New Leadership in CNY Branch Announced at Annual Meeting
The CNY Branch of the National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW) have chosen a new slate of officers. Announced at their annual meeting held at the Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles, the new officers have begun their two-year tenures. Unanimously elected in June 2017 were Mary Gardner, President; Janet Fagal, Treasurer; Barbara Baum, Secretary; Judith McGinn, VP Membership Development; Nancy A. Dafoe, VP of Communications/Publicity; Joan Applebaum, VP Programs/Special Events with Karen Hempson assisting in that role; Sheila Byrnes, Liaison, NLAPW.
Before turning over the gavel, Janet Fagal welcomed members to the annual meeting and outlined the Branch's accomplishments during her tenure as president. The Branch's accomplishments were many, and Janet Fagal created a video presentation of some of the highlights to share with NLAPW. Among the highlights were our Painted Sounds program at the Genesee Grande Hotel in Syracuse on May 18, 2017; our first Creative Writing Workshop for the public at the NLAPW Pen Arts Building in Washington, D.C.; our full-color, printed anthology, In the Company of Women; a tour of the Westlake Conservatory; attendance and participation in the Biennial in Washington, D.C. in 2016, with National VP Sheila Byrnes in charge of Biennial preparations; a public reading in Fayetteville, New York and visit from then National President Candace Long; Friend of the Arts awards at our 90th Anniversary gala held in conjunction with the Onondaga Historical Association; and multiple public readings and art showings.
New President Mary Gardner thanked outgoing President Janet Fagal and the Branch membership and then shared her goals and vision for the CNY Branch. She announced the theme for her two-year tenure as "Catch the Spirt. Share it!"
