NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYOFFICE OF ASSEMBLYMEMBER ARAVELLA SIMOTAS

For Immediate ReleaseMarch 23, 2015Contact: Robert Hart, 718-545-3889Simotas & Maloney Celebrate Womens History MonthOfficials honor local women for achievement in the arts, community service, and business

ASTORIA, N.Y.On Friday, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney hosted a luncheon to commemorate Womens History Month at The Astor Room in Astoria.

The legislators came together to recognize the accomplishments of three outstanding members of the Northwestern Queens community. Community Activist Patricia Babor, Vice President of Kaufman Astoria Studios Tracy Capune, and the Noguchi Museums Director of Administration and External Affairs Amy Hau were presented with awards honoring their achievements.

I draw inspiration from todays honorees and the examples they have set, said Simotas. These three accomplished women demonstrate the tremendous strides that we have made towards securing equality in this country and motivate me to continue the fight for future generations of women. It was wonderful to gather today with Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas at the beautiful Astor Room to honor three incredible women for their contributions to the community, Patricia Babor, Amy Hau, and Tracy Capune, said Maloney. Their work and dedication to Northwestern Queens is a prime example of community leadership, and these honors were richly deserved."Ms. Babor has been a remarkably active civic leader and community activist in Astoria for decades. Among many other positions, Ms. Babor is the former President of the Astoria Civic Association, and currently serves as the Recording Secretary for SHAREing and CAREing. In addition, Ms. Babor serves on the Community Advisory Board of Mount. Sinai Hospital Queens and was recently appointed to the Community Advisory Board of the Seven Hospital Mount. Sinai Citywide Facility. As we celebrate Womens History Month, I would like to sincerely thank Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas for choosing me as one of todays honorees, said Babor. This tribute is for all of us here today that have concerns for the quality of life and the health of our communities.

Ms. Capune, a veteran urban planner and economic development consultant, is Vice President of Kaufman Astoria Studios. Ms. Capune oversees the Studios expansion plans as well as initiatives to further economic growth in the surrounding neighborhood. Ms. Capune played an integral role in creating the Studios newly opened back lot and managed the development of the Stage K building. Most recently, she led the successful drive to designate the area surrounding the Studio as the Kaufman Arts District.

I am truly grateful to have been recognized by Congresswoman Maloney and Assemblymember Simotas, said Capune. It has been a distinct pleasure working in Astoria alongside them and dedicated community leaders like Ms. Babor and Ms. Hau. Ms. Hau is a founding member and current president of the Long Island City Cultural Alliance, an organization that works closely with community partners to promote the cultural vibrancy of Long Island City. After personally working with the artist, Ms. Hau has served as a staff member at the Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in a number of administrative capacities for nearly thirty years. I am grateful that I get to do what I love every day, and especially grateful that I get to work with all the inspiring women leaders in the community, said Hau. I am truly honored to be recognized by Congresswoman Maloney and Assemblywoman Simotas.

Assemblywoman Simotas concluded the event by offering her gratitude to Kaufman-Astoria Studios and specifically to President Hal Rosenbluth as well as The Astor Room for their generous support in making the event a success.

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