Somers' Kalba honored as 'Woman of Distinction'

She and six other women from around the state’s 94th Assembly district received Women of Distinction Awards from Assemblyman Matt Slater (R-Yorktown) at a ceremony held in Carmel.

Kalba was deputy town clerk for 14 years before taking on the town clerk’s job.

Her commitment to her profession is reflected in her active roles in various organizations.

“Through her extensive experience and leadership, Patty continues to contribute to the efficiency and integrity of local government in Somers.  Most of all, she is loved by all her coworkers and the many residents whom she serves on a daily basis, and always with a smile!!” the folks who nominated her said.

She is the third vice president and a former treasurer for the Westchester Putnam Town and City Clerks Association, a member of the Somers Historical Society, and a member of the Ivandell Cemetery Association’s board of directors.

Kalba holds multiple professional certifications, including Registered Municipal Clerk designations from the New York State Town Clerks Association (NYSTCAS) in 2016 and 2021, as well as Certified Municipal Clerk in 2018 and Master Municipal Clerk in 2022 from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, where she is an Athenian Fellow.

She has also served as a District Director for the NYSTCAS in 2021 and 2024.

Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano presented her with a proclamation on Thursday, May 8, on behalf of the Town Board, declaring Friday, May 9, Patty Kalba Day in Somers.

As a town official, it read, she “positively serves her community by upholding the policies, procedures and regulations of the Town as well as providing support and guidance to colleagues and responds to the needs of the residents.”

Following the Carmel ceremony, Scorrano praised Kalba, saying:

“She is not only one of the most accomplished municipal clerks in New York State, but she’s also the heart of our Town Hall. As Town Clerk, Patty leads with experience, serves with humility, and always welcomes every resident with a warm smile.”

Kalba is also known for closing out every Town Board meeting with some “fun facts.” That night it was that owls don’t have eyeballs; they have eye “tubes.”

Whooo knew?

Councilman Rich Clinchy remarked: “Patty, I know subscribes to the notion, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”

The other WOD recipients – called “remarkable women who embody the values of their communities” by Slater – were: Doris E. Crowder (Putnam Valley), Jennie Menton (Yorktown), Councilwoman Suzanne McDonough (Carmel), Rachel Roberts (Patterson), Yolanda “Lana” Cappelli (Kent), and Kim Henry (Southeast).

“It was an honor to stand with these extraordinary women, whose selflessness and leadership inspire us all to go above and beyond both personally and professionally. They set a shining example of compassion and real leadership in today's world,” Slater said.