Editor: Michele Altman
March 2010
2009 – 2010 Officers
President: Wendy Adams
Vice President: Maryanne Fechter
Secretary: Kari Walck
Treasurer: Deborah Seufert
Committees
Membership Chair
Linda Augustino - Rafferty
Newsletter Chair & Historian
Michele Altman
Website Chairperson
Kari Walck
Publicity
Sue Armenia
Programs and Professional
Development Chairperson:
Nancy Askins
Corporate Sponsor/Recruitment:
Karen Mock
Strategic Planning Chair:
Amy Christieson
Hospitality Chairperson:
Ruth Gallinger
Co-Chair: Marilyn Morreale
Co-Chair: Cathie Neiswonger
Groups Coordinator
Candra Thomason
Chinese Auction Chair:
Kathy Kline
June Celebration Co-Chairs:
Kari Walck and
Danielle Bevacqua
Mission: To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide
opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally
through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition .
March is Women’s History Month!
Not too long ago, the topic of women’s history was largely missing from
general public consciousness; now we have a month of our own!
For information and the history of Women’s History Month go to:
http://womenshistorymonth.gov/
Speaking of Women’s History, congratulations to ABWA members, Linda Rafferty and
Georgia Brannan! They will be honored by The Niagara County Federation of Republican
Women at their annual “Woman of the Year” luncheon which takes place on March 20th! If
you would like to honor them by attending, please see the invitation on page 10 for more
details.
We have a special contribution to our newsletter this month by member, Georgia
Brannan; One Moment in Time….an American Business Women Association Story. Find it
on pages 17 – 18.
A huge thank you to new member, Pamela Connolly, for volunteering to help me gather
information for the newsletter. It will be a tremendous help! Look for more information on
local educational and employment opportunities and resources.
Kari Walck is asking members to send their updated information for the website. Please
forward new addresses, phone numbers, jobs, etc. to Kari at yankeekari@live.com.
Thank you,
Michele Altman
Newsletter Chair and Historian
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
President’s Message 2-3 Member Spotlight 16
Local ABWA News 4-9 Member Contribution 17-18
News and Happenings 10-15 National ABWA News 19
March 2010 Edition
Page 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all! I know this month a lot of our members
will be on vacation with their families into early April, celebrating Easter. I
wish you the best of times with your friends and family and God Bless. To
catch you up with me personally, I've been feeling ok and the baby is now 2 lbs
and healthy- 3 months to go. It's a boy! My husband Jim and I are excited for
the arrival of out new little one! We're getting his bedroom all set and I have a
couple of showers coming up in April and May to help me prepare for his
arrival. Wish me luck I am going to need it!

This has been such a successful year so far! I'm so proud and excited for the
work we as a chapter have done to become more organized, better
communicate through promoting the chapter in news articles, photo's and
collaborating with other organizations. Our strategic plan is under way with
the launch of the membership pilot program to take us into the new year, when we will roll out to all the other
committees. You will see in Aug/Sept a slating process that will allow you to ask each chair about her committee
and sign up that night to help! You will have materials at your finger tips for your committee to be successful and
reach your intended goals. Membership, programs and publicity will be our big focus into next year for
recruitment. We will have open positions we can recruit for and you will see new membership promotions. We
need more members to reach out goals and be successful! We're on our way!

Our Chinese auction committee is hard at work and they sent you out tickets to sell and a donation letter to hand to
businesses upon receiving the donation. We need everyone's help to be successful; your goal should be to sell your
10 tickets to everyone you know and collect at least 4 gift baskets or items with retail value over $50. Please give us
your time to give to a great cause, The NAACC kids summer program and ABWA Education and Programming.

Did you know we have 50 members? We are growing, and would like you to tell us about yourself. Please reach
out to Kari Walk, Secretary and Website chair. She is updating our member directory on our website so you can
search for a member and see where she works. Please send Kari any new information out your mailing address,
email, phone number and business information if it has changed in the last year. If you are a new member send Kari
everything so she can add you please: yankeekari@live.com Also, for $60 for the year, you can advertise in our
newsletter. Our newsletter goes out to over 250 people locally who are keeping tabs on us and want to know about
our members. Sometimes it takes your information to be in front of people for several months before they reach
out to you!! Contact Newsletter chair, Michele Altman mitchie764@roadrunner.com for more information.

Our scholarship committee met the last week in Feb and we selected our winner. This person's information was
sent online to national, we are awaiting national approval. We will announce the winner hopefully at March's
general meeting.

Nancy Askins, our programs and Professional Development Chair has already started to begin the process for the fall
to select our speakers. A new survey will be out to members sometime in April or May as we need to submit our
proposal to Niagara University Continuing Education sometime at the end of June/July to have our information in
their booklet and on the website. Please be on the lookout for this survey to take part in selecting our next round of
outstanding speakers. If you have anyone you would like to recommend for speaking in the fall, please email Nancy
at npacqm@roadrunner.com.
March 2010 Edition
Page 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (continued)

Karen Mock and student member Amanda Utz have been working diligently on our new 2010 Membership
brochure. We received a quote from Beau Designs in Lewiston who we’ve selected to do the work, with a partial
newsletter advertising trade. We should have everything ready by the beginning of April to start handing out to
members to recruit new members!

Our website now accepts credit card and PayPal payments for everything except the monthly dinners! You can also
buy Chinese auction tickets ahead! Thank you Karen Renzi, Kari Walck and Deb Seufert with your help in getting
this set up for us! Welcome to the 21st century people!!!!

We are still looking for one member to attend our spring conference in Annapolis, MD. Date is May 14-15 at the
Sheraton Annapolis. Maryanne Fechter has agreed to drive, if someone wants to go with her. We will pay for your
registration cost, but you will need to pay for food and hotel. I would set aside at least $400-500 to attend. If you
are a committee head or considering officer next year you don’t want to miss this terrific opportunity to meet some
of the most talented women in the nation and attend some great classes! Please email me for more information
ASAP wastridge@verizon.net

Last but not least, Amy Christieson, Karen Renzi and I will be working on our best practices to submit to national
this year, due in June. We have fulfilled all the requirements and we are looking forward to obtaining this
prestigious award. Niagara you make us proud! I'd just like to say without your continued support and belief in our
board and committee heads this could not be possible. Thank you so much everyone for getting us one step further,
helping one woman at a time!!!

Sincerely,

Wendy

Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara

Retreat & Conference Center on the Lower Niagara River

Nancy P. Askins, M.Ed., CMQ.OE

ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence
Executive Director (Master Trainer & Facilitator)
4421 Lower River Road, Stella Niagara, New York 14144
Phone716- 754-7376, Ext. 3, Fax 716-754-1223
naskins@center-of-renewal.org

Enjoy our Interfaith Hospitality: Call today to schedule your

next retreat or meeting with us. Ask about onsite professional
development available for your group focusing on workplace
relationships, attitudes-behaviors-communication, supervisory
& management training. Baldrige-based performance
improvement and more. Customize your group retreat to
achieve your intended goals. www.center-of-renewal.org
March 2010 Edition
Page 4

LOCAL ABWA NEWS

Chinese Auction Update: Tickets have been distributed to all active members. If you did not receive your packet in the
mail please contact Deb Seufert, Treasurer 694-8412, teddydebi@aol.com.

Tickets must be registered on your sheet with purchasers name and payment taken at time of purchase. All ticket payments
will be due April 1st and cash must be moved over to a check made out to ABWA. You are responsible for payment of any
missing tickets.

Donation letters went out last week to over 150 local businesses. Thank you Gail Williams for all your help with this!
Businesses can return donations to the Gazette to Danielle Bevacqua. Members should start collecting items now to donate
and bring to the general meeting on 3/24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. We would like completed baskets w/retail value of $50
or higher. Please reach out to friends and family you know or companies you frequent and ask them for a donation of any
kind. Donation letters were emailed out to the membership to give to a potential donor for tax purposes. If you did not
receive this letter, please email Wendy at wastridge@verizon.net so she can forward to you!

Amy Christieson is handling the program. If any members would like to advertise please reach out to Amy to submit your
business' ad and for payment and ad copy. Please see your donation letters for program pricing or reach out to Amy at
achristieson@benefitbrokerswny.com.

Silent Auction items are being handled by Kari Walck. If the item is over $100 retail, single item- please let Kari know at
yankeekari@live.com; we may put this into silent auction instead of a basket.

Any and all payments for Chinese Auction can now be made on our website at www.abwaniagara.com. Look for the "Pay
now" button; this is where you can pay ahead for entrance tickets, and basket tickets. We can also accept payment for the
program under tab "About Our Chapter” then see dropdown option “Chapter Donations.” You can put any amount here.

Linda Rafferty is in need of baskets, basket filler, and ribbons to make our baskets. She is also looking for donations of frames
for certificates(black),candles, black mug or mugs, little girls coloring books with crayons, baby-towel set, baby-blanket
yellow, DVD's for children, popcorn, chips, small drinks, candy, chocolates in both small and med size boxes, sunglasses,
straw hat, suntan lotion, yellow or turquoise beach towel, wine stem glasses, wine, tea pot and different boxes of teas, boxes
of cookies, books for women, body lotions and body-care items.

Remember, we are asking each member to sell a table of 10 and also donate or solicit four total baskets or items with a retail
value of $50 or more. Baskets drop offs can be made to Maryanne Fechter in Grand Island - 873-8064, Wendy Adams in
Wheatfield/North Tonawanda - 694-3240 and Kari Walck in Niagara Falls -731-9873.

All Chinese auction committee meetings are at 1:00 p.m. at the Town Café, 2352 Grand Island Blvd. Grand
Island, next to Fantasy Island on the following dates: March 14th, March 28th, and April 11th. All are
welcome!

ABWA’s Proud Code of Conduct

1. All members will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the American Business Women’s Association.
2. Members will not allow their personal beliefs and convictions to interfere with the representation of ABWA’s mission.
3. Members will always treat their member colleagues, guests, vendors and sponsors with honesty, respect, fairness, integrity,
responsibility, kindness, and in good faith.
4. Members will maintain compliance with ABWA National, Chapter and Express Network Bylaws.
5. Members will not use their personal power to advance their personal interests.
6. Members will strive for excellence in their professions by maintaining and enhancing their own business knowledge and
skills, and by encouraging the professional development of other members.
March 2010 Edition
Page 5

LOCAL ABWA NEWS (continued)

Executive Board meetings are open to the membership and are held the first Wednesday of every month. Please contact
Wendy Adams, President, for information.

Regular chapter meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month. Meetings include networking, a full dinner, a
speaker on topics of interest to businesswomen, and a brief business meeting. Non-members are always welcome!

Business skills is accepting applications for any member that has taken or would like to take a professional development
course. You will be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of this course (Minimum $100). The course must be paid for in full,
you must attend and make copies of the materials and include the receipt along with your application. Currently we have
$150 left from our total donations. The form is located on our website at: www.abwaniagara.com; please print out and hand
to Wendy Adams, President, at a local meeting or mail to: Wendy Adams, 3825 Knottingwood Drive, Wheatfield, New York
14120.

*Any members interested in attending a 1-hour workshop to learn about WIN, please email me wastridge@verizon.net.

March 2010 Meeting

#3: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

“It’s About Time! How to Get it All Done”

Learn organizational and time management skills to achieve greater balance, performance,
and success. Assess your current effectiveness and learn best practices in the areas of
delegation, prioritization, managing interruptions, organizational ability, and maximizing
output.

Presenter: Lori E. Miller, MA, MS

Lori E. Miller is owner and president of Developing Professionals, a company providing

training, consulting, and coaching services to organizations in leadership and professional
development. She also serves as an adjunct communications professor at Buffalo State
College. Her background includes 20 years of management experience in Human Resources and Communications
working in Fortune 500 companies, media, and higher education. Miller has a M.S. in Organizational Communication
and Development from Canisius College, a M.A. in Student Personnel Administration, and a B.A. in Journalism from
Buffalo State College. Areas of expertise include soft skills professional development training, management & leadership
development, process improvement and model creation, employee engagement, and goal attainment.

Would you like to sponsor a meeting? Look at what $50 a month or $200 for the year will get you!
1. Table at the meetings to sell/display your items.
2. Promote with flyers or small item/chotchi at dinner tables.
3. Get 3x5 ad in the newsletter
4. Name and logo & short description on agenda at meeting.
5. Named as sponsor for our dinner meeting in all local newspapers, radio & TV.
March 2010 Edition
Page 6

LOCAL ABWA NEWS (continued)

February 2010 Meeting

Presenter: George “Skip” Helfrich

“Leading and Managing 2010”

Induction of New Member: Wendy Adams, President, with Linda Rafferty, Membership Chair
and new member Michelle Vanstrom
March 2010 Edition
Page 7

LOCAL ABWA NEWS (continued)

Vice President, Maryanne Fechter accepting a check for Business skills from President, Wendy Adams.

ABWA member, Nancy Askins, is an official national champion and spokesperson for "WomenHeart: The National
Coalition for Women with Heart Disease." She spoke with our members at our February Meeting.
March 2010 Edition
Page 8

LOCAL ABWA NEWS (continued)

ABWA Winter-Spring 2010 Speaker Series in cooperation with N.U. Continuing Education
January through May 2010

PROGRAM: ABWA Winter-Spring 2010 Professional Development Speaker Series, presented by the American
Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Niagara Charter Chapter in cooperation with Niagara
University Department of Continuing Education
SERIES DESCRIPTION:
 A monthly series of one-hour professional development sessions designed to increase interpersonal
and business skills in an enjoyable learning environment.
 Sessions include organizational change, leadership and management development, organizational
and time management skills, finance, accounting, and economic terminology for managers,
productive creativity, and motivation techniques.
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS SERIES:
 Program topics are designed to address the needs of today’s business and professional women and
men to enhance their workplace knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as meaningful networking
with other Western New Yorkers.
 Each session will include adult learning strategies appropriate for each topic as well as handouts for
effective transfer-of-learning to the workplace.
 Niagara University Department of Continuing Education will issue a certificate of completion for
those successfully participating in all five programs in the series.

ABWA MISSION STATEMENT: To bring together business women (and men) of diversified occupations, and provide
opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership,
education, networking, support, and national recognition.
LOCATION: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 300 Third Street, Niagara Falls NY 14303
TIME: 5:30 pm Networking
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Dinner and Professional Development Program
Cost: ABWA member rate: ONLY $25 per person, per session
Non-ABWA member rate: $45 per person per session*
*Discount available for participants who join ABWA at www.abwaniagara.com, which also includes five free online
courses.
Register at (716) 286-8181 or online at www.niagara.edu/ce Space is Limited!
Please note: Registration instructions for all member and non- members:
1. Register and pay through: http://apps.niagara.edu/ccforms/ce_registration.php (bring paid receipt to meeting).
2. Call Niagara University 716-286-8181 for registration confirmation.
Please note that all attending must be PRE-PAID and we are only accepting 20% walk-ins (because of our total
dinner pre-paid count with the hotel.)
DATES AND PROGRAMS (although every effort will be made to retain all the following programs, the organization
reserves the right to substitute other quality programs in the event of scheduling or emergency situations with any of
the presenters). For further information, contact Nancy P. Askins (754-7376, ext. 3)
March 2010 Edition
Page 9

LOCAL ABWA NEWS (continued)

ABWA Winter-Spring 2010 Speaker Series in cooperation with N.U. Continuing Education
January through May 2010

#3: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

See page 5

#4: Wednesday, April 21, 2010

“Financial, Accounting, and Economic Terminology for Managers”

Gain a broad yet insightful look at the terminology and concepts essential to managers in today’s environment.
Discussion will include historical fundamental principles as well as present-day developments that are important and
useful tools for those involved in business.

Presenter: Francis R. Law

Francis Law is a well-seasoned financial officer having experience in developing companies both in the public and
private sector. Presently, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Noobis, Inc. and has previously served in that capacity
with other firms. Law has been instrumental in negotiating and obtaining venture capital investments and debt
offerings, along with significant involvement in merger activities. He has more than 30 years of experience in
financial roles, including development of accounting systems, budget and forecasting, audit, tax planning and
preparation, communications, and investor relations.

#5: Wednesday, May 19, 2010

“Maximizing Creativity for Motivated Performance”

Are you and your team making the most of your intellect and creativity? How motivated are you and your team to
excel at work? Enjoy this series of interactive exercises demonstrating how a climate of creativity and positive
motivation can enhance personal and organizational performance. Learn techniques to apply on-the-job to improve
results while impacting attitudes in today’s workplace. (This final session in the 2010 Winter-Spring ABWA-N.U.
Speaker Series will also link key highlights of all prior sessions.)

Presenter: Nancy P. Askins, M.Ed., CMQ/OE

Nancy P. Askins is an American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality in Organizational Excellence
with over 30 years of successful multi-industry leadership and consulting experience. She is currently Executive
Director of the Center of Renewal Retreat & Conference Center at Stella Niagara, NY where she also serves as a
master trainer and certified facilitator helping area organizations excel through a myriad of values-based services:
organizational and leadership development, workplace relationships and teams, Baldrige-based performance
excellence, strategic planning (driven by customized core values-purpose-mission-vision statements), DiSC™ Personal
Style Profile System; conflict resolution; customer relations; attitudes-behaviors-communications; and more. Askins
also authors POSITIVE WORKS! which is a periodic Niagara Gazette Sunday business column. A multi-degree graduate
of the University of Cincinnati, her current doctoral research focuses on the impact of organizational core values on
managerial behavior.
 March 2010 Edition
Page 10

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS

The Niagara County Federation of Republican Women
March Anniversary
are honoring two of our very own ABWA members!
Laura Broady 3/31/09
The NCFRW holds an annual “Woman of the Year” luncheon during the Ruth Gallinger 3/31/65
month of March (Women’s History Month) to honor women who have Teresa Lepiane 3/31/09
made a positive contribution in our community. Cathie Neiswonger 3/31/08
Arlen Page 3/31/09
Please come and support our ABWA members, Vanessa Scott 3/31/09
Georgia Brannan and Linda Augustino-Rafferty as they are honored.

Woman of the Year WELCOME NEW

Niagara County Judge Sara Sheldon Sperrazza MEMBERS
Woman of Distinction Heidi A. Fischer
Georgia Brannan Michelle Vanstrom
Volunteer of the Year
Linda Augustino-Rafferty

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2010

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Crowne Plaza
300 Third Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 CONGRATULATIONS TO ASHLEY
ALTMAN, DAUGHTER OF ABWA
MEMBER, MICHELE ALTMAN, FOR
$25.00 per person HER NEW POSITION AS BOX OFFICE
MANAGER AT THE NEW RAPIDS
Checks made payable to the NCFRW, P.O. Box 394 THEATRE IN NIAGARA FALLS!
Lockport, NY 14095.

Please RSVP by March 7th to 523-8250

A new place to come and enjoy concert

venues, parties, weddings, dinners,
sporting events, and anything your
creative mind could imagine.
 March 2010 Edition
Page 11

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS (continued)

A BIG THANK YOU to
Christopher “Stenz” Stoianoff

Chris, the creator of the website

StenzTV.com, has included our logo on his
website for free!!! The logo links right to
our website.

We are in discussions with The Niagara Broadcasting Network StenzTV is a site dedicated to our
to get ABWA on the air! community, our people, our businesses,
Look for more information to follow! and our history of our hometown.

NBN is always looking for on-air talent, crazy videos, interesting guests with Visit www.stenztv.com
interesting stories, etc. Do you have a new business idea or your own company
and business that you'd like to promote? Make a commercial, a program or a *Chris also creates websites! If you’re
creative ad and have it seen worldwide by millions of viewers. thinking of putting one together for your
business, give him a call! 304-1984
http://www.nbn7900.com/

Watch for “HEAVE HO”; a documentary on the Niagara Gorge coming soon!
What’s down there certainly has ‘surprise’ carved all over it.

ABWA members will receive a $10 rebate on their registration!

March 2010 Edition
Page 12

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS (continued)

Frank Croisdale, Niagara Rises President is
also a contributor to the The Reporter.
Check out his story on the Niagara Rises
Happy Hours at:
www.niagarafallsreporter.com/cover2.9.10.
html

The Happy Hours are always the first

Thursday of the month and are a great way to
network with people in our community!

If you’re interested in becoming a member of

Niagara Rises, please come to our next Watch ABWA member,
meeting, March 16th, at the Days Inn at the Linda Rafferty-Augustino on the
Falls- Main Street Niagara Falls “Lori and Friends Cooking Show.”
Date and time to be announced in
Niagara Rises, Inc. is a grass roots group of
April’s newsletter.
local citizens working to improve the vitality
and viability of Niagara Falls. They are
committed to raising awareness of the
region’s positive attributes and forming liaisons and partnerships to promote
improvements within the realm of education, housing, and employment. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to
ABWA member, Sue Armenia, for the
fast recovery of her daughter-in-law's
Kentucky Derby Night in Niagara Falls! recent surgery."
Niagara Rises is sponsoring a Kentucky Derby Night to benefit Equi*Star
Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center.
The Cancer Services Program of Niagara
They will be hosting the Derby on April 24, 2010 from 6 until 9 PM at Antonio’s
County announces a new website for the
Banquet and Conference Center 7708 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY.
Cancer Services Programs of Western New
York. The Cancer Services Program offers
The cost is only $20.00 per person and that includes your admission, meal and
free breast, cervical and colorectal cancer
virgin mint juleps. There will be a cash bar.
screenings for individuals ages 40-64 that have
no health insurance or high deductable or co
There will be 6 pre-recorded thoroughbred races broadcasted. The race winners
pays. People who are employed full or part-
are unknown until the end of the race. Participants may “bet” play money on each
time and have no health insurance or cannot
race for a chance to win multiple prizes.
afford the co pay or deductibles for these
services are encouraged to call (716) 278-
They will have a Best Kentucky Derby Hat Contest, a Silent Auction, A Basket
8285. The program is provided through a
Auction, a 50/50 Split and Dennis George will be our MC and will also do his
grant from the New York State Department
Variety Show.
of Health and is administered by the Niagara
County Department of Health. More
Niagara Rises is looking for people to sponsor the horses, sponsor the races or
information about the Cancer Services
make a donation of a gift basket or gift certificate for use in the auctions.
Program is available at www.cspwny.org.
If you would like to purchase tickets or make a donation, please email Michele
Altman at mitchie764@roadrunner.com.
March 2010 Edition
Page 13

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS (continued)

Three Sisters Trading Post Winter Specials
All ABWA members will receive a 15% discount on total
purchases, excluding markdowns.
Come check out our great prices for our Niagara Falls 2010
Calendars- only $4.99 while supplies last.
New merchandise is arriving daily!!!
March 2010 Edition
Page 14

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS (continued)

WOMEN IN THE ARTS FESTIVAL 2010
A Celebration of the Creations of Women Past and Present
Throughout the Month of March in Various Venues throughout Western New York
For more information on all events: Contact WIA Festival Director Dr. Carole Harris at
ccjjharris@roadrunner.com or harris67@canisius.edu; phone: 298-1310 or 957-7927

Through Sunday, March 21

Art exhibit by women artists in various media at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (NACC), 1202 Pine Avenue at
Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY. www.thenacc.org.

Throughout the Month of March

A “Women in the Arts” exhibit of books, CDs and DVDs by women creators on display in the Henrietta G. Lewis Library
at Niagara County Community College, 3111 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn, NY. Phone 614-6786. Assembled by
librarians Karen Ferington and Jeanne Touhey.

Saturday, March 6
12noon-2:45pm: “Women’s Work: Crafts, Music, Storytelling and More!” at Kenmore Presbyterian Church, 2771
Delaware Ave., Kenmore, NY. 875-7600. Featuring crafters, storytellers, dancers and artists. Free.

3:00pm: “Women’s Work: Crafts, Music, Storytelling and More!” at Kenmore Presbyterian Church. The afternoon event
will feature a concert of sacred and secular music by women composers. Included will be a hymn festival of hymns written
by women composers and/or writers. Free-will offering.

8:00pm: Ladies First Big Band at the Church of the Nativity, 1530 Colvin Blvd., Buffalo, one block north of Sheridan. 875-
3365. Great music for listening and dancing! Tickets $10, may be purchased at the door.

Sunday, March 7
2:00pm: Concert by soprano Mary Beth Wrobel at Historic Holy Trinity RC Church, 1419 Falls Street, Niagara Falls,
NY. 807-6547. Presented by Niagara Heritage of Hope and Service. Tickets $15.

Wednesday, March 10
7:30pm: The Women’s Studies Film Festival, in the Palisano Pavilion on the Canisius College Campus. Film title to be
announced. An informal discussion session and refreshments will follow the film. 888-2112. Free.

Saturday, March 13
3:00pm: Handbell Concert/Festival at Clarence United Methodist Church, 10205 Greiner Road, Clarence, NY.
Presented by the Buffalo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and featuring a number of works by women
composers/arrangers. Free.

Sunday, March 14
3:00pm: Student/Faculty Recital, Christ the King Chapel, Canisius College, Main Street, Buffalo. Included in the program
will be works by a number of women composers. Free.

3:00pm: Concert by soprano Rachael Napoleon at Historic Holy Trinity RC Church, 1419 Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY.
807-6547. Presented by Niagara Heritage of Hope and Service. Tickets $10.
March 2010 Edition
Page 15

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS (continued)

WOMEN IN THE ARTS FESTIVAL 2010 (continued)
Tuesday, March 16
6:00pm: Open music lecture presented by Canisius College music department faculty Prof. Ellen Barnum and Prof.
Carole Harris. In Lyons Hall Room 309 on the Canisius College Campus. 888-2537. Free.

Thursday, March 18
2:30pm: Art history lecture: “Photomontage, Gender and the Bauhaus” by Elizabeth Otto, Assistant Professor of Modern
and Contemporary Art, SUNY at Buffalo. In the Regis Room of the Richard E. Winter Student Center, Canisius College.
Free.

Saturday, March 20
6:00pm: Concert by soprano Emily Helenbrook at History Holy Trinity RC Church, 1410 Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY.
807-6547. Presented by Niagara Heritage of Hope and Service. Tickets $10.

Sunday, March 21
3:00pm: “There Is Delight in Singing,” a concert presented by soprano Janet Obermeyer, harpsichordist Jane Cary, and
fortepianist Karen Schmid. In the Montante Cultural Center, Main Street, on the Canisius College Campus. Free.
Reception following, presented by Sigma Alpha Iota, International Women’s Music Fraternity.

5:00pm: “Sisters in Song: The Music of Sister Theophane Hytrek and Hildegard von Bingen,” at First Presbyterian Church,
Symphony Circle, Buffalo, NY. Featuring the creative works of 20th-Century composer Sister Theophane of Milwaukee
and 12-Century German composer and mystic Hildegard of Bingen. Presented by William Fay and Carole Harris, with
organists Patrick Barrett, David Bond, Diane Green and David Snyder. Also performing is the Lewiston, NY, women’s
choral group Voces Regales, accompanied by Peter Smith and directed by William Fay. Co-sponsored by the Buffalo
Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 for women religious.

Tuesday, March 23
7:30pm: The Women’s Studies Film Festival, in the Palisano Pavilion on the Canisius College campus. Film title to be
announced. An informal discussion session and refreshments will follow the film. 888-2112. Free.

Thursday, March 25
7:00: “Women Composers Through the Ages” presented by renowned organist, harpsichordist and composer Dr. Barbara
Harbach at Historic Holy Trinity RC Church, 1419 Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY. 807-6547. Dr. Harbach will present a
lecture/demonstration and play a number of organ works by women composers. Presented by Niagara Heritage of Hope
and Service. Free will offering.

Friday, March 26
7:30pm: “Women Composers for the Organ,” organ recital by renowned composer and organist Dr. Barbara Harbach. At
First Presbyterian Church of East Aurora, 9 Paine Street, East Aurora, NY. 652-0160. Free will offering.

Tuesday, March 30
7:30pm: The Women’s Studies Film Festival, in Old Main Room 410 on the Canisius College Campus. Film title to be
announced. An informal discussion and refreshments will follow the film. 888-2112. Free.
March 2010 Edition
Page 16

March Spotlight is on

ABWA member, Georgia Brannan has long been involved in community

transformation projects and business. A business entrepreneur herself, Georgia is
educated in the start-up, growth, and challenges involved in small business
development. Georgia’s business ownership has included Real Estate, Property
Management, Tourism and Hospitality, and Online Business Retail together with
numerous community development projects. In 1997 Georgia retired, sold and closed
many of her business interests, to be a full-time caregiver for her father and mother-
in-law.

In 2004, Georgia returned to the business and community development arena in the
capacity of a consultant and business development specialist at The Summit Mall, an
Anthony & Company transformation project. Her “Hennepin” call of God includes
ongoing pastoral and community development through The Summit Life Outreach
Center, Inc., the Summit mall and the writing of a first book. In the summer of 2009,
Georgia purchased The Spirit of Niagara Tour Company and is developing cultural and heritage tourism tours and projects
for the Niagara region.

Georgia and her husband James are the parents of two daughters, and two grandchildren. She is a graduate of Niagara
University with a Bachelor of Science in Business degree. Her hobbies include writing, spending time with family and her
life’s work in which she says “it is not work, if you love what you are doing”
Georgia has been a founding partner and owner in the following businesses: Rainbow Hospitality, Inc., International Bed
and Breakfast Club, Inc., Grand View Development Group, Inc., BBTA, Inc., TRC International, and The Spirit of
Niagara Tours.

Community Development projects include: Marketing and development of Buffalo’s waterfront Marina Park
condominiums, Project design architect for restoration of a long vacant School in Buffalo, NY into Senior Housing
apartments, Project design team founder and architect for restoration of the Beaver Island State Park Beach Casino, Grand
Island, NY, from a 10 year burned out structure to a rebuilt Park Banquet and Community Center, Implementation of an
educational program resulting in Western New York’s pioneering development of the Bed and Breakfast industry from 20
to 200 properties through Rainbow Hospitality, Inc. and to 30,000 Bed and Breakfast and Country Inn properties
internationally through IBBC, Inc. In her capacity as President of the Northwest Buffalo Commercial Consortium
supported and opened the Free Trade Complex on River Rock Drive in Buffalo, NY

Georgia has served her community in numerous organizations that include:

President, Northwest Buffalo Commercial Consortium, Board of Director, New York State Hospitality & Tourism
Association, Chair, Bed and Breakfast Council, New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, Albany, NY President,
Grand Island Businesswoman’s Association, Treasurer, College Club of Buffalo, Inc., Buffalo Board of Realtors, Legislative
Committee Chair, World University Games, Chair, Private Home Lodging, Founding Member Western NY Bed and
Breakfast Association, Founder Alpha4Youth program, St. Stephen’s, Grand Island, NYCCD Educator of the Year, St.
Stephen’s, Grand Island, NY, Member, Anthony & Company Redevelopment Team, The Summit mall, Founding Board of
Director, Summit Life Outreach Center, Inc., Niagara Falls, New York, SetFree, Inc., Intercessor’s Prayer Outreach,
Founding Member, Networth Niagara, Business Networking Group, Founding Member, Western New York Coalition for
Life, Campaign Director, Niagara Falls, NY, National 40daysforLife, Member American Business Women’s Association of
Niagara Board of Advisors, Pathways to Success, Board of Director, Niagara Rises.
For our monthly “Spotlight” contribution please include a photo, if you have one, along with your submission to
mitchie764@roadrunner.com
March 2010 Edition
Page 17

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION
One Moment in Time….an American Business Women Association Story
Written by Georgia Brannan

Have you ever experienced One Moment in Time that had changed your life or perhaps even changed the
destiny of lives in your community forever? I am about to share such a story with you and it is my hope that in
doing so, you will not hesitate to invite your friends, family or business colleagues to the next American
Business Women’s function!

In September of 2004 my friend Maryann Bruno invited me to an ABWA dinner and trade show being held at a
local restaurant. Even though there were several opportunities during the day for me to decline, our arrival at
the dinner found Maryann asking if I minded sitting with her friends from The Summit mall. Those words and
that invitation were to be the catalyst for what I am about to share.

The gentleman sitting next to me at dinner was the Leasing Manager for the mall. Following dinner and as a
result of having lived in the shadow of The Summit mall for 14 years, my real estate development background
and curiosity allowed me to ask him many questions. Twenty minutes into our conversation, Dominic
Salamone opened his wallet and handed me a business card for Jim Anthony, the owner of the mall. He told
me I needed to talk with this man.

Now as you can appreciate, having recently sold my businesses, retiring my husband and with a plan to leave
the area, I had no interest in a job or even speaking with this man. Yet one day two weeks later, that same
business card fell onto the floor from my wallet and again, the same curiosity found me reviewing Anthony and
Company’s Raleigh, North Carolina website. The real estate website was nothing out of the ordinary with the
exception of a job posting for a position in Raleigh that said, “we are looking for people who are called, not
driven.” Having had a strong corporate business background, it was refreshing to see this kind of faith-based
advertisement and it became the prompting for my telephone call to Jim Anthony. Our initial phone
conversation was not about business development but rather a sharing of our business values and business ethics
which led to the scheduling of a meeting on October 6, 2004 when he would next be visiting Niagara.

The date was easy to remember, it was my birthday but even more important, it is a day that I shall never
forget. You see during that meeting Jim Anthony shared a number of his business visions for the mall and also
detailed a Pregnancy Care Center that had been successful in his hometown of Raleigh and with its success; he
wondered, whether something similar to that could be introduced to Niagara Falls. At that moment in time,
my background did not include such development experience but during the weeks and months following our
meeting, Jim Anthony provided me with faxes, phone contacts, and information about the Raleigh facility.
Together with a proposal for mall development, my knowledge of pregnancy care centers was growing leaps
and bounds.

Then one day, stopping in front of a local abortion clinic and speaking with what I now know are sidewalk
counselors, my question on that day was whether they would be interested in starting a pregnancy care center
in the mall? Several weeks later, two sidewalk counselors and I met in the atrium of the mall and that was to
be the beginning of what is now known as The Summit Life Outreach Center, Inc.
March 2010 Edition
Page 18

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION (continued)

Please understand that it just was not all that easy but it certainly was a force to be reckoned with as one by
one, each person we needed to fill the 12 member Board of Directors that now run the Life Center were called
and arrived at our meetings. Through lots of prayer and the grace of God, policies and procedures, a name,
and all of the necessary business filings were complete and again with the assistance of Jim Anthony, the
Summit Life Outreach Center, Inc. opened its doors in the mall’s north court near Sears.
Offering a caring pregnancy peer counseling environment, clothing and cribs, strollers and car seats, the
Center soon became a destination for young women seeking education and the very necessary and needed
counseling for choosing “life” for their unborn babies.
Over the next three years the Center grew to be a welcome resource for “life” to many new mothers and to
their families. In June of 2009 when the mall announced it was closing, Summit Life Outreach Center was
moved to its current home at 1622 Pine Avenue right in the center of downtown Niagara Falls.
While the move was certainly bittersweet in that we were saddened to leave the mall, we soon learned that the
selected location in Niagara Falls was one that found our client base tripling. The neighborhood location of the
Summit Life Center allows for walk-ins and easy access of services to the women of our community. An Earn-
While-You-Learn program brings a welcome educational program to these young mothers who gain education
about their baby while earning “mommy” dollars to purchase clothes, cribs, and a myriad of car seats,
highchairs, toys, and supplies for their baby.
Looking back now and giving thanks for my friend Maryann and her invitation, I also give thanks to the ABWA
dinner and trade show planners for an event that became the cornerstone for a meeting that has forever
changed my life and the lives of so many others. For additional information about The Summit Life Outreach
Center, Inc., please visit www.summitlifecenter.com.
And now, if I may, I would like to take “One Moment in Time” to encourage you to please visit The Summit
Life Outreach Center, Inc. in Niagara Falls. I would additionally like to give thanks to the Board of Advisors
and the Board of Directors of the Life Center for their unrivaled commitment and caring for the life of the
unborn in our community and last, but certainly not least, my heartfelt thanks go to all of the many volunteers
who tirelessly serve and who are truly the “unsung heroes” at Summit Life.
The lives that have been saved and the women that are being served would not have been possible had it not
been for those individuals who planned that ABWA dinner, for my friend Maryann, for the amazing Dominic
Salomone, nor the incredible Jim Anthony, nor the two very special women who said yes (and you know who
you are) long before I had the opportunity to say “yes to life” in and for Niagara Falls. May your lives be richly
rewarded as has mine through our friendships and through this lesson of life’s One Moment in Time that
changed my life forever and gave life to so many more.
February 14, 2010

Writer contact:
Georgia Brannan
PO Box 129
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Email: BBAmerica@aol.com
March 2010 Edition
Page 19

NATIONAL ABWA NEWS

We have selected two delegates to attend this conference and we are excited to hear about
everything when they return!!

District IV Friday and Saturday, May 14-15 2010: Annapolis, Maryland