Although she was the first journalism student ever enrolled at Syracuse University, the first woman to be president of the Public Relations Council of Central New York, and worked for the Special Olympics in Baton Rouge, Barbara Ames claims, “My greatest contribution is my children. I’m proud of all of them.” Ames’ two children, four grandchildren, and eight great grand children have become an important part of her extensive resume, along with various publications she worked for, especially through University of Rochester, and organizations such as Who’s Who in American Women.

Ames’ father was a food broker, so she spent much of her childhood moving around the country. Although she could not pick her favorite place to be, she made it clear that she does not like the winter. “I like the sunshine,” she said, also noting that she likes southern cities better, such as Baton Rouge. And even though she would take Kansas weather over New York, she enjoys her Nottingham apartment. She is a collector of everything from art to napkin rings, and her apartment is filled with beautiful paintings, colorful furniture, and souvenirs from places she has been.

Ames attends the writing group meetings, mainly to listen and discuss the literature. Since she is legally blind, she has a hard time writing her memoirs; however, she has taken up an interest in readings the writing group does, including the non-fiction book by Tracy Kidder, Mountains Beyond Mountains, as well as keeping up with politics. The topic of the upcoming 2008 election transformed quiet Ames to a very opinionated Republican with a lot to say, whether the issue is health care or the war in Iraq. Not only did Ames have opinions, she had advice. She explained how different life became for her when she came to the Nottigham, but made sure to stress the importance of change and adjustment. “Every experience is an adjustment,” she said. “You will realize that.”

Profile by Caitlin Heikkila.