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Panelists from left: Traci O'Connor, Stephanie Grace, Dana Kramaroff, Rebecca Wise, and Diane Hallman offer their perspectives and wisdom.
by Jane Stahl
For the second year--on the eve of International Women’s Day, March 8--Boyertown area’s women gathered to celebrate their contributions to one another, their communities, culture, and society.
The evening included a catered dinner, entertainment, and prizes.Entertainment for the evening featured a panel of five successful women in the community who reflected on their personal inspirations, challenges, life lessons, means for self-care, and advice for young people along with a request to describe themselves in a few words or phrase.
Panelists were Diane Hallman, founder of “Simple Systems for Thriving”; Traci O’Connor, owner and operator of Boyertown's popular Brakeman's Café; Stephanie Grace, local country/pop singer-songwriter; Dana Kramaroff, teacher at New Hanover Upper Frederick Elementary School and the author of "The Do More Club”; and Rebecca Wise, financial advisor from Boyertown's local Thrivent office.
The panelists offered book suggestions, advice, and self-identifiers including “Be yourself.” “Age playfully.” “Give yourself grace.” Find joy.” “Be yourself.” “Be creative.” “Solve the problem.” “Make positive connections.” “Share your uniqueness.” “Support diversity.” “Look for the glimmers.” They identified themselves as “Servant,” “Giver/Taker” “Fixable.” “Authentic.” “Connector.”
The evening also offered an opportunity to tell a story of gratitude for a video anthology being prepared by Amy Muzopappa for Studio B Art Gallery’s upcoming summer theme of events and activities titled “In Service.”
Amy and I collected inspiring stories from women who gave thanks to those individuals and organizations in their lives who offered valuable support at critical times in their lives that helped them overcome crises, meet goals, or become the kind of women they were meant to be. These stories will become part of Studio B Art Gallery’s summer events on the theme of “In Service.” The gallery’s activities are designed to remind us of our value to one another and strengthen bonds within the community.
Krista Gross, organizer of “HERstory” and events manager for Building a Better Boyertown offers, "Each woman in this room carries a story--of resilience, of love, of challenges overcome, and dreams pursued. And when we share these stories, we remind each other that we are not alone. We find strength in our sisterhood, hope in our shared experiences, and inspiration in each other's courage."
Krista earns special recognition for her creativity and the time and effort in decorating the room, each of the tables, and creating an arch featuring pages from books.
I especially love the takeaway bookmark favors featuring flowers and greenery.
“This inspiring event brings the community together to listen, learn, and connect,” adds Ellen Martignetti, Building a Better Boyertown’s Main Street Manager.
Proceeds from this event will go towards the Marianne Deery Community Gateway Project, honoring the former Mayor and Council Member who dedicated her life to serving the Boyertown Community.
More News from Boyertown
- Purim’s Sweet Tradition: The Story Behind Hamantaschen This holiday's most beloved tradition is the triangular pastry called hamantaschen, a cookie filled with sweet flavors that carries centuries of history in every bite.
- Women's History Month Celebrated Annually During March Women’s History Month is celebrated throughout the month of March acknowledging women’s contributions to history, culture and society
