is extremely active in her church, and has organized Vacation Bible Schools, church meals, and other outreach initiatives. Dee is also founder and past president of the Redwood Historical Society as well as a member and past chief of the Redwood Fire Department Womens Auxiliary. Dee and her husband have two children and several grandchildren. Nominated by: Susan Weidler and Nell Schneider

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Kelly Chezum
2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

about the values of entrepreneurship and hard work; qualities which have enabled her to achieve success in her career. In her 10 years at Clarkson University, Dr. Chezum rose to her current position as Vice President for External Relations, where she leads the colleges integrated marketing communications and long-range planning activities. She also serves as Assistant Secretary of the Clarkson University Board of Trustees. Dr. Chezum also is involved in a number of community and volunteer activities including serving as a work group member for the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, and serving as past president of Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley. She has received a number of awards for her accomplishments, including being recognized by Clarksons highest honor society, Phalanx. Dr. Chezum is married and has one child. Nominated by: Matthew Flynn III

G rowing up on a farm in rural Iowa, Dr. Kelly Chezum learned a lot

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Rose Edward
2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

A resident of St. Lawrence County, Rose Edwards life has been

dedicated to volunteering. Rose began giving back by volunteering to help care for the elderly. Throughout her life, she has volunteered with Students for Action, Parent to Parent of Seaway Valley and the Salvation Army. Rose is also a former board member and parent liaison for NRCILs Families Together in the North Country. In the past she was very active in raising awareness of childrens mental health issues. Today, she has switched her focus to raising awareness and funds for type 1 Diabetes through the Cure-iers organization. Rose is married with one child. Nominated by: Richard Edward

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Jody Fiorini

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2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

Providing the people of Central New York with a safe place to grow and

heal is just one of the many things that Jody Fiorini has accomplished. Jody is a graduate of Binghamton University, SUNY Oneonta and Syracuse University. Currently an Associate Professor of Counseling and Psychological Services at SUNY Oswego, Jody is also owner and clinical director of Creekside Counseling Servicesan endeavor which many say is her biggest accomplishment. According to those who nominated her, Jody saw a public need for a ordable outpatient mental health care services and opened the doors to Creekside Counseling Services in 2010. An award-winning published author, Jody is also the recipient of a number of awards including the Presidents Award for Excellence in Academic Advising at SUNY Oswego. She is also active in her community through the Je erson County Suicide Prevention Collation, the SUNY Oswego Crisis Response Team, Red Cross Disaster Response and many others. Jody is married with two children. Nominated by: The Counselors at Creekside Counseling Services

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

n Oswego County, cultural and artistic opportunities have increased in recent years, and thats thanks in part to Nancy Fox. A resident of Fulton, Nancy Fox is the founder, president and executive director of CNY Arts Center. Through her passion for CNY Arts, she has expanded cultural o erings for the community and helped to generate a signi cant economic impact for the region through the organization. Nancys career has led her to involvement in a variety of arts-related organizations including Theophilus, the Valley News, the Syracuse Opera, Syracuse Stage and Stage Right, which she founded. Nancy is also actively involved in a number of community organizations including the Red Creek Community Players, the Oswego Players, the Fulton Community Players, the Fulton Alliance Church and Foxshire Dog Kennel. She also volunteers through Common Vision for Arts, the Oswego Tourism Council and Port City Theater. Nancy was married to the late Bill Fox, and has four children. Nominated by: Bill Grace

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Dr. Gayanna Gilbraith

2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

A resident of West Monroe, Dr. Gayanna Gilbraith has made taking care

of mans best friend her lifes work. A graduate of Cornell Univeristy, Dr. Gilbraith is the founder and owner of Cicero Animal Clinic, a business she built from the ground upwhile raising two boysto provide quality animal care and employment opportunities in the Central New York region. Dr. Gilbraith works regularly with local SPCA chapters to provide in-kind veterinary services, ranging from low and no-cost treatment of shelter animals, to frequent participation in clinics that provide pet owners with low cost vaccination options. Her veterinary clinic also hosts a variety of animal obedience and training classes. Dr. Gilbraith is married and a mother of two. Nominated by: Nathaniel Gilbraith

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Judy Goodman
2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

hired for the Je erson County Sheri s O ce. In June 2005, Deputy Goodman was assigned as School Resource O cer for the Indian River School District. In May 2008, Deputy Goodman was promoted to Detective where she is the lead investigator for sex crimes and child abuse. Her colleagues say she is tireless in helping children and families through di cult times. She has been the lead detective on several recent notable cases; one incident involved a violent domestic incident in the Village of Sackets Harbor where shots were red, causing serious physical injury to an adult female victim. She was also the lead detective for two serious child abuse cases, one in the Town of Lyme, where the infant child su ered serious brain injury, and the other in the Town of Houns eld, where a young child also su ered a serious brain injury. Due to Detective Goodmans e orts and commitment, the o enders were brought to justice. Nominated by: Jada Goodman, Julia Goodman and Sgt. David Pustizzi

In May of 1997, Judy Goodman was appointed as the rst female deputy

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Jacqueline (Jackie) Gregg

2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

community of Sandy Creek. After Jackies father died at a young age, she was raised by a single mother who worked out of her home as a seamstress, instilling in Jackie a strong work ethic. Jackie graduated from Pulaski Academy Central School in 1966 with a full Hilton Scholarship to Syracuse University. She worked at Sandy Creek Central School for twenty six years; mentoring many students, serving as yearbook advisor, union president, president of the Parents A ecting Youth Education group and leader of the Junior VFW girls. Jackie is currently fundraising chairman for Dollars for Scholars, coaches for Senior High Battle of the Books teams, works on the Angel Ministry Christmas project, donates many handmade quilts for fundraisers for local families, and has worked for Women for Habitat. Jackie started the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign in Sandy Creek, which is now in its fourth year, and is also Health and Welfare secretary of the Salvation Army. Jackie has been married for 40 years. She is the mother of two daughters and has one granddaughter. Nominated by: Peggy Manchester and Nancy Ridgeway

Jacqueline (Jackie) Gregg is retired, but still incredibly active in her

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Mary Louise Hunt

2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

I ts often said that, to teach is to touch a life forever. An elementary

teacher for 35 years, Mary Louise Hunt has devoted her life to educating children in the North Country. A resident of Black River, Mary Louise was the driving force behind the Black River Elementary Bookstore. The bookstore has supported reading programs by providing thousands of free books to children throughout the years. Mary Louise currently serves as Assistant Librarian at the Sally Ploof Hunter Memorial Library, where shes in charge of childrens programming and has continued the tradition of free books for children. Mary Louise is also extremely active in her community. She serves as a Cubmaster for the Boy Scouts, is a Kiwanis Club Member, a Carthage School Board member and a volunteer at the Stone Soup Suppers in Carthage, as well as the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Mary Louise is married to Patrick Hunt and has two children. Nominated by: Sandy Lamb and Linda Wiltse

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Sandy Mensch
2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

resident of Parish, Sandy Menschs life has been dedicated to protecting and helping others. Sandy is a certi ed registered nurse who has won awards for her work, including the Nursing Excellence Award, University Hospital and the Syracuse Area Psychiatric Nurse of the Year award. She is currently employed as a Pharmacy Clerk at Kinney Drugs. Throughout her life, Sandy has volunteered extensively. Activities include two years with the Peace Corps and serving as President and Treasurer of the Parish Fire Department. Sandy is extremely active in promoting motorcycle safety. She is a member of ABATE of New York, and is currently spearheading an e ort to teach motorcycle awareness and driver safety education to the community in which she resides. She has given numerous annual presentations across Oswego County to educate people about how to safely share the road. Sandy is married with two children. Nominated by: Bruce LePorte

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Laurel Lee Roethel

2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

gdensburgs annual nine-day Seaway Festival celebration wouldnt be what it is today without the help of Laurel Lee Roethel, who has been serving her community for decades. On St. Patricks Day, youll nd her waiting on tables to raise money for the festival, organizing its karaoke show and selling buttons throughout the summer. As the owner of Roethels Fed Ex, Roethels Custom Graphics and River Rat Design, Laurel Lee Roethel is known as one of Northern New Yorks most community-minded entrepreneurs. She is one of Toys for Tots top volunteers, helping to collect money and donations to make sure almost 4,000 children across St. Lawrence County receive Christmas presents each year. As a longtime volunteer for the Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce, she is an active promoter of the Chambers Sportsman Show and other events throughout the year. She is a member of the Lisbon Lions Club, an organizer of Ogdensburgs Light Up the Night Parade and the organizer of the festivals annual Karaoke Show. With her sister and family, she helped relight the Ogdensburg Harbor Lighthouse. Nominated by: Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandra Porter

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Sandy Sakonyi
2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

andy Sakonyi is a military wife who has made it her mission to always look after the health and morale of veterans, military members and their families. After her husband, Ronald Sakonyi, retired after 20 years of service in the military, Sandy continued to support our troops through the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where she served in a number of capacities, including president. Nancy is also current president of the Department of NY District 5 Ladies Auxiliary and assists at events held for patients at area VA hospitals. A resident of Constantia, Sandy has been married to her husband for 46 years and they have four children. Nominated by: Ronald Sakonyi and Florence Banks

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Melanie Trexler
2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

T hrough her passion and leadership, Melanie Trexler has played a key role

in making the United Way of Greater Oswego a true success story, and Oswego County a better place to live. As Executive Director, Melanie has managed to oversee successful annual campaigns and played a major role in ensuring that many human services programs essential to the overall health of Oswego County continue to serve those who need them most. Melanie has received a number of awards, including the 2012 Zonta Amelia Earhart Woman of Achievement Award. She is involved in a number of community activities, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Professional Childrens School in New York City and participating in the Child Protective Advisory Council for Oswego County. Her work includes serving as Chairwoman for the Christian Fellowships Salvadore Refuge Fund, and assisting in the establishment of Mother Theresas Sisters of Charity clinic in the Philippines. Melanie is a mother to two grown daughters. Nominated by: John DeRousie

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Jeanne Unger
2013 Woman of Distinction Nominee

eanne Unger has been the Executive Director of Oswego Countys Farnham Family Services, Inc. since 1994. Under her leadership, the organization was recently named Small Business of the Year. Prior to this, Jeanne worked at Syracuse University as a sta therapist in the Psychiatric Counseling Center, while also providing alcohol and drug assessment, as well as counseling services for the S.U. Athletic Department. Jeanne is very active in her community. She serves as treasurer of the Integrated Community Planning Board, is a member of the Salvation Army Board, a member of the Rural Health Network Advisory Board and much more. In the past, she has volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and she currently lends her time to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Clean Crew. Jeanne is married with three children. Nominated by: Donald Unger

The New York State Woman of Distinction Program is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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