On November 12, 1975 the Poughkeepsie Branch held a dinner at the Vassar Alumni House to commemorate the International Women's Year and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of our branch. Eight women were honored for outstanding service to the residents of Dutchess County. Since that time, the Poughkeepsie Branch AAUW has selected a local woman to honor as our Woman of the Year. These women exemplify the goals stated in AAUW's mission statement:
The American Association of University Women advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.
Poughkeepsie Branch AAUW Woman of the Year Honorees
| 1978 - Marian Morse | 1979 - Dr. Eleanor Peck | 1980 - Lucille Pattison |
| 1981 - Patricia Braatz | 1982 - Marie Tarver | 1983 - Helen Marchese |
| 1984 - Mary Keeley | 1985 - Trudy Grundon | 1986 - Mary Lou Heissenbuttel |
| 1987 - Joyce Ghee | 1988 - Earline Patrice | 1990 - Marion "Chad" Patterson |
| 1991 - Trudy Evangelou | 1993 - Gloria Rutgers | 1994 - Gail Burger |
| 1995 - Geeta Desai | 1996 - Mary Moody | 1997 - Virginia A. Swartz |
| 1998 - Ceal Sommer | 1999 - Patricia Poggi | 2000 - Ruth Stafford Peale |
| 2001 - Margaret R. Calista | 2002 - Anna Buchholz | 2003 - Klara B. Sauer |
| 2004 - Gail Webster | 2005 - Eleanor Charwat | 2006 - Clara Lou Gould |
| 2007 - Diane Pedevillano | 2008 - Eileen M. Hayden | 2009 - Carole J. Wolf |
CAROLE J. WOLF, Woman of the Year 2009
Carole J. Wolf is the Founder and Executive Director of Mill Street Loft, a not-for-profit Multi-Arts Educational Center based in the City of Poughkeepsie. She holds a Master's degree in Art Education and has taught art in high school and at Dutchess Community College for over 25 years. Carole Wolf is a frequent presenter at national, state and regional conferences. In addition to her tireless work on behalf of Mill Street Loft, she has served in volunteer positions on the boards of directors of: The Anderson School for Autism, the New York State Intergenerational Network, the Arts Education Advocacy Coalition in Albany, and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves on their Education Committee.
Carole Wolf has provided professional and personal leadership as well as community service to thousands across generations, genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic class. As an artist by trade, an educator by training, and an inspirational force by nature, Carole found a way to bring those worlds together in Mill Street Loft. The Mill Street Loft is dedicated to changing lives through the arts, while rebuilding a shared sense of community. In 1982, she created the award winning Dutchess Arts Camp, which currently offers a visual, performing, and media arts program with professional artist educators to more than 1,000 children each summer in Poughkeepsie, Millbrook, and Red Hook.
Under her leadership throughout its history Mill Street Loft has collaborated with other area organizations and offered intergenerational and arts-in-education programs. This major award-winning Dutchess County arts organization currently offers The Art Institute, The Junior Art Institute, and year-round art classes and workshops for all ages and abilities, as part of its tuition-based programming. Mill Street Loft's underlying philosophy is to create, develop and implement programs that "build self-esteem while learning through the arts." The Art Institute has provided its students with more than 12 million dollars in merit-based scholarship offers to career-minded high school students interested in studying visual arts at the nation's leading colleges and universities.
In 1994 Mill Street Loft created the first of its Outreach Programs that serve economically disadvantaged youth in the Cities of Poughkeepsie and Beacon. Project ABLE and its Habilidad component (begun in 2002), for Hispanic and Latino middle and high school students, are arts-based jobs skills training and career exploration programs to help youth access the workforce. In 1999, Mill Street Loft created PASWORD (Program for Adolescent Student Women of Real Direction). The program uses the arts to address gender-specific issues for urban girls ages 11-15 at risk of delinquency, teen pregnancy, gang and domestic violence, and fosters self-esteem and personal empowerment. Its sister program, Project AWARE (Adolescent Women Are Realizing Empowerment) was created in 2002 to serve girls in the City of Beacon.
Mill Street Loft launched its Arts for Healing partnership program with the Vassar Brothers Medical Center in 2007 -demonstrating another powerful example of how "arts change lives." The program serves children with acute and chronic diseases and their families. Through a wide variety of art projects patients are encouraged to create and use their imaginations. The projects ease them through the tension, stress, and fear of their hospital experience and benefits the practitioners as well as patients and their family members. Recognition of Carole's efforts both professional and community include: the Dutchess Community College Recognition Award for 25 years of teaching, The Poughkeepsie Rotary Club Service Above Self Award, a Certificate of Recognition by Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus, Certificates of Merit from the New York State Senate and Assembly, The Best of the Hudson Valley Social Activist Award, The Dutchess County YWCA Salute to Women Award, the 2006 Community Service Award from the Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce, the 2008 Dutchess County Athena Honoree, the 2008 Best of the Hudson Valley Friend of the Arts, and also in 2008 she received Congressional Recognition from the US House of Representatives.
EILEEN M. HAYDEN, Woman of the Year 2008
Many generations of the family of Eileen Mylod Hayden, AAUW Poughkeepsie Woman of the Year, have resided in Dutchess County. Both her father and grandfather were officials of the Dutchess County Historical Society. Ms Hayden has served the society since 1980 and was its Executive Director from 1991 until her retirement in October, 2007.
She is a graduate of SUNY, New Paltz and the College of New Rochelle. She was a teacher on the elementary level and at Our Lady of Lourdes High School. Ms Hayden is a certified Community Mediator.
Eileen Hayden serves on the County Historian's Advisory Committee. She is a founding member of Friends of Mills Mansion and a member of the Friends of Eleanor Roosevelt-Val Kill. She served on committees for the Dutchess County Tercentenary, Poughkeepsie Tricentennial, Bicentennial of the Ratification of the US Constitution, and County Court House Centennial.
Her publications include DCHS Year Book, Astor Home: Looking Back, and The First Seventy-five.
Eileen Hayden was honored in 1992 with the President's Award from Marist College and in 1996 with the Ursula Lauris Award from the College of New Rochelle.
From the article Living History by Vanni Cappelli:
Dr. Werner Steger, president of the Board of Trustees of the Dutchess County Historical Society, said on the occasion of Eileen Hayden's retirement,"Those who have worked with her will miss her guidance and firm hand at the helm of an organization serving the county's historical needs for almost a century. An educator and historian to the core, she taught in local schools for a number of years before changing her audience to history lovers. Her knowledge of local, state and national history was nourished within a family with a long documented interest in discovering, preserving and using history and historical resources for community good."
Cappelli continues:
... she discusses the archaeology project in Hyde Park aimed at uncovering traces of an 18th century enclave of free blacks and runaway slaves, an American Revolution program at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, the summer program for middle school children, an after-school program with the Catharine Street Community Center and the Black History Committee. Yet it is the Silver Ribbon Tours, which take groups to towns around the county to highlight their historic treasures, that obviously have a special place in her heart.
"There is no town in Dutchess County that does not have its own unique gem to show off," Hayden said. "Whether it's a Georgian house, a historic church or an old railroad bridge, there is always something with a story to discover."
Yet despite the richness of the historical legacy she has presided over for many years, Hayden stresses that it is sharing it with people that has given her the most satisfaction.
"People themselves have given me my strongest memories," she says. "Their enthusiasm for programs, whether they be demonstrations of needlework or displays of old newspapers, has been extraordinary. So many people have been involved and supportive."
And what comes next in the ongoing historical odyssey of Eileen Hayden?
"There will be more leeway for travel and family time, but I am still a member of the society," she said. "I am just going from official to volunteer. I will be able to enjoy the activities for their own sake, now that I am not responsible for so many aspects of their success. And I encourage everyone to come and enjoy them too."
DIANE PEDEVILLANO, Woman of the Year 2007
Diane Pedevillano has been the Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum from 1994 through 2006. She has her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from Columbia University specializing in pediatrics and early intervention. She is a mother of five children and has been the business manager for her husband’s family practice since 1986. She is completely committed to providing opportunities for all children to reach their full potential and to enhancing the quality of life in her community.
In March of 2002, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum moved to the banks of the Hudson River at 75 North Water Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. In March of 2004, the museum financed the purchase of the Museum buildings (including the main building and waterfront pavilion). In this new location, the museum has become an educational resource center, family destination, tourist attraction and catalyst for downtown/ waterfront revitalization. The museum offers interactive exhibits and programs which educate over 60,000 annual visitors about the environment, arts, culture, history, health and science each year. During the past two years the museum board and staff worked with consultants to perform a community assessment and developed a Long Term Strategic Plan, Board Development and Resource Development Plan as the basis for a recently completed Three Year Business Plan that will guide the museum to future growth and continued financial stability.
Diane serves as a board member for the Children’s Services Council of Dutchess County and the Child Care Council of Dutchess County and a member of the Zero to Three Partnership. She has served as an advisory board member for the Poughkeepsie City Schools Even Start Program, past president and treasurer for the various Parent Teachers Associations for the Poughkeepsie City School District and as the past Public Relations liaison and treasurer for the Catskill District of the American Physical Therapy Association. Her involvement with her church includes being a member of the folk group, and past children’s choir director and religious education teacher. She coordinates the annual "Autumn in the Park" festival in the City of Poughkeepsie as a neighborhood volunteer (since 1988), is a sustaining member of the Jr. League of Poughkeepsie, as well as a volunteer for Adriance Memorial Library.
CLARA LOU GOULD, Woman of the Year 2006
A native of the Hudson Valley, Clara Lou Gould was born in Cold Spring, New York, where she was educated in local schools. After graduating from the College of New Rochelle with honors in English she was employed in New York City in the publicity department of Viking Press book publishers, and by Harold Ober Associates, literary agents (whose clients included such authors as Pearl S. Buck, Agatha Christie, Langston Hughes, etc.)
On moving to Beacon, she began her community service with the Highland Hospital Auxiliary (now St. Francis Beacon). She served as treasurer, president, and chair of several major fund raising campaigns, some of them as co-chair with her husband, Robert, and also served in almost every area of volunteer service. She is still a member of the Auxiliary.
When Beacon's Health Department became part of the Dutchess County Health Department, Mrs. Gould was appointed by the County Legislature as the first Beacon representative on that board, and later served as President.
She is a past Director of the Third District of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State, former State Awards Chairman and former State Asst. Treasurer, and National Council Flower Show Judge. She worked for years on the Beacon beautification committee and is a member of Tioronda Garden Club. She worked with the club to create a Patriots Garden, which received a Federation award in 2004.
Clara Lou Gould was sworn in as Mayor in January 1990, the first woman to be elected to that office, and is now in her fifth term, the most terms any mayor has served. She worked to have Beacon designated one of the initial model communities of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. Later she represented the Greenway at a meeting in Washington State to encourage the Greenway program there. She was part of a Greenway delegation to the Czech Republic in 1994 to visit their Greenway. That trip resulted in a student exchange from the Czech Republic to Beacon.
In 1996, Beacon was the winner of the inaugural Hudson Valley Quality Community award in the city category, selected by a nine member Planning Group. In 2005, Beacon was designated a Preserve America Community.
Clara Lou Gould has been the recipient of a number of awards, including Dutchess County Arts Council, Southern Dutchess Exchange Club Commitment to Community, Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce Community Service, Ursula Laurus Citation from College of New Rochelle, Girl Scout Community Service Award, NAACP award for community contributions, Rotary Club for service above self, DAR Community Service award, Wal Mart Hometown Leadership, Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Award, and Community Foundation of Dutchess County award for community service.
Current memberships include Hudson Fulton Champlain Commission (Chair), Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, National Heritage Area Management Council, Boscobel Board of Directors, Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber Board, Kiwanis Club of Beacon-Fishkill, Southern Dutchess NAACP, Dutchess County Community Development Advisory Board, Howland Cultural Center, Stony Kill Foundation, Children's Home of Poughkeepsie Board Associate Member, Pattern for Progress, Tioronda Garden Club, and St. Francis Hospital Beacon Auxiliary.
Past memberships include Dutchess County Arts Council, St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Board of Directors Fishkill National Bank, D. C. Economic Development Committee, and D.C. Board of Health.
ELEANOR CHARWAT, Woman of the Year 2005
Making the world a better place has been a theme throughout Ellie Charwat’s life in her many roles as educator and community activist.
As a teacher of English to young people in Brazil, Thailand, Italy, Greece, and to adult immigrants in Poughkeepsie, Ellie taught far more than the language; she introduced her students to American culture, democracy, and customs.
In her American Government classes at Marist College, she encouraged her students to get involved in their local communities by showing them the practical side of politics as well as the theory – knowledge she gained at the Federal level in her job with President Kennedy’s Committee on Juvenile Delinquency, and on the local level in her two elected terms as a councilwoman on the Poughkeepsie Town Board.
Ellie received her bachelor’s degree in government at Cornell University and a master’s degree in public administration at Marist College. But she is a lifetime learner, taking courses, reading, leading discussion groups and traveling widely.
As executive director of the Marist College School of Adult Education, where she worked for 13 years, Ellie advised hundreds of adult students on how to achieve their dreams of new careers or job advancement through education. To meet the needs of adult students, she initiated several new certificate programs, introduced weekend programs, oversaw college extension centers, and designed non-credit courses and training programs for business, labor, government agencies and the public.
Upon her return to her native Poughkeepsie in 1975, Ellie plunged into community involvement. She joined the League of Women Voters of Dutchess County and became its president. She also took a part-time job as a reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal, where her articles on the raucous meetings of the Wappingers School Board garnered front-page coverage.
Long an admirer of Eleanor Roosevelt, Ellie joined the board of ERVK, rising to become its president from 1981-83. She has also coordinated Elderhostel programs on Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt at ERVK for people from all over the country.
Ellie served for eight years as a trustee of the Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie, from which daughter Rebecca graduated and where Ellie chaired the search for a new Headmaster.
Ellie is currently a trustee and past president of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District Board, where she is leading efforts to expand library facilities to meet the needs of the 21st century. She also leads a mystery book discussion group at the library.
She is Vice President of the Arlington Rotary Club, a member of the United Way Impact Council, and a tutor for Literacy Connections.
Ellie recently celebrated 38 years of marriage to Poughkeepsie attorney and financial planner Martin Charwat. They met in the mountains of Puerto Rico while working for an Agency for International Development project to train youth leaders from developing countries. They have two married children, Ben and Rebecca, and one beautiful granddaughter, Grace Katherine.
GAIL WEBSTER, Woman of the Year 2004
"Passionate about helping people.” “Uses her wonderful sense of humor in handling difficult situations.” “A calm, tireless leader.” “Dedicated to giving something back to her community.” “An articulate advocate for those who have difficulty speaking for themselves.”
These are just some of the phrases that have been used to describe Gail Webster, our honoree for AAUW Woman of the Year. She has served since 1991 as the Executive Director of Hudson River Housing (HRH), a non-profit organization that has done a great deal to provide a continuum of housing opportunities for area residents.
When she became the director, HRH had a staff of three and focused on running a successful homeless shelter, Gannett House. Under her direction, the staff has grown to 100 and the organization oversees eleven projects including a teen shelter, family shelters, transitional housing, rental or home ownership projects, and numerous educational programs. They have obtained grants from various organizations, including Housing and Urban Development and the Dyson Foundation, and have poured millions of dollars into community revitalization projects. The organization understands that job skills, along with knowledge about home ownership, are keys to success. Their goal is to make their guests self sufficient, and they have relied on many community experts to help residents obtain jobs, learn to maintain a home or apartment, and develop money management skills.
Ms. Webster fulfills the AAUW mission of promoting lifelong education and creating positive societal change. She works in a quiet, unassuming manner and has been very effective in making our community a better place. We are proud to honor her this year!
KLARA B. SAUER, Woman of the Year 2003
Klara B. Sauer is best known for her 20 years as Executive Director of Scenic Hudson Inc. where she used her considerable leadership skills to protect this region's natural spaces. Originally, Scenic Hudson grew out of the efforts to save Storm King Mountain. The case provided the underpinning for the passage of the National Environmental Protection Act. Ms. Sauer became director just after the protection of Storm King was achieved. During her tenure, Scenic Hudson expanded from a single mission focus to a multi-faceted programmatic and geographic approach, encompassing the entire river corridor from Albany to New York City. It pioneered the creation of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and advocated for the Hudson's designation as an American Heritage River. Eighteen new parks were also created in the 10-county region.
Ms. Sauer helped reshape the focus of the national environmental movement by encouraging collaboration with the forces of business and government. Scenic Hudson is now viewed as a partner in resolving environmental problems not an adversary. As a result of her efforts, the Hudson is alive again for communities and people all along its shores. Also, many natural spaces have been saved for the enjoyment and benefit of us all.
Born in Germany, Klara Sauer started college at Dutchess Community College at age 33 and received her B.A. in Urban Studies from Vassar College at age 39. She followed with an M.P.A. from Marist College. She worked as a Senior Planner for Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress and was a Vice President for Planning & Allocation for the United Way of Dutchess County. Currently, she is a Principal in The Athena Group, a management consulting group, which assists non-profit and government agencies.
Among her many volunteer activities, Ms. Sauer is the chair of the Dutchess Community College Foundation. She has served on many other community boards, including those supporting education, health, the arts, and music.
ANNA BUCHHOLZ, Woman of the Year 2002
It is with great pleasure that the Woman of the Year Committee, Peggy Kelland , Dale Anderson and Caryn Presti announce that Anna Buchholz is the 2002 Woman of the Year.
Anna Frances Buchholz graduated from the University of Kentucky (BA) and the University of Illinois (MA and PhD) with degrees in German Language and Literature. After several years teaching German at these universities, in 1948 she went with the American Friends Service Committee as a volunteer relief worker to Ludwigshafen, Germany.
In 1950, Anna came to Poughkeepsie to teach at Vassar College. Married and raising two sons, she remained active in several organizations, including AAUW. She became president of the local League of Women Voters and served on the state board.
She first sought public office in 1967 and in 1971 was elected to the county Board of Representatives. In 1975, she was elected as Town Supervisor of Poughkeepsie, and served for 14 years before retiring in 1989.
She has served on the board of Scenic Hudson and currently volunteers at the FDR Archives and Library. Among other activities, she is active in the Marist College Center for Lifetime Study.
Link to a biography of Anna Buchholz written in 2008 by Barbara Mindel for the "Women in History project of AAUW-NYS.
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MARGARET R. CALISTA, C.S.W., Woman of the Year 2001
Margaret received her bachelor's degree in history and spanish from Cedar Crest College in Allentown PA, and she began her career in human services the following year. She worked as a case worker in the city of Poughkeepsie, then progressed through positions of increasing responsibility at The Children's Home of Pougkeepsie, then The Astor Home, before returning to The Children's Home to serve as Executive Director from 1975 through 1977. During this same timeframe, Margaret received her MSW from Fordham University.
Margaret began her academic career at Western Carolina University in 1978, then came to Marist College in 1980 as Assistant Professor of Social Work and Director of the Social Work program. It's also important to note that, in 1978, Margaret was responsible for establishing, then supervising, a comprehensive program which provided first-ever services for adolescent populations in parts of North Carolina.
Margaret received tenure at Marist in 1985 and was named Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences in 1999. During her tenure at Marist, Margaret has provided leadership both within the social work program and in the larger college community. Her accomplishments include establishing programs to reach alternative students, achieving CSWE accreditation for the School of Social Work, and serving on the Marist College Affirmative Action Committee.
For a number of years, Margaret provided expert consultation to the Anderson School. She has also served as adjunct professor at Yeshiva University, and has made numerous professional presentations throughout the country as well as in Japan.
As a volunteer, Margaret has served on the Board of Managers of The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie since 1988; she has also served on the Boards of Directors of the Dutchess County Child Development Council, the Mid-Hudson Coalition for the Development of Direct Care Practice and Community Family Development, Inc.
On a personal note, Margaret is married to Donald Calista and is the mother of 2 grown sons.
RUTH STAFFORD PEALE, Woman of the Year 2000
Mrs. Peale is a former member of the AAUW Poughkeepsie Branch. She is the widow of noted minister, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. Mrs. Peale is a graduate of Syracuse University, and before her marriage, taught mathematics at Syracuse Central High School. She and Dr. Peale were married for sixty-three years, and she is a mother of three, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of six.
Although Mrs. Peale worked closely with her husband in all aspects of his ministry, she also established a separate identity as a religious leader, public speaker and author. She is co-founder, publisher and chairman of the board of Guideposts magazine, which currently has over six million subscribers. Guideposts is a ministry of inspirational products and services developed from the belief that people’s lives can be improved, strengthened and deepened through applied spiritual faith. The organization is unified around a mission of being a world leader in “communicating positive, faith-filled principles that empower people to reach their maximum spiritual and personal potential.”
In 1998, Mrs. Peale led the launch of Guideposts’ sixth magazine, Clarity, a publication for professional women. She is the author of the book, Secrets of Staying in Love. Among other distinctions, Mrs. Peale was the first woman president of the National Board of North American Missions of the Reformed Church of America, and the first woman chairman of the Planning and Program Committee of the National Council of Churches.
Because of her dynamic spiritual achievements, Mrs. Peale has been a great influence to millions, and has made many contributions in working towards positive societal change. Mrs. Peale maintains a farm home on Quaker Hill, Pawling, Dutchess County, N.Y.
Link to a biography of Ruth Stafford Peale written for the "Women in History project of AAUW-NYS.
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R. PATRICIA POGGI, 1999 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Pat is a lifelong educator who is presently working as Library/Media Specialist at Haviland Middle School in Hyde Park. Previously, she was an adjunct career counselor and instructor at Dutchess Community College, SUNY New Paltz, Mount St. Mary College and Vassar College. She was also the Director of Instructional Services at Rockland County BOCES. For over seventeen years, Pat has maintained a private practice as a career counselor.
For over thirty years, Pat has lived in Pleasant Valley with her husband, Dr. Peter Poggi, a veterinarian. After graduating from Cornell University, Pat married Peter, became a mother of four sons and worked as a business manager for Peter’s animal hospital. While fulfilling these responsibilities, she returned to school, obtained a master’s degree from SUNY New Paltz and a second master’s and doctorate from Columbia University. An example of someone living the AAUW goal of lifelong education, Pat is currently taking Spanish lessons and is enrolled in a two year Spiritual Directions course.
In the 1970’s, she was a winner of a women’s equity grant to bring girls’s to non-traditional career fields, and later was instrumental in obtaining a grant for DCC to encourage girls in non-traditional math and science careers. At DCC, Pat worked with women enrolled in the PACE program and developed a new course to help to acculturate underprepared students to higher education. Presently, at Haviland, Pat is the advisor to SUCCESS, an after-school study program. Pat has been on the board of the Pleasant Valley Library and the Area Fund. She was an active member of the Junior League, Cornell alumni, and American Cancer Society. Through her professional career, volunteer activities and personal life, Pat is an excellent example of someone who promotes the AAUW goals of equity for all women and girls, lifelong educaion, and positive societal change.
CEAL SOMMER, 1998 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Ceal Sommer exemplifies many facets of AAUW’s program and ideals—pursuing advanced degrees, a career in scientific research, lifelong education and continuing contributions to the community. In 1934, before it was popular for girls to pursue careers in math and science, she received a B.A. from Hunter College with a major in pre-med. After that, she earned her M.A. from Columbia in bio-chemistry. As one of the earliest registered medical technicians in New York, she worked on many research projects, including breast cancer and the Rh factor. She taught at the St. Francis School of Nursing, 1940-1944. At that time she was a member of our branch; later she became a member-at-large when she returned to New York City in 1979.
She retired four years ago. However, in 1993 she began working with Astor Headstart teaching English as a Second Language to Spanish-speaking parents. In addition, she also teaches a citizenship class at Astor. She is a volunteer with Dutchess Outreach. Active with Temple Beth-El, Poughkeepsie, she has also served on the board of Jewish Family visiting service at the Jewish Community Center. She currently volunteers Mondays at Overlook School in their Grandmothers’ Storytelling program. She was 84 years old.
Virginia A. Swartz, Woman of the Year 1997
Virgina Americo Swartz graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with a degree in Music Education, specializing in piano and voice. Since her arrival in Poughkeepsie fifty years ago, she has been active in her church, school and community. A member of the Junior League of Poughkeepsie, she was their 1969 Volunteer of the Year and is currently on the Board of Directors as Sustaining Representative. She was a charter member of the Community Mixed Chorus, and accompaniest and assistant director for nearly thirty-five Years.
Ginny directed many shows in the Arlington schools and taught ballroom dancing at the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club. A past director of the youth choirs of The First Congregatinal Church, she is a soloist and member of the senior choir and director of the church's bell choir.
She served in many capacities with the semi-professional Dutchess County Philharmonic and then served on the Central Board of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic from 1960-1982. She was president of the Dutchess County Council of the HVP for three terms. She has organized luncheon fundraisers, after-concert receptions, and the HVP A Kitchen Symphony cookbook. Ginny has also served on the Dutchess County Arts Council and is currently on the committee for the Young Artists Competion.
Ginny was class president of Oberlin College for five years and more recently has been fundraiser for three classes.
Mary Moody, Woman of the Year 1996
Mary Moody is director of Volunteer Services at St. Francis Hospital. She received her B.A. from Newcomb College, Tulane University. She taught third grade in Virginia and Vermont before moving to our area where she substitute taught for 18 years in the Arlington school district.
She and her husband have two grown children. They felt that to rear children to become involved members of the community, the best wasy was to be involved themselves. Mary remained active in many organizations for extended periods of time.
Among her many volunteer activities:
Girl Scout Council for 3 terms, served as president and in many other capacities
League of Women Voters since 1968, served as moderator and unit leader
Dutchess Community College Human Services Advisory Board for many years
Dutchess County American Cancer Society Board
Dutchess County Child Development Council
Dutchess Interfaith Council, board member
Town of Beekman Bicentennial Committee, Chairman
Crop Walk, a consistent top money raiser
Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church
Active in many professional organizations
United Way Community Resources Advisory Committee
Geeta Desai, Woman of the Year 1995
Geeta is Vice President for Community Problem Solving and Funding at the United Way of Dutchess County. Geeta graduated from high school in Bombay, India, earned degrees at Marist College and continues her academic work in a doctoral program. She has put her talents to use finding responses to varied problems which beset our community, from managing diversity in the workplace to the need for a universal manner of response to domestic violence.
To form policy for minority volunteer leadership development, many of our human service agencies have turned to her work, A Case for Inclusiveness. To help make this policy reality, Geeta developed a leadership training curriculum. This is being used in many communities as well as our own. She has designed statewide conferences on corporate social responsibility and community problem solving and has been both presenter and organizer at national minority roundtables.
Community is Geeta's concern also when she gives time as a member of the boards of the Girl Scout Council of Dutchess County and the YWCA, and when she works on committes for the Task Force for Child Protection and the Dutchess County Association for Senior Citizens
.
Gail Burger, Woman of the Year 1994
Gail Burger is the Executive Director of Dutchess Interfaith Council. Her career is an outgrowth of her genuine concern for individuals and the community. Dutchess Interfaith Council consists of 95 congregations throughout the county. As director, Gail oversees a volunteer board of 25 members who coordinate a variety of community projects including the annual Crop Walk Against Hunger, the Winter Youth Gathering, Interfaith worship services and many other activities that celebrate diversity and unity. Gail's leadership abilities and sensitivity help facilitate the interaction of individuals who normally would not be working together to meet the needs of the community.
A Poughkeepsie native, Gail graduated from Vassar College in 1960. After teaching for four years, Gail spent several years at home raising a family. She and her husband, Emerson, have two children, Claire and Glen.
In 1978 Gail began a new career as Christian Education Director at the First Presbyterian Church in Poughkeepsie. It was during this time she resolved to pursue the goal of becoming an ordained minister. For five years, Gail commuted to Union Theological Seminary in New York City, often leaving home at 5:30 a.m. for an 8 a.m. class. In 1988 she received her degree, Masters of Divinity, and was ordained in the Hughsonville Presbyterian Church where she served as pastor for four years before assuming her current position.
Gloria Rutgers, Woman of the Year 1993
Received her Master's degree in English Literature and Research
While liviing in the Hudson Valley she commuted to Chicago to receive her PhD in Education and Counseling
Acted as a catalyst for the Grace Smith House
Teaches Workshops to area colleges, businesses and community groups
Worked with the Junior League in the development of the Transitions program
Was instrumental in the founding of the Adult Career and Education Counseling program at Dutchess Community College
Provides individual career and educational counseling
Sees visions of community needs and acts as a catalyst to help these visions come to life
Member of the board of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Enjoys outdoor activities such as backpacking and canoeing.
Past president of the Rhineback Chamber Music Society. Has a background in dance, choreography, and the theatre.
Mother of one son and two daughters, grandmother to three children.
Trudie Evangelou,Woman of the Year 1991
From The Branch, March 1991:
Selected for her exceptional record of community involvement, Trudie Evangelou is a woman who has made a difference.
As a volunteer, Trudie has worked with Planned Parenthood, Zonta, Newcomers, Community Concerts, Encore, Family Counseling, George Washington Carver Fund, United Way, Mental Health Players, Coalition for Aid to Battered Women, and the Dutchess County Committee Against Racism. Professional positions have included Administrator of the Unitarian Fellowship of Poughkeepsie, Executive Director of the Dutchess County Girl Scouts, and Director of Administrative Services at the Poughkeepsie Day School.
Perhaps most inspiring is Trudie's gift for turning personal tragedy into an opportunity to help others. A cancer patient for many years, Trudie counsels other cancer patients and speaks to groups at Dutchess Community College and SUNY New Paltz. After her son Scot died in 1985, Trudie and Scot's brothers founded the Scot Altmann Memorial Council to aid troubled youths.
When a friend was diagnosed with cancer, Trudie wished for her: "Faith in yourself, courage, and a brass ring to reach for."
We admire Trudie's compassion and her own considerable courage, faith, and self-confidence. We offer Trudie Evangelou the honor of AAUW Woman of the Year as our special brass ring; we wish her many more to reach for.
Trudie was honored at the meeting on March 13 at the Community Room of the Poughkeepsie Galleria.
Marion "Chad" Patterson, Woman of the Year 1990
From The Branch, March 1990:
"If you give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, you will feed him for a lifetime." This saying exemplifies the career and life of our 1990 AAUW Woman of the Year, Marion "Chad" Patterson. She has devoted her life to helping ensure that each person receives, not only an education, but a joy for learning. She is a master at encouraging and getting others involved, thus weaving the talents of others into the fabric of life.
Over the years in Poughkeepsie, Mrs. Patterson has held a multitude of community service positions. Among them are President and counsel for the George Washington Carver (Scholarship) Fund, President of the Poughkeepsie PTA Council and District Director of the tri-county Taconic District PTA Council. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Poughkeepsie Children's Home, Grace Smith House, Mental Health Association, and the Dutchess County Girl Scouts.
As a woman who most definitely demonstrates AAUW's principal goals of equity for women, education and self-development over the life span, and positive societal change, we salute Marion "Chad" Patterson as 1990's Woman of the Year.
Earline Patrice, Woman of the Year 1988
From The Branch, September 1988:
The Woman of the Year committee announced the selection of Earline Patrice for its annual honor. Mrs. Patrice is known for her work with the City of Poughkeepsie's children, elderly, poor, and lonely. For twenty years she has given annual Christmas parties for the city's underprivileged children. These involve a toy drive, collecting money, preparing food and wrapping hundreds of presents, many of which are stored in her apartment. She is now hosting the children of people who attended her parties as children.
In spite of physical problems, including a heart murmur and arthritis, she has continued to host holiday parties on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with the food prepared and donated by area restaurants and the help of the Lower Main Street Civic Association. Dinner is offered "until the last person is served or-we run out."
Mrs. Patrice refers to herself as a "professional beggar" and her almost childlike enthusiasm about the help and recognition she receives has not waned with time. When she was contacted regarding the Woman of the Year award she mentioned that she had not fallen asleep until 6:00 am because of the hot summer night. Despite being awakened after only six hours of sleep, the news "made her day."
Mrs. Patrice has been honored by numerous local organizations and AAUW is proud to be among the many who recognize her tireless efforts.
Joyce Ghee, Woman of the Year 1987
From The Branch, September 1987:
It is indeed a pleasure to announce Joyce Ghee as the AAUW Poughkeepsie Branch Women of the Year.
A life-long resident of Dutchess County and graduate of Vassar College, Joyce is an accomplished professional writer, art illustrator, professional musician, music teacher, performer and lecturer.
As our Dutchess County historian, she co-produced the award-winning documentary, "Hyde Park" and co-produced, wrote and directed the environmental education slide program, "People and Places/ The Human Factor." Joyce was the Director of the Dutchess County Tercentenary and the Dutchess County Eleanor Roosevelt Centennial. Largely due to her efforts, the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill is recognized as a National Historic Site.
As head of the Dutchess County Department of History, Joyce has made learning about our local history both interesting and available to all. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Joyce and many other local historians, the history of Dutchess County is being preserved and the future is being enriched by a rebirth of interest in history, the arts and tourism.
Joyce credits her active participation on the YMCA board with developing the many skills she uses in her present position.
Joyce, we salute you and hope that your future will be filled with happiness and continued success.
Mary Lou Heissenbuttel, Woman of the Year 1986
From The Branch, September, 1986
It is with great pride that the AAUW Woman of the Year Award is presented to Mary Lou Heissenbuttel.
Mary Lou is the first and continuing director of Grace Smith House, the first safe temporary shelter in the county for battered women and their children.
Mary Lou obtained her current job in part due to her extensive volunteer commitments and varied board experience. As Director, Mary Lou juggles many hats. A normal day is full of crises and emergencies. There is an ever-present need to ensure finances through fundraising and grant writing. She must advocate for women, children, and the poor. Legislation must be written and existing laws enforced. Perhaps the most stressful job is fighting bureaucracy. A crucial role is counseling women and listening with empathy. She explains options and helps them find solutions.
After graduating from college, Mary Lou married and had three children. She worked as a homemaker and did extensive volunteering. Some positions included first vice-president and legislative action chairman for the League of Women Voters, chairman of the Poughkeepsie Counseling Center, and an elected member of the consistory in her church.
When her husband had a serious heart attack, Mary Lou realized the need to seek a career. She began working part time on her Master's Degree in social work at Adelphi University. When her husband died, she became a full-time student. Her internship was in the Crime Victims Assistance Service at St. Francis Hospital, and she received her MSW in June, 1982.
Upon meeting Mary Lou, it is easy to see her energy and quiet, persistent strength. She has charm and faces tasks with devotion, a smile, and a bit of laughter. One of her most enduring qualities is the genuine love she has for people. Her eyes soften as she speaks about those for whom she cares, and they become bright as she talks about her continued commitment to her job and her family.
Poughkeepsie Branch, AAUW is pleased to salute Mary Lou Heissenbuttel May all of her hopes and dreams come true!
Lucille Pattison, Woman of the Year 1980
Link to a biography of Lucille Pattison based on an oral history interview by Judy Linville in 2008 for the "Women in History" project of AAUW-NYS.
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Marie Tarver, Woman of the Year 1982
Link to a biography of Marie Tarver based on an oral history interview and written by Geeta Desai in 2008 for the "Women in History" project of AAUW-NYS.
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Margaret Race
Honored at the 50th Anniversary of AAUW in 1975
From the program of the celebration of this anniversary:
Mrs. Race received her Master's degree from Duke University, and also studied at New York State University College at Albany for Director's work. She became the Director of the Poughkeepsie Children's Home in 1937. She is a member of the Committee of Rules and Standards of the New York Dept. of Social Welfare. She was "Woman of the Year" in 1965 awarded by the Poughkeepsie Business and Professional Women's Club.
Bessie Payne
Honored at the 50th Anniversary of AAUW in 1975
From the program of the celebration of this anniversary:
Mrs. Payne was born in 1895 in Poughkeepsie and has had a long and varied career, all dedicated to the helping of people. She has taught in a missionary school in So. Africa, worked with retarded children, been a member of the advisory hoard for the Office of the Aging in Dutchess County, and is past chairman of the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Red Cross.
In 1974, Mrs., Payne was presented the N.Y. State Legislative Achievement Award, by the Joint Select Committee on Problems of the Aging, for her work in improving the quality of life for senior citizens. She is currently involved in the drive to establish the Catherine St. Community Center.
Edna MacMahon
Honored at the 50th Anniversary of AAUW in 1975
From the program of the celebration of this anniversary:
Dr. MacMahon graduated from Radcliffe College and did graduate work at Bryn Mawr, Columbia, and the Robert Brookings Graduate School. She received her Doctorate degree in 1930. She has been teaching at Vassar College in the Dept, of Economics, Sociology and Anthropology since 1942. She has been a professor since 1952.
Dr. MacMahon has had many papers and research published in the field of economics and has traveled abroad extensively studying other economic systems.
She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Dutchess Community College and is also a member of the Evaluation Committee of the local Office of Economic Opportunity,
Dorothy Haight
Honored at the 50th Anniversary of AAUW in 1975
From the program of the celebration of this anniversary:
Miss Haight was a teacher for 42 years and came to Poughkeepsie High School in 1952. She was the Supervisor of Social Studies from 1959 until she retired in 1969. She is a past president of AAUW and also has been active in the American Field Service She is President of Tel-Care.
Miss Haight has a Master's degree from the Teachers College at Columbia University, and has also taken special courses at Syracuse and NYU.
Bernie Fitchett
Honored at the 50th Anniversary of AAUW in 1975
From the program of the celebration of this anniversary:
Mrs. Fitchett has a BA degree in Home Economics from Cornell University, and served a one-year apprenticeship with the National Restaurant Association. She has been actively involved in promoting the role of homemaker and the art of homemaking since she married Ed Fitchett and moved to Poughkeepsie.
Mrs. Fitchett has published a book, Bernie Fitchett's Hudson Valley Recipe Book and Regional Commentary. Soon to be released is her new book on Bicentennial cooking.
Her husband is President of Fitchett Bros. Dairy and they have 3 sons.
Frances Drace
Honored at the 50th Anniversary of AAUW in 1975
From the program of the celebration of this anniversary:
Miss Drace has been librarian at the Grinnell library in Wappingers Falls for almost 35 years. She has devoted her life to the library. In appreciation of this, the Grinnell Library Board, in 1962 presented her with a trip to England.
When Miss Drace started with the library, it was 1 floor and 30,000 books. How, it is 3 floors and 105,000 books. She was one of the first librarians to start a children's story hour. She received her librarian's degree from Albany State University.
Ann Buchholz
Honored at the 50th Anniversary of AAUW in 1975
From the program of the celebration of that anniversary:
Mrs. Buchholz is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and has a Master's and a Doctorate in German Literature from the University of Illinois. She taught at Vassar College and was the first House Fellow on Campus from 1950-1953. She has been a Dutchess County Legislator, a member of the Town Board of Representatives and was a candidate for Town Supervisor (Poughkeepsie) in this fall's election.
Mrs. Buchholz was active in the formation of Dutchess Community College, was a member of the County Charter Commission, Vice Chairman of Dutchess County Child Development Committee, and Past President of the League of Women Voters.
Anna Buchholz was also honored as Woman of the Year 2002. Link to a biography of Anna Buchholz written in 2008 by Barbara Mindel for the "Women in History project of AAUW-NYS.
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Hilda Bohmer
Honored at the 50th Anniversary of AAUW in 1975
From the program of the celebration of this anniversary:
Since 1971 Mrs. Bohmer has been the Director of Social Services of the Poughkeepsie Family Development and Day Care Center. She helped establish the Dutchess County Child. Development Committee and served as its first chairman. She has been involved, in many local and national programs concerning child, care. and. child development.
Mrs. Bohmer has a Master's degree from the New York School of Social Work, Columbia University.