resources for women entrepreneurs.........................................8 Stirpe honors Women of Distinction

Stirpe honors Women of Distinction

Assemblyman Al Stirpe hosted his 10th annual Woman of Distinction award ceremony on March 19 at Stone’s Lakeside. The event was held in-person, after being held remotely for the past two years.

Hosted by owner April Stone, it was the perfect venue for a celebration that has not taken place in person for the past two years.

“As a woman and a business owner, I know all too well the challenges of these past two years,” said April Stone of Stone’s Lakeside. “Having the support of fellow women and supporting them in return are just some of the things that drive me to work as hard as I do. We are honored to host this year’s event.”

Women from the 127th District, which includes Tully, Pompey, Fabius, Manlius, Clay and Cicero/North Syracuse were honored for remarkable contributions to the community. Categories included Business, Community & Civic Affairs, Health, Volunteerism, Education and a Covid Hero Award. Elected Officials, non-profit leaders, teachers and more received proclamations surrounded by friends and family.

“The women who effect positive change and strengthen our communities deserve to be celebrated for all the work they do,” said Stirpe. “My annual Women of Distinction Awards are the perfect opportunity to uplift and honor remarkable women right here in our backyard and celebrate moving forward.”

Central New York Regional Representative, Tracy DiGenova, was on hand, with a message from Governor Kathy Hochul. “As you pay tribute to these distinguished women you highlight their strength of character and diverse abilities that inspire pride among their communities, their colleagues, and us all. Moreover, they motivate younger generations of women to reach their potential and goals in life, and we admire them as progressive role models within today’s society.”

The celebration was sponsored by Karis Wiggins Designs and the Whistlestop Florist. This is the list of the 2022 winners: Sara Wall Bollinger - Community/Civic Affairs, Sue Kowalski - Higher Education, Linda McCrystal - Health/Food Insecurity (posthumous), Anju Varshney - COVID Hero, Kasey Dolson - Education, Mary Kay Maroney - Volunteer and Lori Schakow – Business. SWM