Photo submitted to the Times Observer From left, Melinda Johnson, Zonta Service Committee Chair presents the “2017 Zonta Women Who Make a Difference Award” to Cindy Paulmier, Executive Director of Jefferson DeFrees Family Center, Joan Stitzinger, Executive Director of Warren Forest Higher Education Council, and Pat Evans – currently manager of the Warren Concert Association.

The Zonta Club of Warren “Women Who Make a Difference” 2017 awards were presented to three women for their leadership in their professional and/or volunteer work in Warren County during their Feb. 9th meeting.

Cindy Paulmier, executive director of the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center was recognized for her leadership at the center with the Child Care Center and After School Program as well as adult programming. Examples of her volunteer work in the Tidioute community include being instrumental in getting the Health and Dental Clinic open as well as serving on Tidioute Council member and working with the Tidioute Community Foundation. She also served on several boards as MH/MR Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Board, past president of Warren County Extension Board and currently treasurer of 4-H Development Council. She serves on the Warren County Conservation District Board and the Warren County Planning and Zoning Board. Twice she has co-chaired the United Fund and is a leader in the Kid Safe Project (children finger printing and photo) which currently is in cooperation withthe Warren Police Deptartment.

Joan Stitzinger, executive director of the Warren Forest Higher Education Council was recognized for her 20 years of leadership with staff, council and program planning. She is motivated to provide access for limited income persons to receive the education and employment training for a family income and better quality of life. According to a staff member Donna Smith, director of adult education, she continually encourages individuals to improve their lives by inspiring the students in the General Education Diploma program. Joan’s advocacy includes working with state department officials and legislators to provide easy access to their GED and HIST – High school Equivalences Testing. Her advocacy includes being in Harrisburg and Washington DC Governmental Department as she works with administrators statewide to study issues and improve curriculum and determine future labor needs. Joan follows through with educational and training offerings at the local W/F Higher Education. Her leadership in the “Impact Poverty” group has led to community leaders better understanding the effect of working poor families and the community. As part of the Education Consortium of Upper Alleghenies she is proactive in looking at Community College working with W/F Higher Education to meet the needs of preparing a workforce for local industry. She also is a technology instructor at the W/F Higher Education Council, and math teacher at Jamestown Community College.

Pat Evans. Pat began her employment career with the Warren County Cooperative Extension, and worked as the Warren Co. Zoning officer. Her leadership skills lead to being on the Planning Commission and she was a Warren County Commissioner. She has served as a District Justice, Executive Director of Warren Bicentennial and Penn Lakes Girl Scout Council. Her later careers include being a N/W Savings Bank Marketing Specialist, currently Warren Concert Association Manager. Her volunteer work includes being a member Rouse Estate Board and advisor for the Leadership Warren program. Her team work skills include helping with fund raising currently for the Warren County Historical Society Board (Classy Cast Off garage sale), Warren Public Library including the Mid Winter Benefit, and the Crary Art Gallery where she is an Exhibition Committee member. She is well appreciated for helping new comers to the Warren community to find interest in community projects and feeling welcome to Warren.

Each women was given a yellow rose – a symbol of International Zonta, and a certificate recognizing their accomplishments by Melinda Johnson, local Zonta Service Committee chair.

Zonta is an international organization advancing the status of women worldwide. Locally the club sponsors four scholarships for adults seeing to improve their education for job advancement as well as birthing kits for third world countries mothers and their newborns. Zonta financially supports several local organizations including the Salvation Army, Don Mills Achievement Center, House of Hope, Warren Co. District Conservation Environthon, plus a Community Award of $1,000 that benefits Warren families. Currently Zonta works with A Safe Place by placing informative posters in business throughout the county for awareness of help available for persons in domestic violence, and human trafficking situations.