Local women honored at Women’s Month Celebration at the Astor Room

Assembly member Aravella Simotas and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney celebrated the women of Western Queens on Friday, with their fourth annual Women’s History Month luncheon. Over sandwiches and cookies at the Astor Room in Astoria, elected officials and community members feted this year’s roster of honorees, hailing from the worlds of community activism and the arts, for the extensive work they’ve done on behalf of the borough.

Assembly member Aravella Simotas said that although women should be celebrated every day, she thought it was important to dedicate time to recognize the extensive ways that women were shaping the Western Queens community.

“We get to highlight the women who have helped make our community what it is, a great place to live,” she said. “There are so many trailblazers who have come before us in politics, in civic life, it’s important to have a day where we can say thank you, and encourage them to continue their good work.”

Community Activist Patricia Barbor, who was worked within the community for years with local organizations such as the Astoria Civic Association and Mt. Sinai Queens Advisory Board, and was an honoree at Friday’s event, said that her dedication to Astoria was inspired by other members of the community.

“It’s the people,” she said. “They’re interested in where they live, the community support system is terrific. And we’re only getting stronger.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney with, from left, honorees Tracy Capune, Vice President of Kaufman Studios, community activist Patricia Barbor, Amy Hau, the Director of Administration and External Affairs at the Noguchi Museum, and Assembly Member Aravella Simotas on the right.