04/27/2007 - DISTINGUISHED WOMEN AWARDS 2007

CSCC honored six of Dutchess County's most influential women in the food service industry

Catharine Street Community Center honored outstanding professional women in the food service industry at an awards ceremony during its Annual Red Carpet Reception, on Friday, April 27, 2007. The event was held at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. It began with the Center's 85th Annual Meeting and election of Board officers and was followed by a ceremony and reception for the honorees. Stewart's Shops was the generous sponsor of the Red Carpet Reception.

It is a pleasure to announce that the 2007 Distinguished Women honorees are: Megan Fells, chef and co-proprietor of the Artist’s Palate, Poughkeepsie; Lucia Lauria, proprietor of Il Barilotto in Fishkill and Aroma Osteria in Wappingers Falls; Patricia Lytwynec, proprietor of Bonefish Grill in Poughkeepsie; Lorrie Mercadante, server and manager of the Beech Tree Grill in Poughkeepsie; Janet Smith, proprietor of Janet’s Jerk Stop, Poughkeepsie; and Susan Wolfe-Hill, proprietor of The Balancing Act, based in Lagrange.

Food service in Dutchess County is a vibrant industry and it was difficult to choose just six special women from among the dozens of nominees. The Catharine Street Community Center Awards Committee based their selections on a number of criteria. They were looking to identify women who have made an impressive contribution in their field – women who give back to their community and demonstrate extraordinary creativity or diligence; women who have overcome obstacles to reach their goals; women who mentor and inspire others in the industry. To be eligible, nominees had to have at least eight years in the industry and be actively working in Dutchess County.

Executive Director Shirley A. Adams explained that CSCC wanted to do something each year to honor women in different industries, changing the industry categories annually. The last Distinguished Women Awards honored women working in TV and radio.

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