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March was Women's History Month; what better time to honor the women who have impacted the quality of life right here in the Valley?
106.3 Smooth FM honored these women that have impacted the quality of life right here in the Pioneer Valley.
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CLEMESE ELLIS • Program Board Member, Town of Windsor For Clemese Ellis, "three" is a very important number. She is the mother of three very athletic boys. Her sons participate in three sports. And she holds down three jobs to keep a roof over their head. That kind of workload would be enough to fill anyone's day. But somehow, Ms. Ellis finds time to do more. She volunteers her time to help the teams that her children are part of. She's been a head coach of a basketball team, an assistant coach for the baseball team, and the "team mom" for the football team. In addition Clemese Ellis serves on the Town Program Board for Windsor, Conneticut, helping direct organized recreational activities for children who live there. Her days and nights are filled with responsibilities that seem to never end, but her commitment to the children of Windsor provides a well of strength from which she continues to draw power to persevere. It's because she recognizes that kids need time and attention, and her willingness to do what is necessary to provide that to them, that we recognize Ms. Clemese Ellis as a Hometown Heroine.
LORI LOBENSTEIN • Director of Teen Programs, Girls Inc. of Holyoke Lori's responsibility in her position is demanding enough, but she also finds time--outside of her job--to work on making the community safer, more informed, and more inspiring for the youth. One of her most success projects is a mentoring program for teen girls and community women. It is supported and designed to move teens toward college. Not only did she put the program together, but she actively participates as a mentor. Another noteworthy Lori Lobenstine program involves teaching young people to do their own research on issues affecting their community. The project was so impressive that she was invited to an academic conference in London to present the findings. Lori saw this as an opportunity to make even more of an impact with the project, so she raised $13,000.00 in donations--in just 10 weeks--and brought the teens to London so that THEY could present their own research! Lori Lobenstine is committed to positively impacting our future women leaders. For that reason, we honor her as a Hometown Heroine.
ELAINE ANDERSON • Academic Manager, UMass University Without Walls Friends, family members and colleagues of Elaine Anderson will tell you she's spent a lifetime helping others. For her, equality of opportunity and social justice are defining themes. Everywhere she goes, Elaine Anderson is greeted by scores of people whose lives she has touched. It's as though she knows everyone, and everyone who knows her respects her for the woman she is and the work she does. Elaine Anderson is the Academic Manager of the "UMass University Without Walls." She also has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Wing Memorial Hospital for several years because she is committed to keeping smaller, community based hospitals viable and open. Additionally, she's spent years on the distribution committee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, an organization concerned about improving the quality of life for others and "throwing life-lines" to anyone falling through the cracks of our community service system. Her record of community service also includes stints as the children's coordinator for the Department of Mental Health, and as a board member of the UMass Fine Arts Center. Currently, she provides leadership, direction and oversight as a board member of the New England Center for Change. Because of her lifetime commitment to making Western Massachusetts a better place to live, we honor Elaine Anderson as a Hometown Heroine.
MARTHA CATUOGNO • Teacher, Brightside School (Florence) Martha Catuogno is a worker bee. Its as though her mission in life is to make things better for the people around her, especially in her hometown of the Florence section of Northampton. A dedicated teacher at Brightside School, Martha understands that her responsibility and opportunity to impact young lives does not end at the classroom door. That's why she has literally opened the doors of her home and taken in young people who need temporary shelter. In her neighborhood, Martha is the one who cares for lost, stray, and injured animals. It's just in her nature to make life better for others. Her church in Northampton can also depend on her service, as she tirelessly works on projects that improve the lives of others, even at times when her own life has been filled with challenges. Martha Catuogno is a quiet woman who has filled her life giving hope and help to others. Its because she has made Florence a better place to live that we honor her as a Hometown Heroine.
ALICE BOYER • Former Daycare Instructor More than most, Alice Boyer of Amherst has mastered the art of speaking "light" into our darkest of days. She has cultivated her natural gift for encouragement and compassion. And, in times when life seems to be a constant swirl of conflicting demands pulling us from various directions, she is someone who's been able to bring a sense of peace just by her presence. Alice Boyer taught at a daycare center for many years. That brought her into contact with many young lives that were influenced by her during their formative years. As an early role model for young adults, she literally helped to shape their lives. And, in the process, she taught many young parents some of the essentials of parenting. Here's an example of the depth of her compassion: at one of her recent birthday parties, Ms. Boyer asked guests to bring no gifts for her, but rather a non-perishable food item. She then donated the "gifts" to the Amherst Survival Center. She has also rallied support and been an advocate for the Amherst "A Better Chance" Program and the Goodwin Community Church. Alice Boyer is a quiet, soft-spoken woman who has positively impacted Amherst simply by being who she is, and by doing things the way she does. It's because of that contribution that we honor her as a Hometown Heroine.
JOYCE COTE • Postmaster, Lake Pleasant Post Office In the smaller towns around here, there is often one place where people gather to stay connected, and one person who consciously works to ensure that the town is a true community and the residents are true neighbors. In the Lake Pleasant section of Montague, that person is Joyce Cote. Ms. Cote is Lake Pleasant's Postmaster. And since the post office is the town's only public space, she pretty much single handedly gives the town a sense of community. It's Ms. Cote who keeps everyone up to date on what's happening in Lake Pleasant, including births, marriages, graduations, promotions and the like. It's Ms. Cote who knows about found and missing animals (and wild ones on the loose). She's even up to speed on virtually all the upcoming events in Lake Pleasant. In addition to her "unofficial duties," Joyce Cote is active in the Lake Pleasant Village Association and the Lake Pleasant Women's Club. She's also a town meeting member. Those who know Joyce Cote say that, without her, Lake Pleasant would cease being a community and just become another place where people live next to each other. It's because of her years of official--and unofficial--service to Lake Pleasant that we honor Joyce Cote as a Hometown Heroine.
EVA GOMEZ • President, Puerto Rican Cultural Center If you ask Eva Gomez to tell you about herself, the first thing she'll mention is her family. That gives you a good indication of what she values most: family and relationships. She and her husband of more than 21 years are parents of 6 and grandparents of 8. After graduating from Springfield Public Schools, Ms. Gomez served in the Army for six years. Continuing on her life's path of service, she then earned a master's degree in theology, and completed all the requirements for a master's in education. Ms. Gomez has taken her educational preparation and heart felt desire to serve and applied it for the benefit of Springfield's Puerto Rican community. Since 1986, she's worked for the New North Citizens Council, and is presently program manager for the foster care and adolescent assessment programs. She's utilized her leadership skills to benefit the Boy Scouts, Impacto Latino, the Gerena Site-Based Management Team, Brightwood Health Clinic, and the Chestnut Campus Concept Committee. Currently, Ms. Gomez is president of the board of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, serves on the Ward 1 Democratic committee, and is scoutmaster for Troop 11 of the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, she works with the Mass Latino Political Organization and Springfield's Police Commissioner. It's a busy life, but somehow Eva Gomez finds the drive and determination to keep making Springfield a better place to live. And that's why we recognize her as a Hometown Heroine.
EARLINE ROBINSON • African Dance Instructor Earline Robinson has made it her life's work to educate people (mainly children) through music and dance. A long time resident of Amherst, she spent years enhancing the cultural awareness and diversity of the community through the knowledge she shared. Students who came to study dance with Earline Robinson also learned about African history and the African American struggle for equality and fairness in America. And they learned to dance--oh, how they learned to dance! She taught her students all forms of African dance, and the traditional drumming that goes along with it. Two years ago, Ms. Robinson raised the funds and sponsored a trip to Japan for children from Amherst. There, they showcased their African dance skills as they toured the country. It was an experience those children will never forget. Although she is now slowed by illness, Earline Robinson continues to be an inspiration to those who had the unique privilege of studying with her at the Bangs Community Center during the last decade. Her children and grandchildren have picked up where she left off, thus continuing her legacy. Because
of her single-handed crusade to enhance cultural diversity and awareness
in Amherst, today we recognize Ms. Earline Robinson as a Hometown Heroine.
KATHY McKEAN • Founder, Girls Inc. of Holyoke Kathy McKean has dedicated much of her adult life to making a difference in the lives of girls in the Pioneer Valley. In 1982, she took a lead role in opening Girls Incorporated of Holyoke. For more than 20 years she's been a volunteer and board member, actively advocating for girls and young women. One of her passions is the MATCH program at Girls Inc. The program pairs teen girls with adult women mentors, giving the girls a peak at the possibilities the world offers to them. Ms. McKean is on the advisory team for the program. After being part of the first entering class at Hampshire College in 1970, Ms. McKean has enjoyed a career in human services, working with the United Way and as an educator in the Pioneer Valley for the last 30 years. Along the way she's raised two daughters (now college-age) that share their mother's passion for making a difference. It is because of her long term commitment to the mission of Girls Incorporated, and the impact she personally has had on the organization and the girls it serves, that we recognize Kathy McKean as a Hometown Heroine.
LIZ SKELTON • Amherst Schools Athletics Liz Skelton has been a fixture on the Amherst athletic scene for years. Talk to people who've been around for a while, and they'll share stories about how she coached the girls' track and JV basketball teams. Or they might mention her role as Amherst's "super basketball booster," and how she volunteers to run the score board at games. Others would recall the time during their teens or early 20's when they need an adult to talk to, and Liz Skelton was there. It seemed she was always available, always had a listening ear, and always provided wise council in a way that made you feel valued and respected. Those who Know Liz personally marvel at her mastery of time. Just how is it possible for her to raise two sons on her own, attend classes at UMass, teach high school phys-ed, and still be at virtually every game, enthusiastically supporting the Amherst teams and the kids who depend on her? Indeed, those who know Liz Skelton personally often ask (only half jokingly), "When does she eat or sleep?" Only Liz Skelton knows the answer to that question. But Amherst is a far better place because she invests her time in the kids who live there. And, by her presence and availability, she positively impacts their lives; and, so we salute Liz Skelton as a Hometown Heroine.
MYRA SMITH • Assistant Vice President, STCC By profession, Myra Smith is Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at Springfield Technical Community College. However, the role she plays in the lives of Springfield's young people is far greater. A true community advocate, Ms. Smith serves on the board of the Martin Luther King Center. She also served as advisor to the MLK Pep Squad, a program that provides young women with the challenge to really "be all they can be," both physically and intellectually. Under her guidance the young ladies were required to excel academically, demonstrate strong moral character, and perform a variety of community service projects. They traveled, performed and competed, all the while holding on to the high values Ms. Smith instilled in them. Today, many former members of the MLK Pep Squad have soared to great heights in the fields of education, medicine, science, and community activism. Ms. Smith has also influenced Springfield's young men. As wife of the STCC basketball team's assistant coach, she serves as a surrogate mother for many of the team members. Firm yet compassionate, she allows them to be themselves while providing guidance in the areas of education and life choices. There is no standard unit of measure for gauging a person's impact of the development of a generation. However, it is clear that Ms. Myra Smith has had a profound impact on the overall development of Springfield's future leaders. She believes in them, and that energy is thrust upon each of them until they themselves believe. And that is why we recognize her as a Hometown Heroine.
YVONNE WILLIAMS • Author and Cancer Survivor Yvonne Williams has come face to face with her own mortality. Several years ago, doctors discovered cancer at three different places in her body. Somewhere deep inside, she found the physical and emotional strength to fight the disease, realizing that survival is very much a "mind game." Defying all odds, Yvonne has been cancer free for more than twelve years. Her experience inspired her to write a book for others diagnosed with cancer. Now, she spends much of her time ministering to the sick. She also speaks to groups about her cancer challenge and the incredible power of the human mind. Her zest for life, her determination, and her unshakable faith are positive forces that encourage people faced with life's most difficult situations. Yvonne's philosophy is: "Take your brick walls, lie them flat, and make them stepping stones". Because of her unselfish commitment to help those who are hurting, and encourage those who are feeling hopeless, we recognize Yvonne Williams as a Hometown Heroine.
TAI "JOY" LEE • Bilingual Asian Advocate Tai "Joy" Lee can best be described as the heroine who walks quietly among us. She doesn't have a high-paying job or a list of advanced degrees behind her name. She, her husband, and her two children live a very modest life. What she does possess is a wealth of love and respect for her heritage and her community. When Joy's family immigrated to this area, she was still a toddler. That gave her the unique opportunity to learn and master English as well as her native tongue. She did not realize until her adult years how important that would be--particularly to the elders in her community and those who have come to America more recently. For some people of Asian descent, contact and interaction with American culture is limited. Often times it's in a crisis situation dealing with law, government or health care. Without mastery of the English language, that interaction can be frustrating at best--and deadly at worst. That's where Joy steps in. People in her community know that they can call her day or night if they need translation or interpretation. She gets up and goes without hesitation, and without expectation of compensation. Joy does not consider herself "heroic." Her willingness to help is a result of the lessons she learned watching her parents. Simply put: "If you CAN help, then you MUST help." Because of her refreshing commitment to quietly make a difference, we honor Tai "Joy" Lee as a Hometown Heroine.
NANCY D. MIRKIN • Vice President, Hampden Bank Nancy Mirkin knows money. She's been a banking professional for more than 20 years, rising through the ranks to vice president and commercial lending. In the social services arena, finding a person with Nancy's expertise and commitment to community service is a rare and valuable find. That's why Habitat for Humanity considered themselves nothing short of "blessed" when she agreed to be the chairperson of the 2002-2003 WomenBuild project. It was an ambitious undertaking: identify, recruit, organize and lead an all-female volunteer team through the process of completing a Habitat home. Everything had to be done: fundraising, designing, training, scheduling, ground-breaking, building, painting, landscaping, providing food and water for the volunteer laborers… EVERYTHING. And over the course of more than 14 months, everything did get done. A beautiful Habitat for Humanity home stands on Calhoun Street in Springfield as a testament to her drive, determination, and leadership. Habitat for Humanity is just one of the organizations that have benefited from Nancy Mirkin's desire to be a force for good in the Pioneer Valley. She also volunteers her expertise with The Hampden Foundation, Girl Scouts of Pioneer Valley (where she was a troop leader and "cookie mom"), and the Jewish Community Center. Its because of her commitment to making a difference that we recognize Nancy D. Mirkin as a Hometown Heroine.
JANE DELORES WILBURN SAPP • Musical Artist Jane Delores Wilburn Sapp is a renowned singer, songwriter and pianist. She loves to share her gift with anyone willing or needing to learn, because she understand the effect that music--the universal language--can have on people. For several years, Jane has been a volunteer choral director in the Springfield public schools. Her music and instruction help children learn to communicate with and trust one another. Almost magically, as they learn the music, they learn to believe in themselves. The kids apply that new confidence to their schoolwork, and to helping solve problems in their world. In a nutshell, Jane uses music as an agent of social change. One of the key reasons Jane is so effective is she provides a vehicle for the children to let their ideas be known. In one class, she asked this questions to a group of students with whom the school system was having problems: "If for one moment, the world was listening to you, what would you say?" The kids talked. And, within a few minutes she put their words to music leaving them with a song of their ideas! The children's grades and behavior improved once they got involved with Jane's chorus. Jane has mastered the art of using music to bring people of different backgrounds together, helping them understand each other and believe in their ability to change the world for the better. She is an inspiration to all her students, and everyone who comes in contact with her. Because of her commitment, vision, leadership, and masterful use of music to make this a better place to live, we honor Jane Delores Wilburn Sapp as a Hometown Heroine.
KIM HENLEY • WomenBuild, Habitat for Humanity Kim Henley has a gift for making things beautiful--and for getting things done. For her, obstacles are just stepping stones that help achieve a goal. She's a certified multi-tasker (she has to be, with a husband and two teenage sons!). Kim used her gifts and her determination to make a major contribution to the work of Habitat for Humanity. In 2002, she joined the steering committee for WomenBuild. It was the first Springfield area "Habitat" project where all aspects, from fundraising to hammering the final nail, were coordinated and staffed by female volunteers. From the committee chairwomen to the volunteer painters, no one had an easy job. Kim opted for one of the most challenging positions: volunteer coordinator. From groundbreaking to house warming, she coordinated the activity of more than 400 volunteers who gave their time on Wednesdays and Saturdays over a period of 14 months. The result is a beautiful Habitat for Humanity house on Calhoun Street in Springfield. Invigorated by the success of the WomenBuild project, Kim continued her involvement with Habitat by using her "master-gardener" skills to coordinate the landscaping of two Habitat homes that were completed this past fall. She also volunteers her green thumb to oversee the planting and maintenance of all the public buildings and garden sites in her hometown of Longmeadow. Plus, Kim serves as Teen Board Advisor for the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield. In addition, she co-chairs the committee responsible for overseeing 400 crowd-control marshals at this year's U.S. Women's Open in South Hadley. She's also an active volunteer and PTO member at her sons' schools. Because of her commitment to making the Pioneer Valley a better--and more beautiful--place to live, we honor Kim Henley as today's Hometown Heroine.
JANET P. VERGNE One has to really care about kids to take on the responsibilities as such of Janet Vergne. She’s taken her college degrees (one in Communications from UMass, another in Social Work from UConn), combined them with her own God-given desire to help people, and had become an “impact player” in the lives of thousands of public school students. She’s been a school social worker and adjustment counselor in the Hartford, Holyoke, and Springfield Public Schools for more than a decade. Milton
Bradley Elementary School in Springfield has especially benefited from her
attention. There, she’s
chaired The Puerto Rican Heritage Month “Read Aloud” program;
vice-chaired the black history “read aloud” program, and served as
student council advisor and kindergarten facilitator. Like
any great “impact player”, Janet Vergne realizes that part of her
responsibility is to share the knowledge she’s gained so that
generations to come might also benefit.
That’s why she’s taught Social Work and Human Services at
Springfield College, at Smith College, and at Western New England College. Ms. Vergne is also committed to using her talents in the community. Her list of “involvements” seems endless. They include:
Because of her tireless commitment to educating our children and uplifting her community, we recognize Janet P. Vergne as a "Hometown Heroine."
SUZANNE STREMPEK-SHEA • Director, Palmer Public Library
Suzanne has written a series of novels that offer a window into the warmth and humor of Polish-American life. Her works resulted in a nomination by Simon & Schuster as one of the best American writers under age 40. She has also received numerous other awards and recognitions, including appearances on The Today Show and in a PBS special. Amidst the countless hours at the keyboard, immersed in worlds of her own imagination, Suzanne often escapes to the real world of the Pioneer Valley where she has felt compelled to help those less fortunate. She works tirelessly as a volunteer at FoodShare, a food pantry serving the growing homeless and working poor population. With all of her success, Suzanne never strayed far from home. She presently serves as a director of the Palmer Public Library. For her commitment to sharing her gift, and serving her community, we honor Suzanne Strempek-Shea as a Hometown Heroine.
CHERYL RIVERA • Attorney and State Representative for the Tenth Hampden District (Springfield's North End, South End, Metro District, and Forest Park)
In spite of the obstacles she faced as a Hispanic woman, Cheryl completed law school and began a private law practice. Her drive and determination to make a difference led her to successfully campaign for a seat in the state house of representatives. Remembering that true success includes "reaching back," Ms. Rivera has made time in her busy schedule to serve as a mentor at Putnam High School. The relationships she's established with the students make them comfortable talking with her about the variety of challenges that come with being a teenager. Not only does Ms. Rivera make frequent visits to the school, she also provides volunteer work opportunities for youngsters in her law office. She also takes area teens to her office at The State House in Boston, thus exposing them to a grand vista of opportunities and responsibilities. By reaching forward and reaching back, Cheryl Rivera is positively impacting the lives of countless young people, and the entire Pioneer Valley. It is because of her commitment and determination to make a difference that we recognize her as a "Hometown Heroine."
LUCY GIUGGIO • Organizer, "Rays Of Hope" Walk For many people, a battle with breast cancer leads to a bout of depression. For Lucy Giuggio, it became a call to action. She resolved to do something positive to raise awareness of breast cancer. As she looked around at the resources available to women diagnosed with the disease, Lucy recognized the need for coordinated services, combining both prevention and treatment. She then set about raising money for such a program. Nearly a decade ago, she came up with the vision for a fund-raiser walk that would accomplish these goals, and educate the general public as well. She called her idea "The Rays of Hope Walk." With the help of 30 friends from Baystate Medical Center (whom she recruited as volunteers), Lucy set out to find 500 walkers who would raise $50,000. A key part of the plan was to raise the money through grass roots efforts rather than relying on corporate support. Lucy Giuggio's vision has become a reality. Last year's walk raised nearly $600,000 with the help of 300 community volunteers and 5000 walkers! And the money goes directly to "the cause;" 90% of the funds are earmarked for Baystate Medical Center's Comprehensive Breast Care Center. The remaining 10% is distributed to the American Cancer Society's Breast Research Department. Lucy is a determined, charismatic woman who has removed the word "no" from her vocabulary. Her "can do" attitude turned her misfortune into a positive force that is benefiting thousands of people right here in the Pioneer Valley.
SUSAN JAYE-KAPLAN • Founder, Pioneer Valley Women's Running Club When
people describe Susan Jaye-Kaplan, they'll often use words like “determined,”
“persistent,” or “resilient.”
She is also often described as “open-hearted.”
She realized early in life that non-competitive running could go
way beyond exercise and bring women together to strengthen their bodies
and their souls, thus achieving “a greater good”.
With that thought in mind, Susan Jaye-Kaplan founded The Pioneer
Valley Women’s Running Club, the only organization of its kind in
Western Mass or Northern Connecticut. In
addition to providing activities for runners of all ages and abilities,
the club also is devoted to educational, charitable, and spiritual
endeavors. Most notable
among these is “The Mentorship Running Program for Girls
Incorporated,” which targets girls 8 to 12 years of age who do not
follow a fitness regiment. Susan
and her club members provided them not only with materials they needed,
but also training and inspiration through 1-on-1 mentoring relationships. In addition to her work with the Pioneer Valley Women’s Running Club, Susan also donates her time with the Springfield Hebrew Free Loan Association, The Women’s Sports Foundation, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Susan Jaye-Kaplan is an outstanding role model for women and girls in the Pioneer Valley.
Dr. CARLA OLESKA • Associate Academic Dean, Elms College (Chicopee, MA) Dr.
Carla Oleska believes that all people deserve equal opportunity, and she
creates ways to make it happen. It’s a position that has grown out of her personal love for
learning. Indeed, her own
experiences have shown that the key to opening life’s doors is academic
opportunity. As a result, she
holds a passionate commitment to making higher education accessible to all
those willing to learn. Dr.
Oleska as put that commitment into action by creating numerous programs at
Our Lady of The Elms specifically for under-served populations.
Of particular note is “Step
Forward – Step Ahead”, which recruits middle and high school girls
from low income and/or minority populations and provides them with college
enrichment programs earning up to 16 college credits. Since its inception in 1992, all graduates of the program
have gone to college. Today,
there are 145 girls in the program. Dr.
Oleska is also the visionary behind the New
Horizons program for economically disadvantaged women who wish to earn
a college degree. Some of the
women in New
Horizons have daughters in Step
Forward, and they inspire one another in their pursuits. Dr. Oleska has also volunteered with the Girl Scouts. That experience has taught her what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. She presently serves on the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Pioneer Valley.
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