Heather Bartle Ferrarese has been named the 2026 Chenango County Distinguished Citizen by the Baden-Powell Council, Scouting America. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY - The Baden-Powell Council, Scouting America, is pleased to announce that Heather Bartle Ferrarese has been named the 2026 Chenango County Distinguished Citizen.

The annual award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through their leadership, service, and philanthropy. The award will be presented at a celebration dinner at the Canasawacta Country Club on Thursday, May 21. Local Scouts from Oxford and Norwich will serve as the Color Guard.

“It is a privilege to recognize Heather as this year’s honoree,” said Bruce Erath, who received the recognition in 2025 “Heather’s leadership and commitment to the community exemplifies the ideals of the Scouting program. We hope the community will help us honor her and help support Scouting America in Chenango County.”

Heather Bartles Ferrarese, PharmD, RPh, is a dedicated healthcare professional, small business owner, and community leader serving the residents of Oxford, New York. As Supervising Pharmacist and owner of Bartle’s Pharmacy, she continues a proud family tradition of providing personalized, high-quality care in a locally owned pharmacy that has served the community for over 60 years.

Dr. Ferrarese earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and is a licensed pharmacist in New York State. She has been practicing pharmacy since 2006, bringing nearly two decades of experience in patient care, medication management, and community health services to the community.

Throughout her career, Heather has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access to healthcare in rural communities. She pursued additional certification to provide immunizations and has since administered thousands of vaccines annually, including participation in the federal Vaccines for Children Program to ensure underserved populations receive critical preventive care.

Her leadership was especially impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she helped coordinate large-scale vaccination efforts in partnership with local organizations. Under her guidance, Bartle’s Pharmacy delivered thousands of vaccines to residents across Chenango County, exemplifying collaboration, innovation, and community service in a time of urgent need.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Dr. Ferrarese is deeply engaged in her community. Through Bartle’s Pharmacy, she supports local initiatives, provides essential healthcare services, and helps sustain the vitality of a small-town business that generations of families have relied upon. Her work reflects a commitment not only to patient health, but to the overall well-being of the community she proudly serves.

Heather Bartles Ferrarese’s dedication to her profession and her neighbors embodies the highest standards of service, leadership, and compassion.

The Scouting program is Chenango County continues to serve youth across the county. This year Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA members from Oxford and Norwich will represent the youth and lead the event with a flag ceremony and Scout opening. In addition to Cub Scout packs and Scouts BSA troops, Exploring Posts and a Venture Crew offer youth opportunities to participate in the character development programs of the organization. This summer, in addition to attending summer camp, local scouts will travel to the National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

“We are excited to celebrate Heather and share the good news of Scouting,” said Matthew Bull, Baden-Powell Council Scout Executive. “We have a great line up of sponsors who are helping to keep the tradition of Scouting alive and invite the community to support the event and the thousands of youth who are part of our character development program.”

Tickets and sponsorships may be purchased through May 8 at www.bpcouncil.org/chenangodcad or by contacting Kellie Amlin at 607-648-7888.

The Baden-Powell Council, Scouting America, serves youth throughout Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Tioga, and Tompkins counties in New York and Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.

- Information from Baden-Powell Council, Scouting America