Local Woman to Be Honored at Senior HOF Awards

Isabell Villar of White Plains will receive top honors during the 30th annual Senior Hall of Fame awards Monday in Tarrytown.

Villar, who is the founder and executive director of El Centro Hispano and founder of the Westchester Hispanic Coalition, will also be recognized by Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino.

“The Senior Citizens Hall of Fame has been a tradition in Westchester for three decades,” said Astorino. “Our honorees are extraordinary. Individually and as a group, they strengthen our communities and are true role models for us all. Isabel Villar is a remarkable example of just such a person.”

Villar came to the United States in 1966 unable to speak English. She enrolled in White Plains High School and quickly thrived without the help of English as a second language classes. She went on to attend Manhattanville College on a scholarship.

She eventually used her knowledge to start several successful organizations and joined many others to help her community. Her work has landed her several honors including induction into the White Plains High School Hall of Fame.

Five other seniors will receive special recognition awards. John F. Caralyus of Purdys, Marleen Y. Dandridge of Mount Vernon, the Rev. Jeannette Phillips of Peekskill, Barry Singer of Somers and Carol H. Stix of Scarsdale will all be honored. Town of North Salem Supervisor Warren Lucas will accept the award on Catalysis' behalf because Caralysus suffered an injury and will be unable to attend.

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown.