Maxine Richman is a winner in our book

Woman of the Year works on community issues

It could be argued that each and every woman among our readership deserves an award as woman of the year. Our women readers, their friends and relatives, lead busy lives. They spend their time doing good for their families and their community.

And you let us know about a dozen of them. Moms, wives, friends and trusted companions who enrich the lives of those around them. We take our hats off to everyone who took the time to send us an entry. Our readers are what make this paper work.

But Maxine Richman stood out to receive this year’s award. She is an admired leader and a devoted family member. She is a social worker and social justice and community advocate.

“There are several women who inspire me in our community. I believe that Maxine Richman is absolutely amazing,” said Barbara Horovitz Brown in nominating Richman. “Her work furthering legislation supported by NCJW (National Council of Jewish Women), working to better the lot of women, children and families is tireless.”

“Maxine is a most devoted and loving mother and grandmother,” said her cousin Diane Ducoff in nominating Richman. “Maxine is the true matriarch of her family and a loving sister, aunt, cousin and niece to our entire family.”

Richman’s sphere of influence reaches throughout our community. She works with interfaith leaders on poverty awareness issues as the co-chair of the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty. And she’s active in the Alliance Community Relations Council.

“I’m so grateful and so blessed that the Jewish community has allowed me to represent them on so many issues,” she said. “But you don’t do this work to be recognized.”

But Ducoff and Brown believe that Richman deserves to be recognized.

“I admire Maxine because she is true to her word, true to her work and true to herself. She shares her time and her talent with our community and she is a sincere advocate for the needy,” writes Ducoff.

So to Richman, we say:

Congratulations Maxine. Keep up the good works.

Maxine receives a number of lovely prizes, including two tickets to an upcoming performance at Providence Performing Arts Center, a six-month individual membership to the Dwares JCC Fitness Center including Women’s Health Club privileges, a gift certificate to City Grille in East Providence, a free session at The Providence Pilates Center, a gift certificate to Ruth’s Lingerie and a gift certificate to Reliable Gold Jewelers.

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.