Calling herself “a small piece of this giant puzzle,” Latrobe BPW President Nicole Purnell, looked back over the group’s accomplishments during a 90th Anniversary Celebration held Nov. 2 at Christ Our Shepherd Center in Unity.
“We are a diverse group of women helping women and form a support system that I truly can’t describe with words,” she said.
Past presidents Ann Lucchino and Georgia Pavlik echoed Purnell’s sentiments, saying the group’s longevity — besides its community service aspect — has to do with women joining together to gain confidence and long-term friendships.
Purnell said BPW membership averages 100-125 per year, from college students to retirees across a wide range of professions and backgrounds. Proceeds of their annual spring tea benefit local organizations including the Blackburn Center and supply scholarship funds for local high school seniors.
Attendees at the event enjoyed a luncheon and talk by Theresa Gay Rohall, executive director of the Ligonier Valley Historical Society. Young women from Stage Right! entertained with a medley of songs celebrating the empowerment of women.
Event chair was Theresa Rusbosin. In addition to Purnell and Rusbosin, current BPW officers include Deb Bowman, Marsha St. Pierre, Shelley Cottrill and Nikki Cecchini.
Seen: Jean Calabrace, Leyla Pilon-Sinclair, Janet Riordan, Carol Dziak, Carol Palmer, Debbie Franco, Barbara Baldwin, Mary Frederiksen, Michele Stoops and Faerie Grace.
