Sen. Owen H. Johnson honors "Women of Distinction"

Senator Johnson with Patricia Burkhart

State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon), recently honored Patricia Burkhart of Deer Park and Judy Skillen of Babylon Village as 2008 New York State Senate "Women of Distinction." Burkhart, a founding board member of the Friends of the Edgewood-Oak Brush Plains Preserve, was honored for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the 850-acre Edgewood Preserve, which is the largest parcel of open space west of Brookhaven and the second largest remnant of pitch-pine scrub oak habitat in New York State. " Skillen was honored for the positive change she has effected in her community through her tireless dedication and extensive volunteerism.

Senator Johnson explained that the Senate's Women of Distinction program was created as part of the Senate's celebration of Women's History Month. The program, which started in 1998, honors exceptional achievement, personal excellence and outstanding, courageous and heroic actions on the part of individual women from all across the State. Each honoree's photograph and biography becomes part of a special exhibit that honors and celebrates the unique accomplishments of exemplary women in New York.

Senator Johnson with Judy Skillen

Burkhart gave up a thriving consulting business to devote herself full time to the Friends of the Edgewood- Oak Brush Plains Preserve, an allvolunteer, not-for-profit corporation. Under her guidance, the organization has developed a strong and growing volunteer base, including numerous civic, environmental and outdoor recreational groups. A formidable activist and passionate environmentalist, Patricia has worked tirelessly to educate Long Island communities about a variety of issues, most notably, open space preservation, groundwater protection and light pollution. She successfully enlisted the participation of local Boy and Girl Scout troops and recently supervised the first-ever Eagle Scout Project to be done at the Preserve. She created and is now editor of the organization's quarterly newsletter.

Judy Driscoll Skillen serves on the Babylon Village Architectural Review Board and Planning Board where she works to safeguard and maintain the standards and quality of life enjoyed by village residents. She is vice president of the Babylon Village Preservation and Historical Society and is working diligently to transform its current location into an accessible community meeting place. She was a member of the Babylon Village Downtown Revitalization Committee where she played an integral part in bringing the Robert Moses statue to fruition. Skillen also volunteers at the Nathaniel Conklin House, providing tours to school groups and community members.

A member of the Babylon Beautification Society, Skillen has chaired the annual fair and has raised funds for the street lighting and flowering basket programs. She is a member and past president of the Pilot Club and is active in their Start School Right program for disadvantaged children. Skillen is a dedicated educator who proudly served as a special education teacher and chairperson in the West Babylon School District. She was awarded lifetime membership in the National PTA for her service and commitment to the field of education.

In the top photo, Sen. Johnson is shown presenting Patricia Burkhart with her award. In the photo at left, Sen. Johnson is shown presenting Judy Skillen with her award.

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