Newspaper Articles
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published November 27, 2023
Zonta Club says NO to violence against women
The Zonta Club of Lockport has posted signs that say “Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women” throughout the city of Lockport. This campaign, running through December 10th, tries to bring awareness to the prevalence of violence against women.
Current statistics show one in three women will experience physical/sexual violence in their lifetime, often perpetrated by intimate partners. Some 30% of intimate partner victims report that pornography was involved in some manner. New York state has the fourth highest number of cases (more than 400)
reported for human trafficking in the country, following California, Texas
and Florida.
Anyone interested in assisting victims of sexual assault who are brought to Lockport Memorial Hospital can donate a sweat suit to the Zonta Club by
dropping it off at one of these collection sites: Lockport Family YMCA,
5833 Snyder Drive; or Immaculata Home, 31 Lewis St., any time between
9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sweat suits are given to victims of sexual assault whose
clothing is collected at the hospital for forensic purposes.
All sizes are accepted.
Take note of this local resource: The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier’s 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline provides phone counseling, support and referrals for emergency shelter or housing. The domestic violence and sexual assault hotline number is 716-433-6716.
Zonta International is a service organization of more than 28,000 executive women committed to empowering women through service and advocacy. The Lockport chapter provides scholarship funds for women and girls and often donates to Lockport-based women’s shelters such as the YWCA shelter, Madonna House and Immaculata Home.
Women interested in joining the Zonta Club of Lockport can reach out to membership chairwoman Brenda Ulrich at 716-628-0629 or visit www.zontacluboflockport.com.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published November 23, 2023
Zonta Club of Lockport says 'No' to violence against women
Zonta Club of Lockport is saying ‘no’ to violence against women.
Zonta’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, slated to run from Friday through Dec. 10, is an international movement originating from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute and has been sponsored by the same since 1991.
It is anticipated that Zonta International’s approximately 1,155 clubs in 63 countries will be participating in this effort to end gender-based violence through education, service and advocacy.
Protection from violence is an inherent human right. To learn more about this global initiative and what you can do to raise awareness and begin to create a better world, visit: www.zontacluboflockport.com or www.ZontaSaysNo.com.
A reminder: The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier’s 24/7 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline provides phone counseling, support, and referrals for emergency shelter or housing. The hotline number is 716-433-6716.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published November 1, 2023
Zonta Club grants available
In keeping with its more-than-100-year tradition of improving the lives of women and children in the community, the Zonta Club of Lockport is currently soliciting proposals for local projects that benefit youth and/or women. Project expenses should range from $1,000 to $4,000.
Non-profit organizations are welcome to apply. The Zonta Club does not fund general administrative or operating expenses, or salaries. A specific need must be addressed and the project must be clearly explained in a letter. Funds can be awarded only for direct expenses of the project.
To be considered for funding, compose a brief letter outlining the project, attach a copy of the organization’s not-for-profit certificate and send it to Teresa Sipowicz at P.O. Box 389, Lockport, NY 14094.
Applications may be found on the Zonta Club of Lockport’s website: www.zontacluboflockport.com. The submission deadline is Dec. 16.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published October 17, 2023
Lockport service clubs convene with the head of local schools
The Zonta Club of Lockport hosted a local service groups’ luncheon
with keynote speaker Mathis Calvin III, superintendent of Lockport City School District, on Tuesday.
To members of the Lions, Rotary, Sunrise Optimist, Barge Canal Optimist and
Zonta clubs, Calvin spread his message of “welcoming” and “affirming”
schools for all Lockport students, and unveiled the district’s slogan,
“We Are All Lions — We All Belong.”
Further, Calvin invited his audience to consider joining the district’s
new strategic planning committee, which will consist of 54 interested
community members.
“Everything you can say or do to support our students, we welcome,”
Calvin said. “Partnership, connections. There are children in the community
that need mentors. There’s children in our school district that need someone
they can connect with. There are children in our district that just need
someone to spend some time with who says, ‘You can do it, you can make it!’
“We know we can’t do this by ourselves, so any one who wants to jump
in and help? We’ll make it happen.”
Calvin’s speech seemed to be well received by local Lions, Rotarians,
Optimists and Zontians.
“Each of us garnered a better understanding of the new superintendent,”
said Shelley Unocic, Rotary Club president. “(Calvin) shared his personal
story of past service and fellowship. This played a large part in his plan
and vision to move the district forward and positively impact every student.
He is a past Rotarian and exemplifies the Rotary model of ‘service above self.’”
Zontian Dianne Cross said Calvin did a “great job” explaining what the
Zonta Club is all about and she enjoyed his speech.
“I think, because of this, there will be many great partnerships between
Lockport school district and service group members,” she said.
Becky Wilson, president of Barge Canal Optimist Club, noted that there are four Optimist clubs in Lockport, all of them dedicated to serving youths, and predicted many Optimists will join in to help Lockport schools.
From left, Becky Wilson, president of Barge Canal Optimist Club, Mathis Calvin III, superintendent of Lockport City School District, Dianne Cross, past president of the Zonta Club of Lockport, Mike Stein, president of Lockport Lions Club, David Chanin, president of Sunrise Optimist Club, and Shelley Unocic, president of the Rotary Club of Lockport, stand for a photo during the Zonta Club-hosted 2023 joint meeting of local service clubs at 80 Main Banquet & Catering on Tuesday.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published March 7, 2023
Yellow Rose Day will be marked in Lockport
Wednesday is International Women’s Day, an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world. In conjunction, the Zonta Club of Lockport recognizes the achievements of individual women with Yellow Rose Day.
For their commitment to service and leadership, the club is recognizing Joanna Munson, Rachel Napoleon, Gina Pasceri, Shannon Williams, Chaplin Christine Kesterson, and Joyce Miles.
International Women’s Day, March 8th, is designated by the United Nations and is marked by women’s groups around the world. It is a day to celebrate the social, cultural, economic, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme focuses on innovation for a gender equal future. It involves embracing equity, which can be achieved by taking action against gender stereotypes, calling out discrimination, drawing attention to bias, and seeking inclusion.
Zonta is a worldwide service organization of professionals working together to empower women through service and advocacy. Some of the Lockport’s club efforts in the past have included raising funds for mental health associations, rehabilitation centers, mentoring programs, women’s shelters, educational programs, and college scholarships. The club has also collected clothing and supplies for women and children in need, campaigned to end domestic violence, and worked to beautify the parks and streets in the community.
To learn more about Zonta Club of Lockport, go to www.zonta.org or email membership committee Brenda Ulrich at brendaulrich@verizon.net.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published September 2, 2022
Zonta Club officers installed
The Zonta Club of Lockport recently installed 2022-2024 biennium officers.
The slate consists of: Beverly Federspiel, president;
Tracy Farrell, vice president; Cathy Fraass, secretary;
Mary Ann Bucolo, treasurer; and Kelli Alaimo, Donna Kleinhans,
Carol Spedding, Teresa Sipowicz and Brenda Ulrich, directors.
Founded in 1920, the Zonta Club of Lockport, New York, Inc.’s
mission is to empower women through service and advocacy.
Locally the club supports scholarships for women and
fundraises for local nonprofit organizations.
To inquire about membership, send a letter to P.O. Box 389, Lockport, NY 14095-0389, or send an email to zontacluboflockport@yahoo.com.
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month
at the Lockport Town and Country Club.
Zonta Club of Lockport's 2022-2024 biennium officers include, from left: Cathy Fraass, secretary; Mary Ann Bucolo, treasurer;
Tracy Farrell, vice president; Kelli Alaimo, director;
Kathryn Bunyan-McClendon, Zonta International District 4-Area 3 director; and Donna Kleinhans and Carol Spedding, directors.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published July 26, 2022
Zonta scholarship winners announced
The Zonta Club of Lockport recently presented its annual scholarships
and award to five area high school seniors.
Kaelin Faery was ranked third in her class of 2022 at
Wilson High School and was class treasurer and homecoming chair
while working part time. She will attend SUNY Geneseo
in the fall to study biology. Her goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant.
Hanna Aiken graduated from Royalton Hartland High School.
Hanna enjoys playing the clarinet and has performed in musicals.
She was senior class secretary, student council secretary and a
member of the Yearbook Club. She will attend St. John Fisher College
to study nursing and plans to become a midwife or a labor and delivery nurse.
Young Woman in Public Affairs Award (YWPA) winner Julia Dumais,
a member of the class of 2022 at Newfane High School,
will attend Princeton University where she will play Division 1 softball.
She will major in public policy and would like to be involved
in environmental policy in the future.
Abigail Hurtgam, member of the class of 2022 at Wilson High School,
was involved with the school concert band, prep band and pit band.
She was senior class secretary and high school band council president.
Abigail will attend Cornell University in the fall to pursue a
degree in agricultural sciences, which will help her in her
plans to run Hurtgam Farms upon graduation.
Scholarship winner Chelsea Wheeler will attend Edinboro College in the fall.
Pictured from left to right are Brenda Ulrich,
Kaelin Faery - Zonta Club Scholarship winner,
Hannah Aiken - Zonta Club Memorial Scholarship winner,
Donna Kleinhans – Board of Director,
Julia Dumais – YWPA winner,
Abigail Hurtgam – Charter Member Scholarship winner
Beverly Federspiel – Zonta Club President.
Absent is Chelsea Wheeler – Zonta Club Scholarship
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published July 4, 2022
Phantom Ball proceeds distributed
The Zonta Club of Lockport presented the Dale Association Inc.
and the Mental Health Association in Niagara County
with its 2022 Phantom Ball proceeds.
The Dale Association will use its share to expand Memory Café to a
twice-a-month offering. Memory Café offers a safe,
comfortable and stimulating gathering space for
people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
The Mental Health Association will invest its share in the
Compeer program, which matches volunteers with children,
adults and seniors living with diagnosed mental illness
and/or emotional challenges.
The Phantom Ball is the Zonta’s Club’s annual no-frills fundraiser,
established in 1967 to rally support for local causes.
“Attendees” reserve their places simply by writing a check.
At presentation of the Zonta Club of Lockport's 2022 Phantom Ball proceeds are, from left, the Dale Association's Robert O’Connor, director of development and marketing, and Maureen Wendt, president and CEO; Daniel Colpoys, executive director of the Mental Health Association in Niagara County; and Zonta Club members Carol Spedding, outgoing president and Phantom Ball chair, and Donna Ghodbane, co-chair. (Contributed image)
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published April 1, 2022
You're invited: Zonta Club undertakes its 55th annual Phantom Ball
Here is your invitation to the Zonta Club of Lockport New York, Inc.'s
55th annual Phantom Ball.
Purchase a ticket and you will be spared the expense of buying a dress,
renting a tuxedo or hiring a babysitter. And you can relax at home
knowing you have supported two worthwhile community projects:
The Dale Association's Memory Café Niagara and the
Mental Health Association's Compeer program.
The Phantom Ball is the Zonta's Club's annual no-frills fundraiser,
established in 1967 to rally support for local causes.
"Attendees" reserve their places simply by writing a check.
Donations of any size may be mailed to the
Zonta Club of Lockport
P.O. Box 389
Lockport, NY 14095-0389
The Zonta mission is to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Phantom Ball committee members Dianne Cross, left, Eileen Ludwig, Cathy Fraass and co-chair Donna Ghodbane. (Contributed image)
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published March 8, 2022
Yellow Rose Day marked in Lockport
Today is International Women's Day, an occasion marked by women's
groups around the world. In conjunction, the Zonta Club of Lockport
recognizes the achievements of individual women with Yellow Rose Day.
For their commitment to service and leadership, the club is recognizing
Darlene DiCarlo, Lynette Dickinson, Pat Dufour, Bridget Licata,
Rhiannon O’Shea, Cara Porter, Melissa Ulrich and Julie Muscato.
International Women’s Day, March 8th, is commemorated at the
United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.
When women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries
and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences,
come together to celebrate their day, they can look back to a tradition
that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality,
justice, peace and development.
Zonta is a worldwide service organization of executives in business and professionals working together to advance the status of women.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published August 23, 2021
Zonta's Phantom Ball aids Save the Michaels
The Zonta Club of Lockport New York, Inc. recently presented
Save the Michaels of the World, Inc., with the funds collected from
Zonta’s 2021 Phantom Ball.
The money will be used at Save the Michaels’ House of Hope
Niagara Recovery Center in Lockport, where support services
and recreational activities are offered to recovering addicts and their families.
Zonta president Carol Spedding said the club is
“grateful for the support the community provides in its mission of
empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.”
Lorraine Sparks, left, Zonta Club search committee chair,
Julie and Avi Israel, the founders of Save the Michaels of the World,
and Carol Spedding, Zonta Club president.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
Release published July 2021
Zonta Club of Lockport Holds
Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony
Five area graduating High School Seniors were recognized
Tuesday, June 8th, 2021, by the Zonta Club of Lockport for their
extraordinary academic achievement, and notable contributions
to their communities. The steadfast University bound Seniors and
their proud parents were honored guests at the annual event held
at the Lockport Town and Country Club.
Each year the Zonta Club of Lockport hosts community supported
fundraising events in order to facilitate scholarship awards.
A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed.
Esteemed Students row one: Gabrielle Colton, Anna Meyers, Faith Lunn, and Megan Wawrzynski; missing Emma Fitch
Zontians row 2: AC Rogers; Brenda Ulrich; Beverly Federspiel; Donna Kleinhans
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
(click on the link above for the online version of the article)
Release published March 6, 2021
Zonta Club honoring 6 women on Yellow Rose Day
Monday, March 8th, is International Women's Day, an occasion
marked by women’s groups around the world. The day is also
commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many
countries as a national holiday. It's a day when women on all continents,
often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic,
cultural, economic and political differences, join together
in celebration of women.
Zontians have joined efforts and taken action to achieve
gender equality and provide opportunities for women and girls
for the past 100 years, and in conjunction with International Women's Day,
Zonta Club of Lockport celebrates the achievements of
individual women by observing Yellow Rose Day.
Every year on March 8, the club bestows yellow roses on select
local women to recognize their commitment to service and leadership.
This year's recipients are Carolyn Moore, Krista Isherwood, Tracy Tomaino,
Cherie Larson, Jeannine Bower and Karen Rayhill.
Zontians have concentrated on the significant and debilitating
impacts that violence against women has on the women,
their families and community. The organization's Zonta Says No
to violence against women campaign mobilized the majority
of its members, who stood up and collectively
condemned all forms of violence against women.
Among its global initiatives, Zonta denounces violence
against women and girls, aims to close the gender gap
in education and pledges to end child marriage.
International Women’s Day celebrates the economic, political and
social achievements of women. This year's theme is #ChooseToChallenge.
Zonta projects will meet the organization's objectives of inspiring change and improving the status of women and upholding justice and human rights.
To learn more, visit the Zonta International website or go to Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. For more information about the Zonta Club of Lockport, call membership committee member Lisa Weinstein at 434-7862.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Press Release
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Release published November 25, 2020
Zonta says 'no' to violence against women
Today through Dec. 10, members of the Zonta Club of Lockport are
participating in daily activities to support Zonta International’s
Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.
Globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence,
mostly by an intimate partner. Violence against women and girls
is one of the most pervasive human rights violations.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, evidence has shown escalation
of all types of gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence.
Reports UN Women, “This is the Shadow Pandemic growing
amidst the COVID-19 crisis and we need a global collective effort to stop it.”
As COVID-19 cases continue to burden health services,
essential services including domestic violence shelters and
helplines have reached capacity. More needs to be done to
prioritize addressing violence against women in COVID-19
response and recovery efforts, Zonta says.
In Niagara County, arrests stemming from violence against women
totaled 1,740 in the first six months of 2020. That is 24 more cases
than in the same time frame last year.
The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier is the county’s sole provider
of rape crisis response and counseling, advocacy and crisis housing;
its 24/7 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline
provides phone counseling, support, and referrals for
emergency shelter or housing.
The hotline number is (716) 433-6716.
Protection from violence is an inherent human right, Zonta International says.
To learn more about the local campaign to protect women from violence, visit zontasaysno.com.
For more information about Zonta International and opportunities
to join the global organization of executives and professionals
working to advance the status of women worldwide, visit www.zontacluboflockport.com.
Lorraine Sparks (left) and Charlene Bower (right), members of the Zonta Club of Lockport, do their part to raise awareness of Zonta International's "Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women" campaign.
Through December 10, members of the Lockport chapter are participating in daily activities in support of the campaign, from posting signs and social media messages to saying prayers and obtaining official proclamations.
Lockport Union Sun & Journal Article
(click on the link above for the online version of the article)
Article released August 22, 2020
Written by John D'Onofrio
Honest and trustworthy, 100 times over: Lockport Zonta Club marking a century of service to the community
Lockport Zonta Club is marking a century of local service
You can't miss the Lockport Zonta Club.
They're in those beautiful flowers you drive by every day, glancing at and probably admiring.
They're in the food and gifts handed out over the last holiday season to those less fortunate than ourselves.
They're in the medical equipment you need at Eastern Niagara Hospital.
They're in that house built by Habitat For Humanity.
They're in that kitchen that taught you how to cook.
They're in those who've gone to college through the aid of a scholarship.
And most especially, they're in those beautiful women who make the club possible and viable in the community.
The Lockport chapter of Zonta — a Sioux Indian word that means “honest and trustworthy” — was recently recognized as one of the 10 oldest Zonta clubs in the world.
On Nov. 5, the all-women club will be celebrating its 100th anniversary as a chapter virtually.
Zonta Club president Carol Spedding said the Lockport chapter currently has 26 members. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month, normally at Lockport Town & Country Club, but since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they've been meeting at Day Road Park.
Zonta International was founded in 1919, at the height of the woman's suffrage movement. The club's goal was to foster education and advocate for women.
“We've raised funds for Youth Mentoring Services, the Salvation Army, Dale Association, YWCA — you name it,” Spedding says of the Lockport chapter.
“We raise money and donate funds towards charities and scholarships and we maintain the gardens at Locust and Washburn streets as well. I joined because I felt I wanted to give back to the community, so I got involved.”
According to past president Charlene Bower, Lockport Zonta Club was the first organization to adopt a city park.
“We adopted Ida Fritz's garden at Locust and Washburn and now there's 29 gardens over the last 25 years all across the city that began with Zonta in 1995,” Bower said.
“I'm glad I joined the club (in 1987). We've done so much good in this community and I've met so many wonderful people. This club has done a lot of good for Lockport and for the world.”
Other endeavors that Zonta has assisted include new mammography equipment for Eastern Niagara Hospital, a new training kitchen for the Dale Association, literacy programs at Lockport Public Library, and construction of a Habitat for Humanity house on Corinthia Street.
One of the more interesting aspects of the Lockport club over the years was its annual Fashion Show fundraiser, co-sponsored by Flora Hatch. Club historian Jane Wendel said modeling wasn't always the easiest volunteer work.
“Fashion shows were it,” Wendel recalls. “They'd throw all these clothes on you and say things like, ‘Jane, your arms are too short.’ We were out at the Best Western and they put us in this dressing room at one end of the hallway. We had to kick off our shoes and run down to the other end just to be on time. It was grueling.”
A major focus of the Lockport club is funding academic scholarships for women. These include a one-year scholarship for Liberal Arts study, two two-year scholarships for attendance to Niagara County Community College, a one-year scholarship for a Niagara County student who has been an active participant in the 4-H program and a two-year scholarship for a mature woman returning to college study.
The Lockport Zonta Club was established with 33 active members on Nov. 5, 1920.
Its first president, Iva Holdridge Bridge, was a charter member. Others were Araminta Adams, Emmeline Armer, Frances Barrows, Clara Bartram, Margaret Beckwith, Emma Boye, Elizabeth Carey, Olive Carter, Gertrude Culver, Janet Drake, Mabel Donner, Anna Ehrenberg, Belva Flagler Elliott, Alice Haines, Edith Harbaugh, Laura Harwood, Lucy Humphrey, Dr. Mary Hurlburt, Mabel Lanckton, Bernice Merritt, Zelma Monroe, Grace Moody, Annie Robertson, Eloise Watters Scheid, Agnes King Stoney, Eleanore Taylor, Mary Dora Taylor, Maude Burt Tully, Maude Van Horn, Chrissie Ward and Margaret Williams.
Zonta International was founded just a year earlier in Buffalo. Lockport's was the 11th Zonta Club established and, today, is the seventh "oldest" chapter still in existence. There are 1,200 chapters today in 63 countries.
The current club vice president is Donna Kleinhans, its secretary is Kelli Rae Alaimo and the treasurer is Mary Ann Bernard. Directors are Dianne Cross, Sue Mawhiney, Gretchen Powers, Adriana Rogers and Brenda Ulrich.
Past Presidents of Lockport Zonta Club got together for a photo downtown recently as the club prepares to mark its 100th anniversary in the fall.
From left are Sue Mawhiney, Dianne Crosse, current President Carol Spedding,
Jane Wendel and Charlene Bower.
Dressed to the hilt in this photo from a few decades ago, four woman who took part in the annual Lockport Zonta Club Fashion Show fall fundraiser.
From left are Esther Prudden, Jane Wendel, Joan Couples Starke and Barbara Alexis.