Union A.M.E. Church honors local exemplary women

WARWICK — Nine Warwick-area women will be honored by Union A.M.E. Church for their outstanding service to the community on Saturday, March 8.

The 2014 Women of Distinction are:

Sherry Bukovcan, entrepreneur and Chamber of Commerce member

Claire Gabelmann, Lion's Club member

Kerry Malone-Demetroules, founder of the Warwick Community Center monthly community dinners

Barbara J. Moore, former mayor of Greenwood Lake

Jennifer O'Connor, editor-in-chief of the Warwick Valley Dispatch

Johanna Pennings, dairy business owner

Marie Pennings, nurse and real estate agent

Denise Smith, G.E.D. instructor and Union member

Christine Foy Stage, attorney
"Every year during Women's Season we feel it befitting to pay tribute to women of distinction who have performed exemplary work and served selfishly in our community," explained Channabel Latham-Morris, co-chair of the event. "Their work and service stands out as an example for others and we are excited to honor them on March 8."

The women will be lauded at 1 p.m. at Palacio Catering and Conference Center, 1700 Route 17M in Goshen. In addition to plaques commemorating the momentous occasion, the honorees will receive commendations from local elected officials and be serenaded by renowned saxophonist Tony Smith.

The event will also feature liturgical dance by Kecia Holmes; a moving dance tribute by Bro. Jereme Hunter and The LaRocque Bey School of Dance Theatre of Harlem; and a keynote address by Rev. Dr. Raquel Lettsome, associate minister at Union. An invitation-only silent auction precedes the luncheon at noon.

According to Union's pastor, Rev. Kevin T. Taylor, the Women's Season Luncheon is one of several events in the month of March. The Annual Prayer Breakfast will be on Saturday, March 15. The Rev. Yolanda King, assistant pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Middletown, is the keynote speaker.

Likewise, the Women's Season culminating worship service is on Sunday, March 16, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Shareka Newton, executive pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn will be the guest preacher.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact Channabel Latham-Morris at 914-772-8320 or ospre628@gmail.com or contact the church at

845-986-3649.