Kass Nominated as Bedford's 'Woman of Distinction'

"Mary Beth Kass singlehandedly measured our greenhouse gas emissions on her own, spending 18 months in the basement looking at our utility bills, examining every facet of this town...because of her efforts and the efforts of the energy advisory panel, we have a Climate Action Plan. She is an inspirational leader," said Bedford Supervisor Lee V.A. Roberts, officially nominating the Bedford 2020 co-president as the town's 'Woman of Distinction.'

The recognition program was created by State Sen. Greg Ball (R-NY 40) in honor of Women's History Month. The senator asked leaders of each town, village, and city within the 40th Senate District to choose a nominee for induction into a 'Women of Distinction Hall of Fame.' The group of women will be formally inducted during a ceremony to be held on March 30th.

Kass said that she was completely stunned when she heard the news.

"I am incredibly honored by this recognition by the town board and feel fortunate to be living in a town where the political leadership is supportive, collaborative, and open to any/all ways for improving our community," she said.

Roberts said they selected Kass because of her outstanding volunteer service over the years. Prior to founding the Bedford2020 coalition, Kass was a past president of the , served as a program coordinator for Family University for eight years and coordinated events for two years for the

After the was adopted in 2010 by the town, Kass co-founded in 2009 with co-president Ellen Rouse Conrad. Kass was integral in the town's efforts to secure over that launched Energize Bedford, the town's

Kass, a Katonah resident, credited her "exceptional, hardworking" colleagues over the years with helping her to achieve results in town's energy programs.

"I am so proud of what our community has accomplished so far thanks to the efforts of many," she said. "It is really nice to be recognized and valued for my contributions and I am so excited by this news!"