Tuesday, 03 May 2011 06:21

Kathleen Harmon named Assembly District 10 Woman of the Year

slide2-kathleen_harmon_named_assembly_district_10_woman_of_the_year.pngAmador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution last week honoring Kathleen Harmon for her recognition as the Assembly District 10 “Woman of the Year” for the California Women’s Legislative Caucus.

The Award, begun in 1987, is a “celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California.” It recognizes a woman from each Senate and Assembly district, for their accomplishments.

Harmon, the executive director of the Interfaith Food Bank, was chosen by Assemblywoman Alyson Huber as her District 10 Woman of the Year.

The biography listed by the California Women’s Legislative Caucus said Harmon is Executive Director of Amador County’s Interfaith Food Bank, and she “advocates for her agency at the state and federal level while she oversees fundraising, food procurement and distribution for 4,000 people each month with an all-volunteer staff.”

The biography said: “In her spare time, (Harmon) serves on Amador County’s Disaster Prevention and Homeless Task Forces, Community Health Awareness Council, Sierra Gold Quilt Guild, Volcano Theater Company, Sutter Creek Church of the Nazarene, and many other worthwhile groups.”

Supervisor Chairman John Plasse last week read a resolution of the Board of Supervisors honoring Harmon’s accomplishments.

Plasse noted other accomplishments, saying Harmon “displays exemplary leadership qualities and a willingness to assume any task at hand by also being involved with the California Association of Food Banks,” Connecting Hands, and Amador County Women’s Network. The resolution said Harmon “is truly an inspiration to others through her vitality, desire to serve and unconditional compassion for those in need.”

The resolution said Harmon “has dedicated countless hours fundraising for her organization, and giving of her time unselfishly. She is not only an asset to the community but an example of true humanity in action.”

Harmon, who appeared to be choked up, said it was the first time she had ever been left speechless. Earlier in the meeting, she had noted that Interfaith Food Bank gets no federal funding, saying, “we are locally supported.”

Plasse said that Harmon even loaned the Food Bank’s truck to the Jackson Lions to use for a recent fundraiser. Supervisor Ted Novelli recognized Harmon as a member of his Supervisorial District 3, and said “our district is proud of her.” At the previous meeting, he had noted that Harmon was the District 10 recipient this year, and said the Board should give her special recognition.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.