Orange County Democratic Women Honor Six at Dinner

By Jennifer L. Warren

HIGHLAND MILLS – It was supposed to be a gala. However due to the results of November’s Presidential election, historic, “celebratory” plans changed.

“We felt because of the loss we experienced in November, we should recognize and really address the contributions of our young Democrats; they are our future,” explained Bette AnnYarus, President of Orange County Democratic Women (OCDW). “So, we decided to identify young, successful Democrats who have worked on what can and needs to be done; we also chose the phoenix as a symbol for the event because of its ability to rise up from defeat and soar.”

Kicking off the afternoon’s events, held at Black Forest Mill with Guest Speaker Michael Corbett, President of the NYS Young Democrats,  was the recognition of  two more “seasoned” honorees who captured Inspiration Awards. The Honorable Roseanne Sullivan, County Legislator, was granted the Geraldine Ferraro Public Service Award. Meanwhile, Laura Garcia, a Racial Justice Program Manager for the YWCA of Orange County earned the Spotlight Award for Community Work. Sullivan spoke of the integral carry over skills; communication, innovation and facilitation, she brings to her current political post as a former English Teacher. Expounding upon those abilities, she left her audience with words to reflect upon, “Life is a great balancing act,” Sullivan said. “If you can remember that, you will move mountains.”

Garcia, who is grateful for the position she holds and the platform it affords her to speak about such issues as; immigration, voting rights, racism, and access to health care among others, had a personal, touching story of her own to reveal. An undocumented immigrant when she first arrived in the United States, her journey as a Latin American women has been anything but smooth.

“When I came here, I couldn’t achieve anything I dreamed of because of who I was,” recalled Garcia. “After overcoming, I now want to continue to break barriers and make a path for others; this award is important in light of the fear that many Latinos face, and I hope this brings a sparkle of light and hope to them.”

Following the Inspiration Awards, were the New Generation of Leaders recognitions. Honorees included; Allison Biasotto, Katelyn Israelski, Frank Pacella and Carlos Valle.

Biasotti is currently working for United States Senator Charles E. Schumer as his Hudson Valley Regional Director. The youngest person to hold this post, Biasotti has always pushed for what she believes in, refusing to accept “no” at all costs. That perseverance has paid off.

“Even when I doubted myself, I continued to do things; I want to tell the younger generation to stand up and not be shooshed ,” said Biasotti of Cornwall. “I have not done all of this alone; I work for a great man and staff and am blessed.” She added, “I have always stood up for things I believe in, and I decided if I talk this much, it better be worth it.”

Yet another honoree who was living proof of the night’s symbolic theme of a phoenix rising was Carlos Valle of Monroe. Working full-time for Assemblyman James Skoufis as his Coordinator of Legislative and Community Affairs, Valle became immersed in the political realm when a financial crisis hit his parent’s restaurant business. There was no option but to become an activist, doing all he could to assist the middle class.

“I decided I could no longer sit on the sidelines; I needed to make a difference with the “Occupy Wallstreet” movement,” said Valle. “It’s inspiring to work with young Democrats; now is the time to get involved and do things, and not because we want to, but because we have to.”