Area women named '2011 Tribute to Women of Achievement' honorees

Three area women were among the eight women honored by Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and the YWCA Orange County as their the 2011 Tribute to Women of Achievement. Monroe residents Cecille Jones, who works for Orange and Rockland Utilities, was honored for her work in the communications field; and Florence Bluegrass Hannes , who works for SUNY Orange, was honored for her work in the education field. Maureen Torelli of Goshen, who works for Glen Arden, was honored for her work in the health and human services field. They were among the eight honored for their work in different industries. Other honorees were Donna Hall of the New York School of Music and Rock Camp USA who represented the arts sector; Trish Fisher of the Greater Newburgh YMCA, who represented the business sector; and Karen Van Houten Minogue of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, who represented the public service sector. Also receiving honors were Aisling Cuffe of Cornwall High School, who was named “Woman of the Future”; and Dr. Michelle Winchester Vega, who was named the recipient of the Bobbie A. Lahey Memorial Award for Volunteer Services. “The eight women recognized today truly excel in their personal and professional commitment to our community,” said Donna Cornell, tribute co-chair. Now in its 19th year, the awards honor women in Orange County who have made a difference to the community in their professional, personal, or school-based activities, according to officials. The awards are jointly sponsored by the Girl Scouts and YWCA Orange County. Nearly 190 women from throughout Orange County have been recognized since the award’s inception in 1992. The honorees will be recognized at the Annual Tribute to Women of Achievement Dinner to be held on May 11 at Anthony’s Pier 9. Call 561-8050 for ticket information.