PAT CROSSLEY/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Verna Caruso, president of the Williamsport Area Women's Democratic Club, presents the Outstanding Elected Democratic Woman award to former Williamsport Mayor Jessie Bloom.

Former Williamsport Mayor Jessie Bloom added two more items to the long list of her accomplishments when she received the award of Outstanding Elected Democratic Woman from the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women and a Citation of Recognition from the Lycoming County commissioners on Saturday.

Citing her years of service to the county and to the city not only as mayor but also in various political capacities, the commissioners each took turns reading through the prolific list.

Commissioners Richard Mirabito, R. Jack McKernan and Tony R. Mussare made the presentation from the county to the former mayor.

The 84-year-od Bloom, who served as city mayor from 1988 to 1992, was the first woman ever elected to that position.

While she was in office, the commissioners noted, among her accomplishments were that she was responsible for bringing 56 new businesses to the city, installing Christmas lights in Brandon Park and initiating a New Year’s Eve program, both of which continue today.

Bloom also served six years as a member of City Council.

“The commissioners love you, the community loves you and appreciates everything you’ve done for us,” Musarre said during the presentation.

Bloom, who is a lifelong resident of Williamsport, has been a member of the Williamsport Area Democratic Women for 40 years and had served for 17 years as chairwoman of the Lycoming Democratic Committee in addition to many other positions in the community and state.

Verna Caruso, president of the Williamsport Area Women’s Democratic Club, presented Bloom with the award on behalf of the state Federation of Democratic Women.

The formal presentation had been made last fall, but due to ill health, Bloom was unable to attend.

In making the award, Caruso said, “How many of us can come even close to this amazing list of lifetime accomplishments.”

Former Mayor Bloom said one of the highlights of her career is seeing people who are now in political office whom she used to mentor.

When asked if she is still involved she answered, “My phone still rings.”

A room filled with friends and family witnessed the presentations.