Timone honored as 'Woman of Distinction'

SOMERS, N.Y. - Somers powerhouse Margaret Timone was recently recognized as a Woman of Distinction for her exceptional leadership and community service.

She and six other women received the award from state Assemblyman Matt Slater (R/C-Yorktown) at a ceremony held Saturday, May 9, at Carmel Town Hall in Putnam County.

Other honorees were Serafina Mastro of Yorktown; Marianne Chaluisan of Carmel; Jennifer Cassidy of Southeast; Angela Maass of Patterson; Wendy Whetsel of Putnam Valley; and Jaime McGlasson of Kent.

According to the folks who nominated the longtime resident and tireless volunteer, Timone has “gone far beyond simply living in our community -- she has become an essential contributor to its culture, history, and spirit.”

They cited her work with the Somers Historical Society and her involvement in numerous town-wide initiatives and “cherished traditions,” such as landmark preservation.

Timone, who is known fondly as Meg, coordinates annual luncheons and dinners at the Wright-Reis Homestead, a historic house/museum off Primrose Street.  It’s owned by the town but managed by the historical society.

“It’s really just a labor of love. It’s something that I enjoy doing. Local history is one of my passions,” Timone told Halston Media later.

She is also known for wielding her artistic skills at The Elephant Hotel, aka the Somers Town House, during the holiday season.

“Her efforts in decorating both the interior and exterior transform the space into a symbol of warmth and community pride for all who pass by,” nominators said.

Timone’s commitment to the town also extends to local service men and women.

According to the nomination, she “plays a key role as a coordinator of events at Bailey Park, including the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, ensuring these important occasions are conducted with the utmost dignity and respect.”

Timone, they said is “a steadfast supporter” of Somers veterans and has consistently shown up to make certain that “their service is recognized and remembered by the community they helped protect.”

“Although Meg does not seek recognition, her influence is felt throughout our town. Whether preserving our past at the Homestead or enhancing the present at the Town House, her dedication is selfless and her impact enduring. Meg Timone truly embodies the spirit of the Town of Somers and is a most deserving candidate for this year’s Woman of Distinction Award,” they wrote.

(Timone’s husband, Denis, is a retired Somers town justice of 40 years and a member of Westchester County’s Senior Citizens Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran and a longtime Lions Club member. The couple have three children -- Timothy, James, and Anna -- and several grandchildren.)

“It’s truly an honor to stand alongside these remarkable women who represent the very best of our communities,” Slater said. “They go above and beyond, both personally and professionally, and remind us of the power of compassion and real leadership. In a time when selflessness is increasingly rare, these women set a shining example.”

Somers Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano also had some kind words for the honoree.

“Meg Timone represents the very best of Somers. Her dedication to preserving our history, strengthening our community traditions and honoring those who have served is truly exceptional,” he said, adding that she “gives her time and energy not for recognition, but because she cares deeply about this town and the people in it. Meg’s impact can be seen and felt across Somers, and she is more than deserving of this recognition as a Woman of Distinction.”

Women of Distinction recipients are selected through nominations submitted by local municipalities and community leaders.

Each nominee is recognized for her outstanding professional achievements, volunteer service and the meaningful impact she has made in the lives of others and within her community, Slater’s office said.

The women chosen represent a wide range of accomplishments, with contributions that may be local, statewide, or even national in scope.

Slater’s 94th Assembly District covers parts of Putnam and Westchester counties, including the towns of Kent, Patterson, Putnam Valley, Carmel, Southeast, Somers, and Yorktown, as well as the village of Brewster.