Farmington Historical Society Honors Farmington Women

The Farmington Historical Society recognized 27 women, nominated by members of the community, at its 2011 Honoring Farmington Women event on March 25th at the Country Club of Farmington. 

The nominees, representing women of all generations, were honored for their contributions in the arts, health care, politics, education, business, civic organizations, athletics, and other fields.

“Thank you to all of you who nominated, and thank you to all of you nominees for your good works. It’s largely because of you that Farmington is a town to be proud of and to love,” said Program Chair Marcie Shepard. A brief description of each honoree's many contributions to Farmington is listed below.

Ginny Wolf, a long time Farmington resident and host of “Spotlight, Radio Reveling in the Arts and Entertainment” on 1420AM/1150 AM WMRD, served as mistress of ceremonies. Wolf, an actress, portrays the 17th century witch, Mary Barnes, for the Stanley Whitman House. Wolf thoroughly entertained the audience with theatrical descriptions of each of the nominees many contributions to town. She concluded by thanking Lisa Johnson, Executive Director, of the Stanley Whitman House, “for making me the witch I am today!”

The luncheon concluded with a very special tribute to honoree Amy Spirito on her 99th birthday!

The 2011 honorees are:

• Ednalou C. Ballard - A financial planner, while president of Farmington Rotary Club Ballard developed grant programs to provide clean water to a school in Sierra Leone.
• Katherine Derr Barney – Chairman of the Stanley-Whitman House Board for 20 years. Barney’s family gave the house as a museum to the town in 1935.
• Peggy Bliss – As a master gardener, Bliss volunteers at the Hill-Stead, Elizabeth Park and Farmington Library gardens; chairs the library’s Garden Tour and coordinated the Farmington Historical Society Gridley Garden renovation. She also leads Amistad Tours and is a Corporator of Hartford Hospital.
• Barbara Brenneman – Registrar of Voters, co-owner of Leaders Real Estate, Brenneman is also an active member of the Town Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency as well as a master gardener involved in the library garden and Garden Tour.
• Sara “Penny” Prentis-Brown – Formerly an art teacher and chairman of the art department at Miss Porter’s School, she is active in art-related activities for children and has designed quilts on display in many locations in  town.
• Wendy Burki, Farmington Historical Society’s Coordinator of Amistad Tours, Hill-Steader, master gardener, active in Cub Scouts, her children’s schools and homeless shelter volunteer.
• Mary Isabel “MI” Cake – Advocate for children and families, active in the Farmington garden Club and Friends of the Farmington Library, Cake died January 23, 2011 at the age of 97, leaving a “remarkable legacy of a life that touched many people in the community.”
• Martha Clark  - (Born in 1687) noted as a hardworking daughter, wife and mother in early Farmington.
• Dr. Diane B. Cloud – Principal of Noah Wallace School, noted for her contribution to reading instruction throughout her career, founding member of the Amistad Center and educational consultant to the Farmington Historical Society.
• Bobbie Emery – Noted for her full-time passion for the preservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of historic properties and farmland.
• Nina Hayes – First president of the Hill-Steaders, the Hill-Stead Museum Volunteer Organization, Hill-Stead trustee, former president of the Farmington Garden Club, founder of Farmington Clean-Up.
• Kay Hunter – Chair, Relay for Life, former President of Farmington Junior Women’s Club, active church member.
• Lisa Johnson - Executive Director, Stanley Whitman House, author of reports that established Unionville Historic District, “A woman of history for history.”
• Joan Leach – A nurse educator and lecturer specializing in Gerontology, Leach serves on the Board of the Farmington Valley Nurses Association, Friends of the Farmington Library and FVGLA.
• Nancy Nickerson – Vice Chair of the Farmington Town Council, co-president of Friends of the Farmington Library, board member of FVGLA, Farmington Historical Society, and Farmington Food Pantry,  among other volunteer endeavors: “she has worked tirelessly for the town.”
• Sara Cree “Sallie” Norris – Co-founder of Village Nursery School and Farmington Field Club and Farmington River Literary Arts Center, former president of the Farmington Garden Club and Art Guild.
• Diana Petro – Noah Wallace School teacher for 39 years, “she has given the families of Farmington the joy of learning and the spirit of community.”
• Alice Y. “Clover” Pinney (1885-1973) - Noted for being the local correspondent for the Hartford Courant for 53 years, first local woman to have a driver’s license, honorary Tunxis Hose volunteer. The park across from her home now bears her name.
• Paula Ray – Second female Town Clerk, co-president of Friends of the Farmington Library, president Farmington Community Chest and active in many community organizations. “Farmington is fortunate to have her knowledge and dedicated involvement.”
• Pat Robotham – Noted for 50 years of humanitarian volunteerism that “have given aid and comfort to all ages” through service to St. Mary’s Human Needs Committee, services for the Elderly, Meals on Wheels and many more organizations.
• Marcie Shepard – Seminar speaker, chairman of Special Events for the Farmington Historical Society, coordinator for Farmington Heritage Alliance, founder of Services for the Elderly program, “It’s Good to Get Out.”
• Amy Spirito –She has lived all but six of her 99 years in Farmington. “She has always loved the town – and the town loves her.” She is a charter member of St. Patrick’s Women’s Guild, and has been an active member since 1945.
• Dr. Sue Sturtevant, Hill-Stead Museum Director & CEO, “Dr. Sturtevant believes in participating in community life and giving back, so she is an active member of the Farmington Garden Club, Rotary Club, Millrace Book Club, Connecticut Women’s Council, Farmington Valley Trout Unlimited, and the Farmington River Watershed Association. People appreciate her innovative ideas that have helped Hill-Stead become more than a hidden gem.”
• Lois Reeve Wadsworth – Former chairman of the Republican Town Committee, First Church of Christ Sunday school teacher and member of the Board of Deacons and the Junior Service Club, Wadsworth has been a very active volunteer in many organizations.
• Nancy Walker – Director of Services for the Elderly, Meals on Wheels volunteer, “Nancy is truly a caring person, giving selflessly to the seniors of Farmington.”
• Dr. Katherine G. Windsor – The twelfth head of Miss Porter’s School, Windsor has conducted a facilities condition analysis to ensure the preservation of the school’s historic Farmington campus.
• Sharon Wright – Chairperson of many First Church of Farmington committees, “Sharon Wright has exhibited a level of commitment to public service rare for someone who also has a demanding career.”