Extraordinary Rochester Women Award

By Karen Meyer

What’s the difference between ordinary and extraordinary? A little “extra!”

The Extraordinary Rochester Women Award recognizes women who have made a difference by giving a little “extra” to inspire others and to make their own lives the best they can be.

We are proud to introduce Becky Fishbune, an artist despite illness; Laurie Helmers, a mother whose life drastically changed when her son incurred a traumatic brain injury; Chantha Hin, a successful business owner who overcame a horrific Cambodian childhood; Betsy Singer, a public figure with a private calling to promote the rights of people with disabilities; and Joyce Talen, who is propelled through life on the wings of love and generosity.

Nomination letters illustrate how they caught the attention of their nominators, and how they continue to make a difference in our community. Nominations were made in the form of essays explaining nominees’ qualifications and extraordinary-ness! Selected highlights follow.

Joyce Talen Category: Overall

One of the most extraordinary women I know is Joyce Talen. Although I am nominating her in the “overall” category, she fits most of the other categories as well. She is very active in our community and leaves quite a legacy of people who have been touched by her life.

Joyce has spent most of her adult life teaching at all grade levels, and I can only imagine how spectacular she was in the classroom. She cares about every child she comes in contact with. Since her retirement, she just goes on caring and giving. She has coordinated with special education professionals to make sure those needing a little extra help get that help. She has volunteered with Diversity Council so that persons from other countries or with diverse backgrounds get that welcome caring they need. She’s gone above and beyond to ensure that families at Ronald McDonald House know they are not alone with their pain.

Joyce doesn’t just volunteer her time and talent. She truly gives her whole self in unconditional love and caring. Recently when a young mother died leaving teenage children, Joyce and her husband, Jim, stepped in with loving support and start-up college funds for the children. One story I know about Joyce is that she met a young woman who waitressed at a restaurant.

Over time, she got to know that young woman and besides being a restaurant patron, she provided that woman with moral support and treated her with respect. When she learned that woman was going back to school, Joyce presented her with a scholarship gift. I heard personally from the young woman that she considers Joyce an “angel” in disguise. I could go on and on with examples of how Joyce has done the little things that make such a difference in people’s lives. She helps people young and old feel good about themselves. She has a beautiful soul and is truly extraordinary! Marie Maher

Becky Fishbune Category: Artist/Musician

My 16-year-old daughter began seeking medical attention for pain in her left foot in 2005. After a couple of weeks of blood tests and x-rays, Becky was diagnosed with Rheumatiod Arthritis. Her pain and swelling quickly spread to most of the joints in her body.

I am nominating Becky Fishbune as an extraordinary women in the area of artist/musician because despite her medical challenges Becky continued to pursue her love of drama and music. During the past year, Becky has acted in five theater productions. They were “Our Town,” “No Horizon Is So Far,” “That Was No Lady, That Was a Private Eye,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” and a Rochester Civic Theatre Summer Theatre Institute production.

Becky also spread her love of theater to younger students by volunteering to student direct two productions for elementary-aged students. The fall production was through Community Education and the summer production was through Rochester Civic Theatre. In addition to acting, Becky also enjoys singing. Becky sings with the Concert Choir of Honors Choirs, Lourdes choir, and St. Francis of Assisi Church choir. I am very proud of the accomplishments of Becky Fishbune. She gives her best in all areas but especially in the area of artist/musician. Carol Fishbune

Chantha Hin Category: Business

Her story begins in 1974, the year Chantha was born and the year before the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. Chantha was born in Battambong, Cambodia. Her father was a career officer in the Cambodian Army. In 1975, the Communist party in Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge, formed a new revolutionary government. It was during this time that Chantha’s father was taken from their home and killed because he would not enlist with the communist forces. Chantha’s mother was left alone to raise three children: Chantha, her older sister and her younger brother.

Chantha has vivid memories of these horrible times. When North Vietnam invaded Cambodia, Chantha was 4 years old. She remembers hiding in an underground shelter with her mother and siblings while bombs exploded around them and their village burned. Her family escaped death by fleeing and relocating to a Thai refugee camp. With little food and water along the way, her 2-year-old brother became very ill. He died two weeks after their arrival at the refugee camp. Chantha, her mother and older sister lived in the camp for six years, from 1978-1984.