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CCBL President Judy Scarafile named Cape Cod Woman of the Year

05/22/2012 10:21 PM

Article By: CCBL Public Relations Office

     HYANNIS, Mass. - Judy Walden Scarafile, president of the Cape Cod Baseball League for the past 20 years, is recipient of the 11th annual Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year.

     The award is given to a woman who is a resident of Cape Cod, demonstrated leadership in the community and has made a significant contribution to the arts, education, business and/or community involvement, "embracing the ideals of patriotism."

     The award is presented in honor of Mercy Otis Warren, born in West Barnstable and best known as a political writer and satirist during the American Revolution. Along with plays, pamphlets and newspaper articles, she also wrote a three-volume history of the American Revolution, the first written by a woman.

     Scarafile, a longtime resident of Barnstable Village with husband Peter, exemplifies the spirit of Warren, a leader in a predominately man's world of the 18th century.

     Involved in a myriad of functions with the Cape League since 1970, including official scorer, sports writer, director of public relations, vice president, deputy commissioner  and since 1991 as president, Scarafile was the first woman inducted into the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame in 2002 and serves as the league’s director of corporate development.

     Scarafile is active in Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, organizes Thanksgiving meals for the needy and participates in Overnights of Hospitality (for the homeless). She also organizes annual Veteran's Day and 9-11 memorial recognition ceremonies in Barnstable Village and is active in St Mary’s Church and the community.

     “ I was totally shocked when I received a phone call from Alice George, informing me I am 2012 recipient of this award, “ said Scarafile. “Knowing people like Lynne Poyant, Sue French and Eugenia Fortes have won this honor, I am deeply humbled by this recognition, but also excited the Cape League is being recognized. “To have my name in the same sentence as Mercy Otis Warren is a great honor.  Most people don’t know writing has played a significant role in my life, so I guess that is a unique similarity.”

     A “special writer” for the sports department of the Cape Cod Times for 25 years, Scarafile then switched from to writing travel stories. In addition to the Times, she also had three travel features published in the Boston Globe.

     In 2011, she was honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., when her photo was unveiled as part of ‘Diamond Dreams”, an exhibit on women who’ve played influential roles on and off the field. Scarafile is part of an “In the Office” display.  

     A pharmacist by trade, she has volunteered numerous times in Haiti and Louisiana to render aid to earthquake and  hurricane victims.

     Scarafile serves on the board of trustees of the Yawkey Foundation in Dedham, a charitable organization started by Tom and Jean Yawkey, late owners of the  Boston Red Sox.

     Members of the Mercy Otis Warren Committee described Scarafile as a "beacon of light" who "embraces the ideals of patriotism, community involvement and outreach."

     Judy will be recognized for her achievements, June 11 at 7 p.m. at the Old Colonial Courthouse, Route 6A in Barnstable Village. The presentation will be part of the lecture series hosted  by Tales of Cape Cod. She will be presented with a marquette of the statue of Mercy Otis Warren, located on the front lawn of the Barnstable Superior Courthouse on Rt. 6A.  She will also ride in honor in the Barnstable-West Barnstable Independence Day Parade.

-ccbl-