The next Woman of the Year is announced following a Wednesday banquet.
The Fab 5 nominees were Sarah DiFazio, Lisa Keim, Roxie Long, Vikki O’Hara, and Sherrel Rieger.
The award is named after Lucille Nussdorfer, who created a canteen to serve over one million War World II soldiers as they stopped at the Dennison Railroad Depot, says board member Jacob Masters.
“We are very excited to be here tonight and continue the legacy of this prestigious award recognizing women who walk in the footsteps of Lucille Nussdorfer and make a significant positive impact to quality of life in Tuscarawas County.”
Roxie Long was ultimate announced as the 2025 award recipient.
“I’m so honored and so humbled because those four ladies, the qualifications, I felt way down on the list. I’m beyond shocked but I’m very blessed. This really came as a surprise. I didn’t even know I was nominated until I got the word I was one of the five. I guess I didn’t know I did as much. Just to be in the company of these other four ladies is amazing.”
Long was nominated by Kait Gallagher-Wilsterman, who recounted the hours Long has volunteered over 31 years at the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County.
“She’s volunteered in just about every capacity from ushering to concessions to box office, and she is also the award winning director of our 2023 production of Tuesday’s with Morrie. Roxie also led the Little Theatre’s relay for life team and directed the talent competition with all those proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.”
At the local theatre, Long has also dedicated over 6,800 hours to be onstage for 35 shows.
Long currently serves on the board of directors for the Tusky Valley Senior Center and has also been involved in multiple murder mystery dinners and numerous fundraisers.
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