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We are a non-profit state federation. Our membership includes women and men of every age, race, religion, political party and socio-economic background. We are a leading advocate on work-life balance and workplace equity issues.

In this section, you will read recent news releases and advocacy concerns as well as view our opinion editorials and letters to the editor. Members of the press who are writing about issues of concern to working women are encouraged to contact our Communications Committee at [email protected].

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NYS Women- Staten Island to present Women of Distinction Awards to Margaret Barry and Geraldine Walters Smith

Author: Communications Committee/Wednesday, February 3, 2016/Categories: Chapter News

The Staten Island chapter of New York State Women will honor their longest standing members Margaret Barry and Geraldine Walters Smith with their Lifetime Distinction Award. Margaret served the organization for 53years; Geraldine for 52 years.

“These women distinguished themselves through her lifetime dedication and passion to help our community, “said Catherine DiStefano, president. “While Margaret and Geraldine contribute in different capacities throughout the years, their efforts have made a difference in the lives on Staten Island women and their families.” 

Seven outstanding women will join Ms. Barry and Ms. Walters-Smith at the ceremony and luncheon on Saturday, April 2, 2016, noon, LiGreci’s Staaten, 697 Forest Avenue, and Staten Island. 

Virginia Allen, Sallyann Bartels, Cammie Brandofino, Joan Del Priorie, Edith Holtermann, Elissa Montanti and Marie Thompson will be recognized as Women of Distinction. 

The Community Program of Distinction will be presented to AnnMarie McDonough, Raisa Ginzberg, Sharon Zinke, Rehabilitation Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, for ‘Rebuilding Lives: Returning Back to the Community.’

The featured kenote speaker is Linda Wilson, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

Virginia Allen, a retired “black” nurse with experience in Sea View Hispital’s designated tuberculosis sanitarium will be honored for her commitment as an activist on labor issues; healthcare; women’s and senior citizen’s issues; education reform, and youth involvement. She will also be recognized for her lifelong service to the community and for her 30 year pursuit of spiritual sustenance as a leader of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island and her current efforts to provide guidance and support to encourage and uplift the spiritual development of the church’s youth.

Sallyann Bartels, Membership Services, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, for her efforts to seek out financial and emotional support for Staten Island businesses after Hurrican Sandy and for promoting programs such as the Race for Space and grant programs that create values of businesses and support community wellness. 

Cammie Brandofino, President, SI Chapter, National Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, will be feted for her 30 year work to help eradicate the disease. Credited with establishing a Staten Island Chapter in 1985 with other parents and family members, New York State Women –SI will also applaud her efforts as a member of the National Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and for her service on the Board of the Staten Island Inter-Agency Council for the Aging.

Joan Del Priorie is a sign language interpreter at Staten Island University Hospital who uses her interpreter skills for seminars, support and community groups, assuring appropriate auxiliary aids are available to accommodate the hearing impaired to communicate more effectively with the hearing population.

Edith Holtermann, retired physical education teacher at Curtis, New Dorp and Susan Wagner High School, will be recognized for her 42 years volunteer and leadership service at St. Andrews Church, Richmond Town and her work as a Girl Scouts den mother. 

Elissa Montanti, Founder and Executive Director, Global Medical Relief Fund for Children, will be recognized for her work to aid children worldwide who are missing or have lost the use of limbs or eyes, severely burned injured through war, natural disaster or illness. Since it’s founding in 1997, Elissa Montanti efforts brought and helped injured children from regions in more than 30 countries that offer minimal medical care, poorly fitted prostheses, or none at all. She also created a “Dare to Dream house” that gives children in treatment and their guardians a place they call home during their visit. 

Marie Thompson, Head Educator, the Child Study Center of New York, Brooklyn and member of the Council for Exceptional Children, will be honored for her lifelong work with special needs children. 

Elaine Croteau and Rosemarie Dressler are co-chairs of this event. The cost per person is $65 and includes lunch. For more information about this event contact Rosemarie at [email protected].

 
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