The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
United Way honors Woman of the Year
Leadership committee prepares for May 12 gala
TORRINGTON >> The United Way of Northwest Connecticut has named Katherine Marchand-Beyer as its 2017 Woman of the Year.
In 2012, the United Way of Northwest CT created the Women’s Leadership Initiative Committee, a strong team of women with a mission to mobilize the power of women to advance the common good in the communities. Members say they chose to focus on issues that affect women, children, and families and to create programs and find solutions to help improve their lives.
On May 12, the committee will celebrate its fifth annual gala where it will honor its Woman of the Year, chosen for her commitment to the community and success as a leader.
Marchand-Beyer is Director of Community Support at L.A.R.C., where she oversees the Day Services Program, recreation, the Transition Program, and Camp Moe.
As a daughter of Francis and Mary Marchand, she became aware at a very early age that volunteerism was simply a part of everyday life. She began her career at L.A.R.C. in November 1974. “She has been a tireless advocate for children and adults with special needs, serving on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities,” committee members said in a written statement. “She is not just dedicated… for Katherine, her life work is her passion. Her goal is ensuring that all individuals are accepted with care and compassion and can enjoy equal opportunities to live and work with dignity.
As a volunteer, Marchand-Beyer has been involved in the Special Olympics, serving as Area Director for Litchfield County. Under her direction, the program grew from 50 athletes in four sports to more than 200 athletes in 23 sports. Marchand-Beyer is also a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and has participated in multiple committees on their behalf. Her support of the United Way comes by way of her involvement in the annual fundraising campaign. She and her husband, Chuck, are members of the Leaders Circle.
“Nothing sparked a fire in Katherine Marchand-Beyer like the sudden loss of a summer camp for her children to enjoy,” members said in the statement. “Katherine immediately gathered a team and worked relentlessly, driven to find a solution that would bring a fun and rewarding outdoor experience to many. Camp Moe was created, and Marchand-Beyer spends her summer as the camp director, still working endless hours to ensure its success.”
“Katherine continues to share her knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise to make a positive impact on lives in Northwest CT…. and that is why Katherine Marchand-Beyer exemplifies the leadership role that women play in Northwest Connecticut,” said Kara Muth, committee co-chair, in the written statement. “We are proud to honor her as our 2017 Woman of the Year.”
Each year, the committee also chooses an organization that is in the forefront of community service. This year it will honor Altrusa International, a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life through service. Chartered in November of 1957, the local club has a history of raising funds to support a variety of projects and causes including FISH, Inc, Friendly Hands Food Bank, the Salvation Army and the Torrington Community Kitchen.
Altrusa conducts an essay contest annually among local eighth-graders with a topic of “Volunteerism and What It Means To Me,” hoping to instill the values of volunteer work in these young men and women. The organization also provides four scholarships to graduating seniors in the area who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to service in the community.
“That is just a small representation of all this club contributes to life here in Northwest Connecticut, so it is easy to understand why we chose Altrusa International to receive the honor of Best Supporting Organization in the Role of Empowering Women and Children,” members said.
The Women’s Leadership Committee has also chosen to bestow two additional awards this year. The first goes to the Best Supporting Woman in the Role of Business and that honoree is Kara Oneglia, a vice president of O&G Industries. In her position, Oneglia manages all aspects of the masonry division including sales, production, materials handling, and delivery. The company was started by her grandfather, George and his brothers, Raymond and Francis, but she credits her success to the lessons she learned from her father, Robert, when he encouraged her to become involved. Though he died when she was only 27, it was his guidance that gave her the confidence and the tools needed to carry on his legacy. “Oneglia leads by example, treating others with respect while maintaining professionalism as a woman and business leader in the community. O&G takes pride in supporting the community, providing support to organizations such as Kids Play, the Warner Theater and the Harwinton Consolidated Community playground, among others,” members said.
The second award goes to the Best Supporting Woman in the Role of the Arts, which goes to Isabelle Carrington, Director of Education for the Warner Theatre since 2003.
Managing all aspects of the Center for Arts Education, Carrington worked diligently to expand the arts curriculum with dance, music, visual, technical and writing programs. She has also been a proponent of arts integration in the Torrington Public Schools as well as other school districts throughout the state and developed a successful Artist-In-Residence program for area schools. Carrington partnered with state organizations to bring arts awareness and education outreach opportunities to children and adults from all demographics and socio-economic backgrounds.
“Our committee believes that by sharing her amazing talent in the field of art, Isabelle Carrington is most deserving of this honor,” members said.
The Woman of the Year Gala will be held at the Torrington Country Club on Friday, May 12. The public is welcome to attend. Tickets are $75. each and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner with wine, and an awards ceremony, followed by music and dancing. Invitations will be sent out this week, but feel free to call the United Way office 860-4894131 to order tickets and to make credit card reservations.
With the funds raised from the gala and the support of generous sponsors, the Women’s Leadership Committee produces an annual Girl’s Summit in October. This leadership program, for 200 eighth-grade girls, is designed to teach them the skills for navigating the teenage years, to build their confidence and self-esteem, and to inspire them to set goals so as to achieve their dreams. In short, we hope to nurture the skills they will need to become successful leaders of tomorrow. This event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a keynote presentation by Karen Hinds, an inspirational speaker and author.
The leadership committee membership includes co-chairs Cailin Cerruto and Kara Paganini-Muth; past chair and co-founder Gail C. Olson; Teresa Allen, Katherine Briggs, Emily Marchand-Cole; Cathy Coyle, Deirdre Houlihan DiCara, Colleen Matuzik, Candy Perez, Chelsea Rimbach, Jenna Reichen, Kaitlin Marchand Ashley McCarthy and Shalyn Sheldon, along with United Way Director Owen Quinn.
For more information about the Women’s Leadership Initiative, the May 12 Gala, or the Girl’s Summit, call the United Way office at 860-489-4131.