Carmel, N.Y. – (3/30/12) – Over 30 women from throughout the Hudson Valley were honored at Senator Greg Ball’s (R, C – Patterson) Women of Distinction Hall of Fame. Among them was, Kathleen McLaughlin who was recognized for her distinguished volunteer service and civic commitment as a Woman of Distinction representing the Town of Putnam Valley, New York.
Created and hosted by Senator Ball, The Women Of Distinction Hall of Fame was designed to honor outstanding women from throughout the 40th Senate District. Each city, town and village within the Senator’s district was asked to nominate a woman to be honored at the event. All the nominees were formally honored and inducted in the Hall of Fame at a district-wide ceremony at The Donald B. Smith, Putnam County Emergency Services Building in Carmel, NY.
Kathleen McLaughlin, the Putnam Valley Librarian, lives in Putnam Valley in the house her grandfather built. Ms. McLaughlin has always been very involved in the Town of Putnam Valley, with her energy focused on the Putnam Valley community both as Director of the Putnam Valley Library and in the preservation of Lake Oscawana. As a librarian, Ms. McLaughlin has been extremely energetic in making the residents realize the value of libraries and reading. Ms. McLaughlin is an innovator in the community use of libraries and has brought in many activities for people, particularly young children. Magic shows, storytelling, Gingerbread House creations, and a host of other events all take place in the library.
Ms. McLaughlin has a keen sense of civic responsibility and never misses a town board meeting, always speaking to the public about the library and the upcoming events for the month, the NYS library system, and book loan programs.. She is probably one of the best know librarians any town has ever had!
It is in her capacity as a volunteer where Ms. McLaughlin also stands out as a model citizen, someone to be emulated. Ms. McLaughlin is a dedicated volunteer, serving for decades to help preserve our natural environment, particularly the quality of water in Putnam Valley. As chair of the Lake Oscawana Advisory Committee, a board member of the Lake Oscawana Civic Association, and a board member of the New York State Federation of Lake Associations, Ms. McLaughlin has been especially active in the preservation of Lake Oscawana.
“The woman who are here today were nominated by their communities, hand-picked because they chose a path of leadership, living a life of service before self,” said Senator Greg Ball. “Each one of these women here today is so well deserving of this honor because they have built a reputation of action, compassion and integrity a path that that stands as an example to all.”
For more information or to speak with Senator Ball, please contact Joe Bachmeier: (845) 200-9716.
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