Liz Bowers, right, talks with Phyllis Nostrant, after being named the 2009 Woman Volunteer of the Year by the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center (BVC).

Last year’s female volunteer of the year, Pat McFall, spoke about Bowers’ contributions to the community before revealing her identity. McFall said Bowers was a Baldwinsville native and self-proclaimed “south-sider,” who may have been born in Lysander, but moved to Van Buren (south side of the river) as quickly as possible. On a more serious note, McFall noted Bowers’ commitment to tourism in Greater Baldwinsville getting involved with such organizations as the Greater Baldwinsville Economic Development Agency (GBEDA), Baldwinsville’s Oktoberfest and the annual carp tournament.

“It’s pretty clear this woman is a leader,” McFall said. “If you want the job done, give it to Liz.”

Bowers was emotional when accepting her award, noting that the audience could all see the “tears rolling down my face.”

“I’m very capable of talking for a long time, but right now I’m tongue-tied. Thank you. I really appreciate this,” Bowers said.