Rocky Point Woman Named Woman of Distinction for 2013

Rocky Point’s Meredith Festa has been selected by New York State Sen. Kenneth P. LaValle as the First Senatorial District’s Woman of Distinction for 2013.

Festa is an animal rescue volunteer who has spearheaded a program – Guardians of Rescue -- continuing with Paws Unite People to work with elementary and high school students to get them involved in animal rescue.

She has arranged for foster homes for special needs animals, gotten dogs trained and rehabilitated and single-handedly established a relationship with a shelter in Afghanistan and raised the money to bring 12 dogs to the United States who were living on military bases as strays. Festa successfully found homes for each dog here in the States with either the soldiers they lived with in Afghanistan or retired military personnel who served in Afghanistan. 

Along with her volunteer work, Festa works as a bank branch manager in Port Jefferson and is actively committed to helping develop Port Jefferson Village. She regularly attends economic development council meetings to find new ways to grow business in the Village of Port Jefferson, and also hosts events and fairs promoting local animal rescues and artists.

"I am proud to honor Meredith Festa as this year’s Woman of Distinction for her tireless work, volunteerism and commitment to her chosen cause, animal rescue," LaValle said.

She will will receive the award at a May 7 reception in Albany with women from across New York State. The “Women of Distinction” program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence or whose professional achievementsor acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.