Out & About: Women of Westmoreland relaunches after pandemic pause

Like so many other organizations, Women of Westmoreland paused its activities during the pandemic.

The networking and professional development organization got back to business with a relaunch event on May 24 at Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker.

The group last met on the day before the pandemic shutdown, noted Lisa Kennedy, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce membership director, who is heading up the reboot.

Women of Westmoreland is open to working women who are chamber members.

The group seeks to promote, support and empower women leaders in all professions; facilitate woman-to-woman networking opportunities and mentoring relationships; provide educational programs for personal and professional growth and development; recognize women for their accomplishments and service; and encourage projects that better all aspects of life in the county.

The evening included a cocktail hour and dinner. The 105 guests also were asked to complete a survey.

“We want to know what you need and what we can do for you,” Kennedy said. “We want to highlight women doing things of substance and give them opportunities to meet mentors and other like-minded women who can help them find balance in life.”

The Chamber’s former membership director, Leyla Pilon, spearheaded the formation of the group in 2018. Ella Antimarino, Heather Graham and Diann Repasky, who also were instrumental in its founding, were present for the relaunch.

Graham said her hope was that six or seven people would attend the inaugural 2018 event — instead, 120 showed up.

Plans now are to resume quarterly networking and educational events, Kennedy said, which would include highlighting a nonprofit organization.

Marcella Lohr was present at Bella Terra to represent Bethany Christian Services, a nationwide and global outreach that provides support to vulnerable children, through services including pregnancy counseling, foster care, emergency care and adoption. The recently formed Westmoreland County chapter has an office at Community Church in Harrison City.

Seen at the winery: Tricia Thomas, Joanne Pearson, Amy Beeghly, Helen Keegan-Geroux, Angela-Rose O’Brien, Donna-Rose Demilio, Joy Klohonatz, Roma Thompson, Janene Schachte, Jodi Kelly, Kristie Sherbondy, Stacy Lemmon, Paula Schmidt, Tracy Grace, Marla Fleming, Karen Novak, Olga Ciancio, Sherri Kinkead, Donna Olwell, Karen Waldron, Kathy Shondelmyer and Bella Terra co-owner and events manager Jacque Bell and general manager Heather Gibas.

Information on Women of Westmoreland is available at 724-824-2900 or westmorelandchamber.com.