NEW YORK STATE SENATE OFFICE OF SENATOR MICHAEL GIANARIS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 15, 2013

Contact: Jacob Tugendrajch (718) 728-0960 (917) 544-1479 jtugend16@gmail.com

Senator Gianaris Announces APACs Taryn Sacramone Will Be Honored at Senate Women of Distinction Ceremony
(Queens, NY) Senator Michael Gianaris announced he will be honoring Executive Director of the Astoria Performing Arts Center Taryn Sacramone at the upcoming New York State Senate 16th Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony. The ceremony provides Senators across New York State with an opportunity to honor outstanding women whose contributions have enriched the lives of their neighborhood and community. Through her work at APAC, Taryn Sacramone embodies our community's spirit and prioritization of culture and the arts, said Senator Gianaris. In addition to providing high quality theater in the heart of our neighborhood, APACs programs support local youth and seniors, linking generations of Astorians through a deep appreciation of theater and the arts. APAC produces revivals and premiers of plays and develops new works through readings and workshops. To date, APAC has received 21 New York Innovative Theatre Award nominations and 4 wins, as well as an Off-Off Broadway Theatre Review Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical. APAC also offers free annual community programs including a summer performance camp for children ages 8-13, an after school playwriting program for middle school students, and a performance program for Queens residents over the age of 60. These programs deepen ties within the western Queens community and instill a love of theater and an appreciation for the arts in the entire neighborhood. The Women of Distinction program was created as part of the New York State Senates celebration of Womens History Month. In addition to recognizing present-day women, each March, the Senate hosts a display that honors other distinguished women from New Yorks past, from leaders of the 19th Century suffragist movement to pioneers in education, science and the arts. Women of Distinction from all over the state will be honored in a special ceremony at the Capitol in early May. # # #