Zonta Club of the Corry Area honored

Lisa Cox, second from left, and Marlene Cummings, second from right, as Yellow Rose recipients for being leaders in the community and role models for women and girls. Zonta member Jessica Gardner, left, nominated Cox, and Reva Lowry, right, and Chris Cobb (not shown) nominated Cummings.

Marlene Cummings had been a member of the Zonta Club of the Corry Area for more than 20 years, from the mid-1990s until about 10 years ago, when she decided she wanted more time during her retirement.

She was back with the club on March 27 as one of two women recognized as a Yellow Rose recipient. The second recipient was Lisa Cox. Both women joined Zonta members for dinner at Speed’eez restaurant, where they were honored for their achievements and willingness to give back to the Corry community.

This is the third year that Zonta members have honored women who are leaders in the community and role models for other women and girls.

Yellow Rose nominees are presented with a yellow rose on or about March 8, which is International Women’s Day and Zonta Yellow Rose Day.

Reva Lowry and Chris Cobb nominated Cummings and presented her with a yellow rose at CJE Bingo, where she works.

Jessica Gardner nominated Cox and presented her with a yellow rose at Twisted Sisters’ Café, a business she owns and operates with her four daughters.

Zonta President Connie Cooper said, each year, thousands of Zonta club members spanning the globe join millions of people to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. The day also marks Zonta’s annual Rose Day activities. 

“The Zonta Club of Corry uses Yellow Rose Day to recognize local women who are excellent role models and who contribute to building a better world for women and girls,” Cooper said. “This year, the Zonta Club of Corry honored two women – Marlene Cummings and Lisa Cox.
Cummings and Cox each were presented with a certificate. Lowry introduced Cummings at the dinner.

“Marlene and others organized CorryFest and worked on it for 10 years and did a wonderful job,” Lowry said.

“I was totally shocked,” Cummings said about being honored. “There are so many women who have done so much, so many ladies deserve recognition.”

Cummings is retired from owning Marlene’s Restaurant, which she opened after working at Country Foods for 29 years. She retired in 2010.

Cummings, along with Kristy Elchynski and the late Joan Hannan, started CorryFest, Corry’s annual festival. She also started the Festival of the Trees. She is a member of the LECOM Corry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, volunteered at the Rotary Club’s Chili Open, and oversees the pie auction at Glen Mead Day.

“Marlene is very active in the Corry First Church,” Lowry said. “She is in charge of the kitchen and works the funeral dinners and all functions and dinners at the church.”

Gardner nominated Cox “for her outstanding roll in the community and as a past representative of the YMCA and for her wonderful grant work to provide an opportunity to the children of the community.”

“When my husband and I moved back to the area, Lisa was one of the first people to welcome us,” Gardner said.

Cox worked at the YMCA of Corry for 30 years, retiring in March 2024.

While at the Y, she made an incredible impact on the community by launching free swim lessons, establishing five summer food distribution sites offering breakfast and lunch to children, and creating countless opportunities for people to come together through events like mud runs, 5Ks, half marathons, triathlons and chili cook-offs.

“I don’t do things for recognition; it’s my passion,” she said. “I do things to help and empower others. I’ll continue to help others reach their goals and desires in life.”

She volunteers at events like the Chamber of Commerce Easter Breakfasts, VFW Veterans Breakfasts and CorryFest.

Cox served on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors, helped launch Impact Corry, and contributed to the HR committee. She currently chairs the Supervisory Committee for the Corry Federal Credit Union, continuing her long-standing dedication to community betterment.

Cox volunteers for the Salvation Army, the Corry Food Pantry, and “anywhere else people call on me.”

“Whenever anyone asks, I see what I can do,” she said.

Gardner described Cox as “a business woman; charitable contributor; strong mother and advocate for working moms, female teens in sports and supporter of those injured or disabled.”

Gardner read a quote from Cox’s daughter, Kierri, who probably said it best.

“But perhaps her greatest role has been as a mother. Lisa raised three children while working full time, never missing a beat when it came to supporting and putting her family first. She has always gone above and beyond for everyone around her, constantly giving of herself with love, strength, and humility. She is the definition of selfless – and to those who know her, she’s not just a pillar of the community – she’s the best mom anyone could ever ask for.”

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