OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) awarded its newly renamed Edwin H. Lighthall, Jr. Memorial Tourism Ambassador Hall of Fame Award at its year-end meeting in December. The 2025 recipient is Mary Kay Stone.
Jim Hotchkiss, chairman of TAC; Debbie Allen, vice chairwoman of TAC; Oswego County Administrator Philip Church; and Oswego County Deputy Director of Tourism Daniel Breitweg, were at hand for the presentation.
“Each year, we recognize an individual, business or organization for their exceptional support and commitment to the tourism industry in Oswego County,” said Oswego County Deputy Director of Tourism Daniel Breitweg. “We recently updated the name of the award to the Edwin H. Lighthall Jr. Memorial Tourism Hall of Fame Award, in honor of a true champion of tourism.
“Mary Kay Stone is a tireless advocate for our community,” he continued. “Known as a ‘professional volunteer,’ her efforts have had a significant impact on Oswego County museums, helping to bring visitors in and raise awareness of all the great things our area has to offer. We’re proud to honor her as our 2025 Tourism Ambassador.”
Stone has been instrumental in numerous initiatives to preserve local heritage. She has served as president of the Oswego County Historical Society and led the charge to acquire an enhanced security system to display the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. Walker was a town of Oswego native, civil war surgeon, abolitionist and the only woman in history to receive the award.
Through Stone’s fundraising efforts, the historical society not only had enough money to pay for the security system, but was also able to bring the one-woman show, “Independence: The True Story of Dr. Mary Walker,” starring actress Kathie Barnes to Oswego County. Performances were hosted at local schools and other locations to educate residents about Dr. Walker, her life and her achievements.
An experienced grant writer, Stone also helped the Friends of Fort Ontario secure a technology grant to support the Fort’s exhibits. Throughout the enlisted men’s barracks, visitors can use iPads to learn more information and context about the displays featured.
She played an essential role during the Oswego County Bicentennial. She helped support many activities throughout the year-long commemoration, including the bicentennial float for the city of Oswego’s Independence Day Parade. Stone helped to develop the float design, props and costumes and recruited volunteers, making it one of the most memorable activities of the celebration.
Stone continues to dedicate her time to the Oswego County Historical Society. She helps spread the word about events and initiatives through press releases, flyers and social media as well as soliciting prize donations and sponsorships for annual events such as the Not-So-Silent Auction and Classic Movie Night. In her ‘spare time,’ she can also be found helping her sisters at Man in the Moon Candies, by preparing the renowned confections for distribution throughout the Northeast.
The Tourism Advisory Council has presented the Tourism Ambassador Award since 1995. Past recipients include former Oswego County Tourism leaders Janet West Clerkin and David Turner in 2024; Oswego Town Historian George DeMass in 2023; Eva Corradino in 2022; CNY Community Arts Center Executive Director Nancy Fox in 2021; Oswego County Administrator Philip Church in 2019; the late Capt. Kevin Davis of “Catch the Drift” guide service in 2018; former Oswego County Historian Justin White in 2017; the Lioness Club of Central Square and the Tailwater Lodge in 2016; Oswego County Legislator Jacob A. Mulcahey, District 15, Linda Middleton, Oswego County Snowmobile Association and Arlene Johnson in 2015; Oswego County Legislator Margaret Kastler, District 1, Carole Sponable and Winona Forest Recreation Association in 2014; Robert Green, James Hotchkiss and Oswego County Legislator Morris Sorbello, District 23, in 2013; Oswego County legislators Shane Broadwell, District 17, and Shawn Doyle, District 3, in 2012; Bridge House Brats of Phoenix, Richard and Naneen Drosse and Fred Kuepper in 2011; Barbara Lighthall, The Palladium-Times and Fran Verdoliva in 2010; Margaret Clerkin, Oswego County Legislator Louella LeClair, District 25, and Mercedes Niess in 2009; David Rath and James Wright in 2008; Paul Lear in 2007; Mike Redding in 2006; Hank Cosselman, Donald Feck and Doug Ververs in 2005; Fred Crisafulli in 2002; Capt. Dick Pfund in 2001; Shirley Guenthner in 2000; Jim Walker in 1999; Tim Nekritz in 1998; Barbara Egelston and Charles Krupke in 1997; Sandy Resnick in 1996; and Helen Chetney and Edwin Lighthall in 1995.
The council has also presented honorary lifetime achievement awards to Charles Krupke in 2007; Lillian Harter in 2012; Rose Driscoll in 2014; and Justin White and Bob Green in 2024.
Members of the Tourism Advisory Council are appointed by the Oswego County Legislature Chairman and represent businesses, recreational and historic sites and museums, events and attractions throughout Oswego County.
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