Out & About: Latrobe BPW still going strong after 90 years

Shirley McMarlin
Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 12:01 a.m. | Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 12:01 a.m.

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Photos: Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Heather Celena Simms of Latrobe, Georgia Pavlik of Latrobe, Karen Mowry of Derry and Susan Mough of Latrobe

Photos: Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Latrobe BPW past presidents,(from left), Patty Frederick, of Unity Township, Theresa Revicky, of Loyalhanna, Ann Lucchino, of Latrobe, and Georgia Pavlik, of Latrobe, gather for a photo during the Latrobe BPW 90th anniversary brunch, held at the Christ Our Shepherd Center in Unity Township on Saturday morning, November 2, 2019.

Photos: Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Karen Laskie of Derry, Jean Calabrace of Latrobe, Barbara Planinsek of Latrobe, and Lorie Planinsek of Latrobe

Photos: Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

Latrobe BPW members,(from left), Faerie Grace, of New Alexandria, and Ruthie Timlin, of Latrobe, pose for a photo during the Latrobe BPW 90th anniversary brunch, held at the Christ Our Shepherd Center in Unity Township on Saturday morning, November 2, 2019.

Photos: Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Latrobe BPW members Angela Apple of Latrobe, past president; Nicole Purnell, current president; Jean Calabrace of Latrobe, past president; and Theresa Rusbosin, of Latrobe, event chair and past president

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.