Foster named BPW Woman of the Year

HELEN B. FOSTER

BY STACI WILSON

Even though she’s been a member of the Nellie Jane Dewitt Business and Professional Women’s Club for 16 years, Helen Foster said it was a complete surprise to be named the 2010 Woman of the Year.

Foster, who is referred to as “Mother Helen” by her friends, said the BPW honor at a banquet at Lakey’s Restaurant in Susquehanna was a complete shock.

The club keeps the intended honoree’s name under wraps until the night of the banquet.

In addition to club members, Foster’s family and friends also attended the event.

Foster’s daughter, Janet Foster, could not attend but instead provided a written, humorous, testimonial read at the banquet.

Seated, from left: Helen Foster, Mary Mushala. Standing: Margaret Biegert, Sen. Lisa Baker, Commissioner Mary Ann Warren, Darlene Slocum and Rep. Sandra Major.

Janet wrote: “You can’t ever rest on your laurels when your mother is still writing for the local paper at her age.”

Foster is a correspondent with the Susquehanna County Independent and previously served as editor of the Susquehanna County Press in 1974.

Ethel Ambigious, who graduated with Foster in 1946, shared memories about the honoree from their high school yearbook; where she was known as someone who was always on the go and “knows everybody.”

Foster was presented with commendations from both the Pennsylvania Senate and House by Sen. Lisa Baker and Rep. Sandra Major.

She also received a certificate from the Susquehanna County Commissioners from Commissioner Mary Ann Warren.

Foster thanks BPW for honoring her this year. “I’ve been known to take on things that are not my job,” she added.

In addition to her work in BPW and as a reporter, Foster has also been actively involved with coordinating Daffodil Days in Susquehanna for the American Cancer Society. Foster said her Daffodil Days work was important to her because “cancer has taken family members.”

Through the years, Foster has volunteered and served on numerous boards and clubs throughout the county and was named Distinguished Citizen by the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts Council.

She has also been a member of the Harford Congregational Church for over 50 years.

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