Senator recognizes Fort Drum spouse for community betterment

By Ms Jennifer M Caprioli (IMCOM)June 23, 2011

Angelica Robinson, New York 2011 Women of Distinction nominee, poses with state Sen. Patty Ritchie, 48th District, during the Women of Distinction celebration June 9 at the Children's Home of Jefferson County in Watertown. Robinson was among the 15 n...
Angelica Robinson, New York 2011 Women of Distinction nominee, poses with state Sen. Patty Ritchie, 48th District, during the Women of Distinction celebration June 9 at the Children's Home of Jefferson County in Watertown. Robinson was among the 15 n... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- What began as one Fort Drum spouse's mission to better her health, has turned into a chance to not only improve her well-being, but also better the community " one Zumba class at a time.

In 2009, Angelica Robinson and her Family moved to Fort Drum with their Soldier, Sgt. Torrance Robinson, infantryman with 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment.

She began taking Zumba classes as a way to occupy her time, and the classes soon turned into a lifestyle that helped her lose 130 pounds over the past two years.

Robinson, who teaches 11 Zumba classes each week, has executed an out-of-the-box approach to raise a substantial amount of money for community organizations.

Because of her ability to bring together community members from on and off post, Robinson recently was recognized as one of New York's 2011 Women of Distinction.

“The Senate’s Woman of Distinction program celebrates the unique contributions of women throughout our history, as well as those who enrich the quality of life in our communities today,” said state Sen. Patty Ritchie. "Each of these nominees have played " and continue to play " crucial roles in New York’s political, social and economic life, and truly all deserve to be recognized for their contributions and accomplishments.”

Earlier this spring, Ritchie invited residents of St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Oswego counties to nominate outstanding women from across the 48th senate district. Robinson was among the 15 nominees whose careers range from doctors to social workers, to stay-at-home moms and community volunteers.

Robinson was nominated by Julia Robbins, a student who attends her Zumba classes.

A ceremony honoring the women was held June 9 at the Children's Home of Jefferson County in Watertown.

"It was very humbling to be there," Robinson said.

"Zumba has led me to help in other aspects," she said, noting that for the past two years she has held annual Zumba class fundraisers to raise money for the American Heart Association and the Credo Community Center in Watertown.

Last year, she helped raise $1,300 for the American Heart Association, in one day.

For the past two years, the Relay for Life team Robinson chairs each year has raised about $3,000 each year. Her team also was one of the largest in both years.

Robinson, who also sends monthly care packages to deployed Soldiers, said she believes she can reach a broader range of people because of her involvement with the military and surrounding community.

"I'm always talking about (these fundraisers) and promoting them, and hyping it up a lot, so (the community) is getting more involved," Robinson said.

Robinson said she finds motivation and fulfillment in helping others.

"It keeps me going," she said. "It makes me feel great to help others, and it's great to see others helping others. I see how one person, say, just me, can create such a positive (impact)."

Robinson said the thing that meant the most to her was when her son, Armando Orozco, showed his appreciation for his mother by posting, "Mom, I couldn't be prouder of you," on his Facebook profile.

"That just made my day. It made everything worth it," she said.

She also noted that setting an example for her children motivates her to continue helping herself and others.

"We live in a community that is so giving," Robinson explained. "We all are women of distinction. We all can make a difference, whether it be for our husbands, our kids, neighbors (or) ourselves."

"In the end it's what we leave behind. (It's) not what we say, but how we make other people feel," she said, adding she is trying to make people feel better about themselves by being healthier, while contributing to their community.

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