Senator Patty Ritchie 2016 Women of Distinction

Women of
DISTINCTION
H O N O R I N G WO M E N I N T H E 4 8 T H S E N AT E D I S T R I C T
APRIL 2016
SPONSORED BY
S E N ATO R PAT T Y R I T C H I E
R O S W E L L P. F LOW E R M E M O R I A L L I B R A RY
WAT E RTOW N , N E W YO R K
S E N ATO R
PATTY RITCHIE
4 8 T H S E N AT E D I S T R I C T
J E F F E R S O N O S W E G O S T. L AW R E N C E C O U N T I E S
Senator Patty Ritchies 2015 Women of Distinction
April 7, 2016
Dear Friends:
Once again, I am honored to recognize some truly outstanding women from Central and
Northern New York with the New York State Senate Women of Distinction program.
Each of these honorees has displayed unique talent, passion and accomplishments that
help make our communities better places to live and work, raise and enjoy our families.
Tonight, we celebrate you and your success. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do.
Sincerely,
Senator Patty Ritchie

48th Senate District
Women of
DISTINCTION
H O N O R I N G WO M E N I N T H E 4 8 T H S E N AT E D I S T R I C T
APRIL 2016
2016 HONOREES
Women of
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H O N O R I N G WO M E N I N N E W YO R K
Ann Adams
2016 Woman of Distinction Honoree
female warrior in all aspects of her life. Thats how friends describe Ann
Adams. While she is now retired, Ann spent decades working to make a difference in the
lives of young people as an educator.
When she started in the education field 41 years ago, it was very uncommon for a woman
to hold a secondary school or district administrative position. Ann did not let this hold her
back, and in addition to being a teacher, she served in a number of administrator roles,
including most recently, as superintendent of the Hermon-DeKalb Central School District.
Anns will to succeed transcends beyond her career. During her time as superintendent,
Ann was faced with perhaps her biggest challengehaving to battle breast cancer. As she
fought the disease, Ann did not take any time off, continuing to serve as superintendent
and working to oversee the Hermon-Dekalb Central School District.
In addition to her work in education, Ann is also known as a dedicated member of her
community, volunteering with a number of organizations, including the Thousand Islands
Girl Scout Council, Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, the St. Lawrence County
Tobacco Free Community Partnership, and many others.
The New York State Women of Distinction Program

is sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie.
Women of
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Kathleen Carr
native of the Hudson Valley, Kathleen Kathie Carr came to the North Country in
1992 and immediately began to work to improve her community. She started by bettering
the Town of Lyme by establishing the Lyme Garden Club, a group that has been responsible
for the overall beautification of the Lyme community.
Kathie has been involved in countless other projects that have served to better the North
Country. She was the driving force behind the establishment of the Lyme Community
Foundation, as well as a quiet supporter of other groups, including the Victims Assistance
Center.
In addition, Kathies participation in the Paul G. and Kathleen E. Carr Foundation has helped
to make possible a number of events that have benefitted community members, including
an annual Childrens Gift and Fund Drive, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars
in support for the neediest in the North Country. The Foundation has also supported other
key local projects, including the new pavilion at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.

Women of
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Joyce Ann Thomas Dalton

here are certain people in life who put the safety of others ahead of their own. Joyce
Ann Thomas Dalton is one of those people. A native of Massachusetts, Joyce moved to
Canton in 1985 with her husband Michael. In 1995, with an interest in Emergency Medical
Services, she joined the Canton Fire and Rescue, working to become an advanced level
Emergency Medical Technician Critical Care provider.
Joyces training was the driving force behind more than two decades of caring for people
throughout the North Country. Today, Joyce serves as president of the Canton Rescue
Squad, where she is responsible for the daily operation and rescue response to the
communities the squad covers. She has also utilized her training and medical background
with the RB Lawrence Ambulance Service and various medical practices throughout the
region.
It has been said that lives have been changed and often saved as a result of Joyces actions,
training and commitment. In fact, in an effort to make an even greater difference in the
lives of her fellow community members, Joyce regularly attends conferences and advanced
training to improve her skills and maintain a high degree of competence. In addition,
she has also answered the call to serve in other areas of the state when disaster strikes,
including the New York City area following the 9/11 attacks.

Women of
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Hilary Davis
iving teenagers a shoulder to lean on as they navigate lifes challenges is an

important joband for Hilary Davis, its her passion. As the Youth Services Coordinator
at ACR Health, Hilary is described as a champion when it comes to helping the youth she
serves knock down barriers, working around the clock to make sure they are supported.
While her focus is youth, Hilarys impact extends to other generations too. Hilary is seen
as an expert in the local community on LGBTQ issues, and is often sought out by schools,
universities, businesses and other agencies to provide cultural competency training.
In addition to her work with ACR Health, Hilary is also extremely active in her community
and involved in a number of groups including SPOA, Youth Services Network of Jefferson
County and others. While those who know her say Hilary is inspired by those who are
passionate about rights and equality, she is quickly becoming someone who is encouraging
others to reach new heights.

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Virginia Donohue
ts often said that a college education opens doors for success in the future. Virginia
Ginny Donohue has dedicated her life to making sure students have the skills and
resources they need to pursue higher education opportunitiesand their dreams.
As the founder and executive director of On Point for College, Ginny has helped thousands
of first-generation youth get into college, stay there and succeed afterwards. Established
in 1999, the award-winning organization assists students with finding and securing
financial aid, as well as obtaining the resources necessary to survive and succeed in
college. And, Ginny and her colleagues dont just help students get into collegethey
visit students and help them stay on track, attend graduations and even assist graduates in
their job search once they earn their diplomas.
In addition to her work with On Point for College, Ginny is also a dedicated member of
her local community who is involved in a number of non-profit groups, including Dollars
for Scholarsan organization that has helped to secure more than 90 scholarships for
studentsthe Sudanese Health Clinic Foundation and many others.

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Susan Duffy
ts often said that entrepreneurs are the backbone of the economy, creating jobs and
opportunities for people to build careers and enrich their lives. For years, Susan Duffy has
done just that in the North Country. Today, she serves as President and CEO of Queenaire
Technology, Inc., a business focused on the sale and manufacture of ozone and hydroxyl air
treatment systems, which are used across the globe in hotels and other public spaces.
In addition to her passion for entrepreneurship, Susan is also an extremely active member
of her community who is always looking for new ways to make a difference. As a sponsor
of the local Snack Pack program, Susan helps to ensure elementary school children receive
the food they need to stay healthy on weekends. In addition, she also serves as a member
of the Lisbon Town Council, where she uses her passion for bettering the North Country to
create positive change in the region where she lives.

Women of
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Nichol Dwyer
ichol Dwyer has dedicated her life to changing the culture of sexual assault in
the military as the 10th CAB Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention
Victim Advocate, based at Fort Drum. In this role, Nichol is known for helping to make
positive changes when it comes to decreasing incidents and increasing the reporting and
prosecution of cases.
Nichol is an individual who has made a career out of helping othersand its something
that doesnt stop when her workday is finished. A devoted member of her community,
Nichol is known for dedicating her time to a number of local organizations and events,
including Planned Parenthood, Heartbeats for Madden, Rock Against Rape, Upward Bound,
Take Back the Night, Girl Scouts and many others.
In recognition of her work, Nichol has received a number of accolades, including the
Commanders Award for Public Service and the Fort Drum Victim Advocate of the Year.

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Mary Farley
native of Gouverneur, Mary Farley in 2016 became the first woman in St.
Lawrence County to be elected a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. Judge Farley
is a graduate of Syracuse University who earned her law degree from Albany Law School.
Judge Farley worked as a lawyer in private practice before becoming Principal Law Clerk for
retired Supreme Court Justice David Demarest. Her passion for justice enabled her to excel
in this role, and as a result she held the position for over two decades.
A tireless worker, Judge Farley is known for her experience, knowledge and fairness. In
addition, friends and colleagues also appreciate her compassion for others, a trait which
they say sets her apart from others.

Women of
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Catherine Gill
or years, helping the regions aging population has been Catherine Gills passion.
As CEO and CFO of St. Lukes Health Services, Cathy has had an immeasurable impact on
residents, their families and her co-workers.
Cathy decided to return to college as a non-traditional student to continue her education, a
move that has enabled her to reach new heights in her career. Friends say that in returning
to college as a non-traditional student, Cathy gained a strong foundation for her future
that led her to her lifes professionserving the needs of residents and families at St. Luke.
An active community volunteer, Cathy dedicates her downtime to a number of community
organizations, including the Salvation Army, St. Marys Catholic Church, Paws Across
Oswego County and others. In addition, Cathy also works continually to enhance her
career and the work she does to improve life for the aging population. For 12 years,
Cathy participated at the state level of Leading Agean association of not-for-profit
organizations dedicated to expanding possibilities for agingon issues related to longterm care.

Women of
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Megan Klosner
ne of the first things soldiers and families want to know when moving to a new area
is where they are going to live. Its Megan Klosners job to not only answer that question,
but also to make them feel comfortable in their new home.
As the Director of Property Management at Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes,
Megan is charged with managing 4,000 rental homes for our nations soldiers and their
families. Over the years, she has built a world-class team to manage this operation, and to
provide a great living experience for more than 14,000 residents.
Megan has a keen understanding of the stress that moving puts on military families. In
doing so, she helps to make big transitions significantly smoother for our nations heroes.
Megan is also held in high regard by the nearly 100 employees she oversees, 30 percent of
whom are military spouses and veterans.
It was growing up on a dairy farm that helped Megan develop qualities that have helped
her succeed, namely knowing the importance of hard work, efficiency and productivity.
Shes also put these skills to use as an active volunteer in her community and church, and to
make time for the one thing that is truly important to herfamily.

Women of
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Patti Laraby
llowing children to develop and express their talents through art is an integral part
of a well-rounded education, and Patti Laraby has dedicated her life to promote the arts in
schools in her community.
When a local teacher was facing challenges due to cuts to her districts art department,
Patti stepped in to assist, helping to run a fundraiserSquare 1 Artthat helped the
department purchase supplies necessary for art programming. In addition, she also led the
charge to resurrect the schools once defunct Art Club, which helps more children develop
their artistic talents.
A lifelong resident of St. Lawrence County, Patti has also gone above and beyond to involve
the local community in her quest to increase artistic opportunities for students. Today,
thanks to her efforts, the local Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous small business
are all pitching in to help enhance the arts community in the North Country.

Women of
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Carol LaSala
olleagues describe Carol LaSala as a reflective thinker, who is always asking how
to make things better for students and families she serves. As business manager for the
Gouverneur Central School District, she is known for doing all she can to create moreand
betteropportunities for children within the school system. To that end, she has been
successful in securing grants for the district that have helped to improve the learning
experience for students.
Carol often says it was her father who inspired her to achieve her goals. While he suffered
a devastating head injury early in life, he didnt let it stop him, and he went on to marry,
raise a family and work his entire life. Carol observed his dedication, and as a single mother
used the same moral strength of character to persevere and provide for her children.
In addition to her career, Carol is involved in a number of local community groups and
events, including the Canton Rotary Club, the Walk for Alzheimers, the Purmont Cemetery
Association and others.

Women of
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Marlinda LaValley
n the rural North Country, access to quality health care is extremely important.
Marlinda LaValley knows this, and works on a daily basis to improve the well-being of the
people of St. Lawrence County in her role as CEO of Gouverneur Hospital.
Marlinda began her health care career as a teenager at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. During
her time there, she rose to become Vice President of Administrative Services. In 2013, she
was appointed CEO of the newly-formed Gouverneur Hospital. This move required her to
jump into the process of transforming the former EJ Noble Hospital. Facing huge odds, she
never once wavered in her belief that a new hospital could be built to meet the needs of
the people of Gouverneur and the surrounding area.
Marlindas work at Gouverneur Hospital isnt just a 9-to-5 job. She is also an active member
of the hospitals auxiliary, playing a key role in charitable events, such as the annual
Gouverneur Business Womens Breast Cancer Walk.

Women of
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Aileen Martin
ackling barriers and battling stigma, Aileen Martin is known for her dedication to
providing opportunities for those in need. Taking on the role of executive director of the
Northern Regional Center for Independent Living, she helped to lift up the financially
struggling non-profit, putting her B.S. in professional accounting from SUNY Plattsburgh to
good use.
Through the years, she has provided leadership for staff and clients in difficult times, and
was honored as a Health Leadership Fellow by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She
previously served as executive director of the North Country Childrens Clinic and as finance
director for the Transitional Living Services of NNY.
In addition to all Aileen does in her career, she is an active member of her community. She
is a PIVOT finance committee and board member, treasurer of the New York Association of
Independent Living, as well as the Rotary Club of Clayton treasurer. Aileen also volunteers
at St. Marys Church and is a Jefferson County Community Services board member.

Women of
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Mary Mitchell
or Mary Mitchell, enriching her local community is a passion. A lover of the arts, Mary
has worked tirelessly in recent years to enhance cultural offerings in Alexandria Bay. Her
most recent efforts include establishing an Art Walk, the Explorer Passport Program and
the Flower and Garden Contest in the Village of Alexandria Bay.
Not only is Mary responsible for spearheading programs and events that make her
community more vibrant, she is also known as a great organizer who brings people
togethernamely volunteers, residents and local leadersto improve her community.

Women of
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Cheryl Nevius Rogers

heryl Nevius Rogers is a woman of many musical gifts, perhaps the most impressive
of which is teaching. A vocal and general music teacher in Oswego City School District
for 32 years, Cheryl built the string program from the ground up in 1984. Serving as the
only string teacher for five elementary schools, she taught many and shared her talents,
which were in high demand. As more music teachers were hired, Cheryl moved on with
her students to middle school and then high school, where she remained teaching. She has
taught thousands of students, many of whom have followed in her footsteps with dreams
of becoming music educators.
In addition to her teaching career, Cheryl is also an expert performer trained in voice,
strings, percussion, conducting, marching band, drum and bugle. She is heavily involved
in many music programs like New York State School Music Association, USBands, and
DrumCorps International. Cheryl also volunteers with Youth Education in the Arts, Carolina
Crown and Cadets and Bugle Corps, as well as being a puppy mill rescue advocate.
Cheryl retires this year after over three decades of teaching, but will continue to share her
gifts with the community. Those who work with her will miss her hardworking, kind, and
humble attitude.

Women of
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Colleen ONeill
s New York States first elected female sheriff, Jefferson County Sheriff Colleen
ONeill has broken new ground and serves as an example for women of all ages.
Throughout her life, law enforcement and public service have been Sheriff ONeills passion.
For 28 years, she served with the New York State Police before embarking on a run for
sheriff. Inspired by her father, former Jefferson County Sheriff Alfred ONeill, Colleen
continues in his footsteps, working to ensure the people of Jefferson County stay safe.
In addition to her traditional duties, Sheriff ONeill is known by many as someone who is
passionate about her community. Its this passion that has encouraged her to institute
many new programs that help build and strengthen bridges between law enforcement and
civilians. Sheriff ONeill has also made it a priority to collaborate with other local leaders on
other efforts to tackle major issues affecting our communities and their safety.

Women of
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Jillian Shaver
hroughout her entire life, Jillian Shavers passions have been children and family.
Once Jill and her husband made the decision to move back to Central New York following
his military service, Jillian decided to start a childrens museum. While the idea was met
with doubt from some within the community, thanks to her hard work and dedication,
Jillian has made her vision a reality.
Todayjust four years after Jillian began to move forward with her ideathe museum
is a 4,500 square foot facility, and Jillian is preparing for a multi-million dollar capital
campaign that will help it to expand.
Jillians desire to help children and families extends into her free time too, as she is deeply
involved in family-centered community organizations, including the Oswego Harborfest
Childrens Park Committee, Trinity Catholic School Annual Fund Committee, and others.

Women of
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Sherry Stone
herry L. Stone is the Vice President Branch Services Administrator at Community

Bank, NAbut she is much more than that. For decades, Sherry has given back to her
community in countless ways.
For over two decades, Sherry has served as the Canton Winterfest fundraising organizer
personally crafting 25,000 of the buttons that fund the event. Sherry has also been a
participating coordinator of the St. Lawrence County Dairy Princess parade for more than
20 years, as well as being the St. Lawrence County Figure Skating Club Treasurer and Board
of Directors member for over 10 years. In addition, Sherry has played an important part in
Canton Pee Wee Baseball.
Volunteerism is an area where Sherry truly shines. Serving as the fundraising coordinator
for the St. Lawrence County Figure Skating Club Synchronized Skating Program, a member
of the planning committee for the Community Bank Charity Golf Tournament benefitting
Hospice of St. Lawrence County, as well as being involved with the Michael Camp Fund,
she donates her time and energy for the betterment of others. Sherrys selfless dedication
is a testament to the deeply felt impact that one person seeing a need a need in the
community can make.

Women of
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Barbara Sugar
alancing work and family can be hard, but Barbara Sugar has risen to the challenge.
Throughout her life, she has managed her time in such a way that has allowed her to raise
her children, pursue a rewarding career and give back to her local community.
Currently, Barbara serves as principal at Trinity Catholic School. There, she is admired by
students, faculty and families for her leadership and desire to improve opportunities for
young learners. This role is helping her to build on her prior experience in the education
field, which includes being a member of the Trinity Catholic School Board, an art teacher at
the school and a student aide. In addition to her education career, she previously served as
Oswego City Clerk for 10 years.
Barbara also devotes a great deal of time to the betterment of her community, and her
efforts include maintaining with her husband the Peace Garden on East 1st Street in
Oswego.

Women of
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Sarah Sugden
driven individual who has overcome obstacles to achieve her goalsthats how
Dr. Sarah Sugden is known throughout the North Country. An audiologist and owner of the
award-winning Watertown Audiology, Dr. Sugden graduated from Syracuse Universitys
Audiology Program in 1995. Several years after graduating, New York State increased
its educational requirements. Even though she had been grandfathered in, Dr. Sugden
decided to further her education by attending the University of Florida Doctorate Program
of Audiology. She began her own practice in 1999 and graduated as a Doctor of Audiology
in 2005.
Giving birth to a daughter at the age of 14, Sarah worked hard to make education a
priority and overcome the stereotypes of teen mothers. Sarah believed in herself, and
worked diligently to make sure could achieve her goals, while at the same time balancing
motherhood with her schooling.
In addition to being a business owner, Dr. Sugden has been a foster parent for over a decade
and gives back to her community in a number of ways, including offering no-cost hearing
screenings for residents several times a year.

Women of
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Judith Van Kennen

s Pastor of Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, Reverend Judith Van

Kennen has become well known for her welcoming nature. Rev. Judy strives to bring in
populations that are often marginalized, bringing fresh air into the churchshe has also
created new programs like the Praise Dance with the Leap of Faith Dancers dance group.
Ensuring everyone feels welcome, as well as encouraging creativity is very important to
Rev. Judy.
On May 10, 2011 the church was struck by lightning, completely destroying the interior
and leaving only the four exterior walls. As a busy student and pastor at the time, Rev.
Judy committed herself to helping put back together what was such a well-loved place of
worship.
Rev. Judy is passionate about helping the needy in her community. From the donation
program she created for the Food Pantry, to the collection of goods for needy teenagers,
Rev. Judy is always working toward helping others.
Rev. Judy frequently visits with hospitalized members of her congregation, no matter
where they may be located, to raise morale and bring a familiar face into the arena of
care. Rev. Judy has also taken her own spirit and used her many gifts to increase her
congregations activity, as well as its new membersexpanding from as few as eight
people for Sunday Service, to now more than 150 members.

Women of
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Past Honorees
New York State Senate
Women of Distinction
48th Senate District
Muriel Allerton (2010)
Mary Ann Ashley (2015)
Jane Backus (2014)
Janice L. Charles (2009)
Nellie Coakley (2000)
Sister M. Bethany Fitzgerald (2000)
Cindy Intschert (2003)
Mary McDonald Mascott (2007)
Rosemary Nesbitt (2002)
Marlene Norfolk (2004)
Chloe Ann R. ONeil (1999)
Jan Rebeor (2012)

Karen Richmond (2011)
Jean Robbins (2000)
Rhonda Lyn Roethel (2013)
Deborah Running (1999)
Carolyn Rush (1999)
Deborah F. Stanley (2006)
Lana J. Taylor (2006)
Suzanne Tingley (2007)
Barbara N. Webber (2004)
Sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie
Women of
DISTINCTION
Congratulations Honorees
Senator Patty Ritchie
would like to thank
Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library
Carthage Central High School Camerata Singers
Contact Senator Patty Ritchie

Ogdensburg
330 Ford St.
393-3024
Oswego
46 E Bridge St.
342-2057
Watertown
317 Washington St.
782-3418
ritchie.nysenate.gov
Women of
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Women of

Senator Patty Ritchies 2015 Women of Distinction

Senator Patty Ritchie

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

Joyce Ann Thomas Dalton

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

iving teenagers a shoulder to lean on as they navigate lifes challenges is an

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

Cheryl Nevius Rogers

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

herry L. Stone is the Vice President Branch Services Administrator at Community

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

Judith Van Kennen

s Pastor of Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, Reverend Judith Van

The New York State Women of Distinction Program

Jan Rebeor (2012)

Sponsored by Senator Patty Ritchie

Contact Senator Patty Ritchie

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