Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:Friday, January 22, 1999
Contact: Lisa Oviatt, Alexandria Office on Women, (703) 838-5030; Katherine Hoffman, Alexandria Commission for Women, (703) 836-0443

Nominations Requested for Alexandria's 1999 Salute to Woment Awards
The Alexandria Commission for Women is calling for nominations of women who have made significant contributions to the community. Anyone wishing to submit a nomination is asked to contact the Alexandria Office on Women at (703) 838-5030 for a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 12. The award recipients will be honored at the 1999 Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet in March.

Seven areas of contribution are recognized: Marguerite Payez Leadership Award, Women's Health and Safety Advocate, Youth Community Services Award, Career Development and Education/Training Award, Legislation and Public Policy Award, Cultural Affairs Award, and Woman-to-Woman, Making a Difference Award.

"Our tradition of awarding and applauding excellence in our community strengthens and invigorates all of us," said Lynn Jordan, chair of the Alexandria Commission for Women. "Women do so much in Alexandria to make this a special place to live and it is appropriate we honor them during March, Women's History Month."

Both the award winners and nominees will be recognized at the Alexandria Commission for Women's Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet on Monday, March 29, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Alexandria.

The Department of Human Relations' Office on Women, with the support of the Alexandria Commission for Women, serves as an advocate for the women of Alexandria and provides programs designed to give women access to opportunities and services within the Alexandria community. Services include 24 hour domestic violence and sexual assault response programs, job search assistance to unemployed and underemployed women, a mentoring program for young teens, and educational programs on women's health and other issues that affect women and children of Alexandria.