5 Women Honored For Community Service

Five outstanding women were honored recently for making Huntington a better place to live.

More than 400 turned out Oct. 26 for the 10th annual Women's Networking Day celebration at the Larkfield Manor, an informative event highlighted by presentations to five honorees, each chosen by a member of the Town Board for their contributions to the Huntington community.

The 2011 honorees included Frazier Park Civic Association founder Michele Martines; St. Hugh-St. Elizabeth Baseball/Softball League Commissoner Mariane Layer; longtime "First Lady" of the United Methodist Church and community volunteer Marie Rouse, African American Historic Designation Council Chairperson Irene Moore and Barbara Samuells.

Recognized by Mark Mayoka, Samuells is a certified public accountant and college professor active in community groups who founded the group 912 Super Seniors. 

"We're all richer for their contributions," said Samuells. "I know I represent so many of my friends and neighbors who work year-in and year-out for the good of our community."

Samuells contributions include a 40-year commitment through church, school, scouting and the Rotary Club.

“Each of these women deserve to be commended individually for the ways in which they have contributed to Huntington’s outstanding quality of life,” Supervisor Petrone said. “Taken together, they impressively demonstrate the significant contributions women have made and continue to make in our community.”

Moore, a retired administrator at Medgar Evers College, is chair of the Huntington's African American Historic Designation Council. She serves as second vice president/program director of the NAACP’s Huntington Branch. She was recognized by Glenda Jackson.

"I've always been active even when I was working," said Jackson. "I see the young people with so much debt, and tuition is so expensive. There's a need for help."

Presented by the Women’s Division, the event promotes non-profit information and services offered by the town.