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Grand Island Chapter of New York State Women, Inc.,
formerly

Grand Island Business & Professional Women's Club News Webpage 2

Previous BPW News

President - Regina Schunk - 308-7263
Co-Vice Presidents Sonja C. Miller and Dr. Sherry Bradford
Secretary - Mary Anne Shea
Treasurer - Claudia Lesinski

GRAND ISLAND CHAPTER OF NEW YORK STATE WOMEN, INC.
Diane Dinsmore - Effective Leadership Award for Women in Business – JULY 2010
    Diane Dinsmore, president of the Grand Island Chapter of New York State Women, Inc., received the annual Effective Leadership Award for Women in Business, presented each year by Advanced Cancer Theranostix. Dr. Sherry Bradford, president of ACT, said the award honors a woman who has provided outstanding contributions that support women in developing professional skills, as well as personal excellence and leadership. Ms. Dinsmore, co-founded LDC Construction Co. in 1973, also formed Diversified Management Services on Grand Island, which provides accounting, tax preparation and insurance consulting services.

NEW YORK STATE WOMEN, INC. STATE CONFERENCE ON GRAND ISLAND June 11-13 – JUNE 2010
    New York State Women, Inc. District VIII is hosting the State Conference to be held June 11-13 at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Grand Island. District VIII Comprises Chapters in Allegheny, Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Orleans counties. District Director Ramona Gallagher of Buffalo said that two District VIII woman are running for State office—Susan Mager of Blasdell and Laurie Livingston of Jamestown. Susan Mager is a candidate for 1st Vice President. She has been an active member of Buffalo Niagara Chapter (formerly Buffalo Business and Professional Women) since 1984. She has been president of the Buffalo Chapter and was District VIII Director. She is business manager for the State magazine, NIKE. Laurie Livingston is a candidate for re-election for State treasurer. She has been a member of the Jamestown Chapter since 1999. She has served as Chapter President and District VIII Director. She is active in Chautauqua County organizations including Chautauqua Leadership Network, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County and the YWCA of Jamestown. State President Mary Ellen Morgan said that the Conference will present informative speakers and workshops. “The Conference should encourage women to become better professionally, personally, and politically,” Mrs. Morgan said.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAPTER – JUNE 2010
    Grand Island Professional Women’s Chapter, New York State Women, Inc. will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 17 in the Buffalo Launch Club on Grand Island. Susan Mager, First Vice President, New York State Women, Inc., will install Chapter officers for 2010-11. Officers are Diane Dinsmore and Sheila Benoit, co-presidents; Tricia Belter, vice president and treasurer. Dr. Sherry Bradford of Grand Island will announce the Women in Business Effective Leadership Award winner. Dr. Bradford, owner of Oncology Research Therapeutics (ORT) in Amherst, has presented the award each year to acknowledge a Chapter member who has provided outstanding contributions and support for women in the development of professional skills. For reservations or additional information, contact Sonja Miller, 773 1715 or email: regina0698@aol.com.

NYS Women, Inc. To Meet - May 2010
    Grand Island Professional Women's Chapter, New York State Women, Inc. will meet at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 19, in the Grand Island Holiday Inn, 100 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Officers for 2010-11 will be elected. Other agenda items include the State Conference of New York State Women, Inc. at the Grand Island Holiday Inn the weekend of June 11-13. For additional information and reservations for the monthly meeting, contact Sonja Miller at 773 1715 or sbrad@ascubuffalo.edu

NYS Women, Inc. To Meet - March 2010
   The Grand Island Professional Women’s Chapter, New York State Women, Inc. will meet at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 24 at Dick and Jenny's Restaurant, Baseline at Love Rd., Grand Island. For reservations or information, contact Dr. Sherry Bradford at 860-7800 or email: regina0698@aol.com.

NYS Women, Inc. To Meet - November 2009
   The Grand Island Professional Women’s Chapter, New York State Women, Inc. will meet at 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 9 at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Rd., Grand Island. There will be a Christmas gift collection for the Neighbors Foundation. For information and reservations, contact Sonja Miller, 773 1715.

"Diabetes--Are You at Risk" - October 2009
    The Grand Island Chapter of New York State Women, Inc. will present "Diabetes--Are You at Risk" on Wednesday, October 21 in the Grand Island Holiday Inn. It's an annual Health Education Seminar presented during National Business Women's Week. See "Diabetes--Are You at Risk" for complete information.

"Shop Til You Drop" Benefits Scholarships - October 2009
   The 2nd Annual “Shop Til You Drop” Home Party Shopping Spree will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 in the Grand Island Knights of Columbus Hall, 1841 Whitehaven Road. The benefit is sponsored by the Grand Island Chapter of New York State Women, Inc., formerly Grand Island Business and Professional Women. According to Chairperson Beverly Hennis, the fundraiser enables the Grand Island Chapter to fund its scholarship program. Prospective vendors/home party demonstrators interested in participating should contact Beverly Hennig at 774 8149 or bev0509@yahoo.com.

New York State Women News - Formerly Business & Professional Women - Sept. 2009
    The Grand Island Chapter of New York State Women, Inc., formerly Grand Island Business and Professional Women, will present its 2009 Wine and Dine and Silent Auction at 6 p.m., Wednesday, September 20 at 106 Park Place, Grand Island. According to Chairperson Tricia Vacanti-Belter, the annual membership event is open to the public and free to non-members. Mary Q. Wydysh, Esq, a partner in Goldberg Segalla LLP, will speak on "Balancing Career & Family: Advice from the Trenches."

Business & Professional Women
2009 Women in Business Effective Leadership Award

Tricia Vacanti-Belter
   Tricia Vacanti-Belter, Treasurer of the Grand Island Business and Professional Women, will receive the 2009 Women in Business Effective Leadership Award presented by ORT, Inc. on Wednesday evening, June 17 at the Buffalo Launch Club. Presenter will be Dr. Sherry Bradford of Grand Island, founder, president and CSO of Oncology Research Therapeutics Inc. In Amherst.
   Sonja Miller, chairperson of the Effective Leadership Committee, said the Award honors and acknowledges the outstanding contributions a woman has made in developing professional and personal attributes that enrich the lives of others, the community and society.
   Tricia Vacanti-Belter is an attorney at law licensed to practice in New York State. She holds a law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, and a BA in Psychology from Canisius College, where she graduated summa cum laude. Tricia has more than ten years of experience in the field of law. Prior to starting her own practice as a real estate attorney on Grand Island, Tricia spent four years as a trial attorney specializing in personal injury and civil litigation.
   Tricia is an active member of Grand Island Business and Professional Women, serving as treasurer and membership chair for the past two years. She hosted the Fall Membership Wine and Dine Event for many years and has served on the Scholarship Committee for the past three years.
   She continues to collect clothing for women going back into the work force. She also served on the Alumni Board at Nardin Academy, her alma mater.
   Tricia is the mother of two children, Christopher Joseph, 8, and Elizabeth Grace, 7.
   Recently, Tricia, along with her husband, Chris, has volunteered for Bunkers in Baghdad, a not-for-profit corporation that collects and sends new and used golf balls, clubs and equipment to our troops currently serving in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Belters also assist the Wounded Warriors Program around the country to aid in the rehabilitation of our injured veterans.
   According to Dr. Bradford, ORT established the Award to honor, recognize and celebrate an outstanding woman who has demonstrated and advanced the goals of the Business and Professional Women, both locally and nationally. ORT is an automated biotechnology company dedicated to providing breakthrough Cancer diagnostics.

Business & Professional Women's May Dinner Meeting - May 2009
   The Grand Island Business and Professional Women's May Dinner Meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 20 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. Agenda items include Election of Officers and a discussion of the merger between BPW/USA and BPW Foundation. For information or dinner reservations, contact Sonja Miller at 773-1715. Reservations deadline is Tuesday, May 19.

Business & Professional Women's March Meeting - March 2009
   The Grand Island Business and Professional Women’s Club will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 in Shannon’s Pub, 2250 Niagara Falls Blvd., Tonawanda. For additional information or reservations, contact Sonja Miller, 773 1715.

Business & Professional Women's Christmas Meeting - Dec. 2008
   The Grand Island Business and Professional Women’s Christmas meeting will be held Wednesday, December 10 at 6 p.m. in the Buffalo Launch Club on Grand Island. Members will bring unwrapped Christmas gifts for the Neighbors Foundation from its list of requested items. For dinner reservations, contact Sonja Miller at 773 1715 by December 8.

Business & Professional Women's Networking Dinner Meeting - Nov. 2008
   The Grand Island Business and Professional Women’s November Networking Dinner Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 19 at Fortuna’s Restaurant, 827 – 19th St., Niagara Falls, N.Y. For information and reservations, call 773 1715 by Monday, November 17.

Business & Professional Women To Host "Shop Till You Drop" - Nov. 2008
   The Grand Island Business and Professional Women will sponsor “Shop Til You Drop Home Party—A Home Shopping Spree” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 1 at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.
   Chairwoman Diane Dinsmore said “Shop Til You Drop” is free and open to the public. It is similar to home parties where people have to sell particular products," she said. “However our party will have a minimum of 15 vendors selling personal care items as well as home decorating and cooking items, and more,” she said.
   In addition to free admission, the party features holiday decorations and gifts, refreshments and raffles.
   Committee members include Attorney Tricia Vacanti-Belter and Realtor Sherry McDonald. Funds raised will benefit the Grand Island Business and Professional Women’s Scholarship Fund. For additional information, call 773 9184, 773 3073, or 773 1715.

Business & Professional Women Sponsor Health Seminar - October 2008

Dr. Sherry Bradford
   "HPV & Cancer--You and Your Daughter" Health Seminar is being sponsored by the Grand Island Business and Professional Women at 6 p.m., Wednesday, October 15 in the Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center, Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.
   Sherry Bradford, Ph.D., an oncology research scientist, will speak on the scientific and personal aspects of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), as well as date rape drugs. According to Dr. Bradford, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008 more than 12,000 women will be newly diagnosed with cervical cancer. “More than 85% of all cervical cancer is considered a sexually transmitted disease—via the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV),” Dr. Bradford said. “I am also going to stress Date Rape Drugs because HPV is easily transmitted via this route,” Dr. Bradford said. “And, also because Buffalo is the second highest city in the nation for date rape via date rape drugs,” she added.
   Dr. Bradford is president and founder of Oncology Research Therapeutics, Inc., Baird Research Park in Amherst, NY. ORT is a multidisciplinary cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment company.
   According to Sonja Miller, co-president of the Grand Island Business and Professional Women, the goal of the seminar is to raise awareness and provide information on HPV,Cancer and Date Rape Drugs.
   Registration is $25 at the door, and includes appetizers and refreshments. Preregistration fee is $20. To preregister, call 775 5028 prior to October 11, and pick up tickets at the door.
   Proceeds benefit Grand Island BPW Scholarship Fund.
   Sponsors include Diversified Management Services, Anchor Marine, First Niagara Bank of Grand Island, Grand Island Pharmacy, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.
   Grand Island Business and Professional Women is a local chapter of BPW/USA, formerly known as the National Federation of Business and Professional Women, Washington, D.C.

Business & Professional Women Host Wine & Dine Membership Drive - September 2008

Tricia A. Vacanti-Belter
   Tricia A. Vacanti-Belter is chairperson of the Grand Island Business and Professional Women’s “Wine and Dine Membership Drive” to be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, September 17 at her home, 106 Park Place, Grand Island.
   Guest speaker is Erie County Family Court Judge Lisa Block Rodwin. Potential new members will receive information on the Grand Island chapter of the Business and Professional Women, which is also a chapter of BPW/NYS and BPW/USA. There will also be a silent auction. For additional information or reservations, call 773 3073 by September 12.

Ciara M. Morreale, Scholarship Winner - July 2008

   Ciara M. Morreale of Grand Island will receive both the Grand Island Business and Professional Women’s 2008 Scholarship and a matching scholarship from Grand Island Dollars for Scholars. She is a 2008 graduate of Grand Island High School and hopes to become a fashion merchandiser, buyer and business owner.
   Ciara will attend the Wehle School of Business at Canisius College majoring in business marketing and fashion merchandising. She plans to participate in a cooperative program in her senior year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
   “I have known that this is what I want to do since I was very young,” Ciara explained. “My mom has been the owner of her own boutique, Lotions and Potions, in Williamsville for 14 years. So, much of my life has been immersed in the fashion and business world,” she said.
   According to Ciara, the experience of working in her mother’s store and attending buying trips to New York City and other major cities, has prepared her for this career far beyond anything else.
   “I have had the opportunity to develop my business and interpersonal skills, and most importantly, I have discovered that I am well-suited for this type of work,” Ciara added.
   Among her activities as Grand Island High School, Ciara cites president of the Concert Choir, Secretary of the Class of 2008, Secretary of the National Honor Society, DECA Regional and State Competition, the Madrigals, and the Women’s Choir. She has been on the honor roll every semester in high school, earning awards for academic excellence.
   Her community activities include serving as Youth Ambassador for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, where Ciara represented the Chamber at events, organized volunteers and coordinated the Battle of the Bands concert.
   Sonja Miller and Dr. Sherry Bradford, co-presidents of the Grand Island Business and Professional Women and Beverly Kinney, director and awards chair of Grand Island Dollars for Scholars Chapter, announced the awards.
   Dollars for Scholars is the local chapter of the national not-for-profit organization that helps many students who live on Grand Island meet the high cost of post secondary education. The Grand Island Business and Professional Women is chartered by BPW/USA, the National Association of Business and Professional Women.

Beverly Kinney, Leadership Award Recipient - June 2008

   Grand Island Businesswoman Beverly Kinney received the ORT, Inc. Annual Women in Business Effective Leadership Award at a dinner in the Buffalo Launch Club on Wednesday, June 18. The award is given each year to a member of the Business & Professional Women's Club.

GI BPW To Install Officers - June 2008
   Sonja Miller and Dr. Sherry Bradford will be installed as co-presidents of The Grand Island Business and Professional Women on Wednesday evening, June 18 in the Buffalo Launch Club, Grand Island. Diane Rogers from BPW District Eight also will install Vice Presidents Sheila Benoit and Diane Dinsmore; Secretary Regina Schunk and Treasurer Tricia Belter.
   In addition to the installation of 2008-9 officers, Beverly Kinney will receive the ORT Women in Business Effective Leadership Award to acknowledge her support for women in the development of professional skills.
   For dinner reservations, contact Regina Schunk at 308 7262 or Regina0698@aol.com

GI BPW To Meet - May 21, 2008
   The Grand Island Business and Professional Women’s May dinner meeting will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, in River Oaks Clubhouse Restaurant, 201 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. For information or dinner reservations, contact President Regina Schunk at 308 7262 or Regina0698@aol.com

GI BPW To Meet - April 16, 2008
    The Grand Island Business and Professional Women will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 in the Grand Island Holiday Inn. Agenda items include Summer/Fall Fundraiser, Scholarship Report, Officer Nominations, and 2008 Women in Business Effective Leadership nominations. For dinner reservations, contact President Regina Schunk at 308 7262 or Regina0698@aol.com

Free "Women & Finance" Seminar By GI BPW - March 19, 2008
   Grand Island Business and Professional Women will present a free seminar on “Women and Finance” at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 19 in The M.O.G., 1801 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island. Diane Dinsmore is guest speaker. She is president and owner of Diversified Management Services of Grand Island. Seminar topics include “Starting Early,” “Independence,” “Preparing for the Worst,” and “The Golden Years.” The program starts at 6 p.m. with networking, wine and hors d’oeuvres and the seminar begins at 7 p.m. For reservations, contact Regina Schunk at 308-7262 or Tricia Belter at 696-0878.

If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.