WWBA Summer 2020 Newsletter
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Westchester Women’s Bar Association<br />
SUMMER <strong>2020</strong><br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> <strong>2020</strong> ANNUAL<br />
INSTALLATION DINNER<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong><br />
T<br />
he Westchester Women’s Bar Association Virtual Installation of Officers was<br />
held on June 17, <strong>2020</strong>. This was the first year the installation was held virtually,<br />
and the event was a huge success.<br />
Outgoing President, Angela Morcone Giannini gave a lovely speech, as did Incoming<br />
President, The Honorable Lisa Margaret Smith.<br />
The Presidential Oath was administered by The Honorable Colleen McMahon,<br />
Chief Judge, Southern District of New York, while the oaths for the Executive Board were<br />
administered by The Honorable Sondra M. Miller, Associate Justice, Appellate Division,<br />
Second Department (retired).<br />
INSIDE THIS ISSUE<br />
JUNE <strong>2020</strong><br />
Intimate Partner Violence<br />
and COVID-19<br />
(page 5)<br />
An Interview with<br />
Virginia K. Trunkes<br />
(page 7)<br />
Chapter News and<br />
Announcements<br />
(page 10)<br />
Upcoming Events<br />
(page 12)<br />
Turn to page 6 for more photos from the <strong>WWBA</strong> <strong>2020</strong> Virtual Installation Dinner ➥<br />
SAVE THE DATE<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> VIRTUAL<br />
BOOK CLUB<br />
August 4, <strong>2020</strong><br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />
news<br />
www.wwbany.org<br />
CHECK THE <strong>WWBA</strong><br />
WEBSITE AND FUTURE<br />
NEWSLETTER ISSUES<br />
FOR EXCITING<br />
UPCOMING FALL AND<br />
WINTER EVENTS<br />
PRESIDENT’S<br />
MESSAGE<br />
Little did any of<br />
us know last June<br />
when I was sworn in<br />
as President and I<br />
challenged us to<br />
“see far and go far”<br />
that we would be<br />
facing this new world<br />
thrown upon us.<br />
Social distancing<br />
went from being a<br />
Angela Morcone<br />
Giannini<br />
buzzword to a way of life. In the words<br />
of Maya Angelou, we were called upon<br />
“to stand up straight, realize who we<br />
are and that we can tower over our<br />
circumstances.” And we did just that.<br />
The <strong>WWBA</strong> remained constant in<br />
our lives as did our dedication to our<br />
members and our community. Through<br />
the leadership of our <strong>WWBA</strong> officers,<br />
and the support of the membership, in<br />
the spirit of togetherness, we at the<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> proudly “saw far and went far”.<br />
We faced the invisible adversary<br />
COVID19 head on. We were one of<br />
the first chapters in WBASNY to convert<br />
to virtual meetings and programs.<br />
Proudly, our members quickly went<br />
to work under difficult conditions helping<br />
our association help others. While<br />
the examples are many, a few highlights<br />
include member , Adrienne<br />
Orbach, giving us insight into the difficult<br />
times and needs of family members<br />
like hers working on the frontlines in<br />
Emergency rooms whose heroism safeguarded<br />
our communities. The <strong>WWBA</strong><br />
created a donation match drive and with<br />
the very generous support of the Foundation,<br />
the program raised over<br />
continued on page 3 ➥<br />
Page 1<br />
The Westchester Women’s Bar Association is a Chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York
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<strong>WWBA</strong> Member <strong>Newsletter</strong><br />
SUMMER <strong>2020</strong><br />
Published Monthly by the<br />
Westchester Women’s<br />
Bar Association, a Chapter of<br />
the Women’s Bar Association<br />
of the State of New York<br />
~ 2019/<strong>2020</strong> Officers and Directors ~<br />
President ANGELA MORCONE GIANNINI<br />
President-Elect HON. LISA M. SMITH<br />
Vice Presidents<br />
AMANDA C. FRIED JENNIFER GRAY JACQUELINE HATTAR<br />
Treasurer<br />
NATANYA L. BRIENDEL Recording Secretary ELIZABETH Z. MARCUS<br />
Corresponding Secretary JENNIFER ROBINSON<br />
Immediate Past ast President<br />
KIM BERG<br />
Elected Directors Westchester Board<br />
KIM BERG LISA M. BLUESTEIN LUCIA CHIOCCHIO<br />
LISA M. DENIG LONYA A. GILBERT<br />
State Directors Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York<br />
ROBIN D. CARTON DEBORAH FARBER-KAISER MARIAN GENIO<br />
SHARI GORDON ANN M. McNULTY<br />
SUSAN MILLS RICHMOND KRISTEN MOTEL<br />
Executive Director ELISABETH CAMPOS<br />
© Copyright <strong>2020</strong> Westchester Women’s Bar Association. All rights reserved.<br />
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) only and do not reflect the official position of the Association.<br />
Editor-in-Chief: Jennifer Robinson • Designed and Printed by IPM Media Group, Inc. (516) 809-0501<br />
2019-<strong>2020</strong> <strong>WWBA</strong> Committee Chairs<br />
S T A N D I N G C O M M I T T E E S<br />
By-Laws .................................................................. Anna L. Georgiou<br />
Corporate & Commercial ................ Lisa M. Bluestein, Virginia Trunkes<br />
Criminal Law ........... Lisa M. Denig, Hon. Sandra A. Forster, Amy Puerto<br />
Families, Children & the Courts ........... Joy S. Joseph, Lauren Morrissey<br />
Amanda Rieben<br />
Grievance/Ethics ................................................... Deborah A. Scalise<br />
Judicial Screening ........... Hon. Sandra A. Forster, Kimberly C. Sheehan<br />
Judiciary ........................................................ Hon. Linda S. Jamieson<br />
Lawyering & Parenting .......................... Joelle M. Burton, Jennifer Gray<br />
Legislation ...................................... Natanya L. Briendel, Kitley Covill,<br />
Angela Morcone Giannini<br />
Matrimonial ...... Robin D. Carton, Dolores Gebhardt, Lonya A. Gilbert<br />
Membership ....................... Sherry Bishko, Marian Genio, Kristen Motel<br />
Networking ...................... Jennifer Robinson, Alison Sloto, Erica Sattler<br />
New Lawyers ....................................... Elizabeth Marcus, Katie Wendle<br />
Professional Development/Placement ............... Susan Edwards Colson,<br />
Stephanie Melowsky<br />
Programs .................................. Natanya L. Briendel, Amanda C. Fried<br />
Public Relations ............................... Joelle M. Burton, Jennifer L. Gray<br />
Real Property ...................................... Allyson Lanahan, Michele Luzio<br />
Sponsorship ......................... Susan Edwards Colson, Lucia Chiocchio,<br />
Deborah Farber-Kaiser, Marian Genio<br />
Taxation ........................................................... Patricia Rusch Bellucci<br />
Trusts & Estates ........ Gail M. Boggio, Nancy J. Rudolph, Karen J. Walsh<br />
Annual Dinner .................... Kim Berg, Robin D. Carton, Lisa M. Denig<br />
Amanda Fried, Andrea B. Friedman, Angela Morcone Giannini,<br />
Jennifer L. Gray, Jennifer N. Netrosio, Katie Wendle<br />
Annual Dinner Souvenir Journal .... Andrea B. Friedmanm Allison Sloto<br />
Appellate Practice ......................... Lisa M. Denig, Hon. Mark C. Dillon,<br />
Hon. Sondra M. Miller<br />
Archive & Historian ...................................................... Susan L. Pollet<br />
Awards .............................. Elizabeth Barnhard, Deborah Farber-Kaiser<br />
Bankruptcy .................... Susan Mills Richmond, Wendy Marie Weathers<br />
Breast Cancer Awareness ....................................... Adrienne J. Orbach<br />
Collaborative Law ............................ Kathleen Donelli, Michelle Lewis,<br />
Lynn J. Maier, Hon. Sondra M. Miller<br />
Community Outreach ... Deborah A. Scalise, Hon. Lisa Margaret Smith<br />
Construction Law ........................................................... Aisling Brady<br />
Continuing Legal Education ..................................... Ann M. McNulty<br />
Cyber Law .............................................................. Georgea Mancuso<br />
Diversity and Inclusion ............ Jacqueline Hattar, Stephanie Melowsky,<br />
Janeen Thomas<br />
Domestic Violence ............ Lydia S. Antoncic, Marian Genio, Beth Levy<br />
Education ............................... Adrienne J. Arkontaky, Julie P. Passman,<br />
Susan Mills Richmond<br />
Elder & Health Law & Reproductive Rights ....... Elizabeth A. Cumming,<br />
Moira Laidlaw<br />
Employment Law .................................................. Kim Berg, Sara Kula<br />
Environmental & Land Use .......... Lucia Chiocchio, Anna L. Georgiou,<br />
Jennifer L. Gray, Katherine Zalantis<br />
Gender Dynamics ....................................... Hon. Terry Jane Ruderman<br />
A D H O C C O M M I T T E E S<br />
Holiday Party and Boutique ...... Dolores Gebhardt, Jennifer N. Netrosio<br />
Immigration ................... Elizabeth Mastropolo, Karin Anderson Ponzer<br />
Intellectual Property .......................................... Elizabeth M. Barnhard<br />
Theresa O’Rourke Nugent<br />
Judgment Enforcement & Collections ....................... Michael Giannini<br />
Litigation ....................... Angela Morcone Giannini, Jacqueline Hattar<br />
Long Range Planning ............... Susan Edwards Colson, Lisa M. Denig<br />
Linda Markowitz<br />
Mediation ........................... Hon. Sondra M. Miller, Lauren S. Morrissey<br />
Donna Erez Navot, Abby Rosmarin<br />
Mentor .......................... Kim Berg, Sherry Bishko, Hon. Christine Sproat<br />
Past Presidents ............ Jane Bilus Gould, Mary F. Kelly, Linda Markowitz<br />
Practice Management ......... Jamieson L. Keiser, Wendy Marie Weathers<br />
Pro Bono ........................................... Marian Genio, Natalie Sobchak<br />
Social Media .................................. Kristen Motel, Jennifer N. Netrosio<br />
Technology/Website .......... Donna E. Frosco, Theresa O’Rourke Nugent<br />
Wellness ................................ Jennifer Netrosio, Susan Mills Richmond<br />
Women in Leadership Delegate ............................. Adrienne Arkontaky<br />
Network of Bar Leaders Delegate ................................................... TBD<br />
Pace Board of Visitors Delegate ......... Gail M. Boggio, Lonya A. Gilbert<br />
WBASNY Judicial Screening Committee Delegates . Gail M. Boggio,<br />
Lisa M. Bluestein<br />
WBASNY Nominations Committee Delegates .............. Gail M. Boggio<br />
Lisa M. Bluestein<br />
WBASNY Health Law/Reproductive Rights Committee ..... Shari Gordin<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> Foundation President ...................................... Susan S. Brown<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> Representative Director to the WCBA Board .. Dolores Gebhardt<br />
Page 2<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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President’s Message<br />
from page 1<br />
“I know that we all are<br />
eagerly awaiting the day<br />
we can once again meet<br />
in a conference room, sit<br />
side by side and engage in<br />
lively discussion . . . But<br />
for now, the new normal<br />
(if there is such a thing)<br />
will continue to include<br />
‘the virtual’ in business,<br />
education, family and<br />
social life.”<br />
Editor’s Note<br />
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”<br />
~ Audrey Hepburn<br />
What will you plant this summer?<br />
Making Dates and Getting Published<br />
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS<br />
❑ Deadline for newsletter submissions is the 12th of the month prior to publication (submissions<br />
received after the deadline are subject to the discretion of the editor).<br />
❑ Send submissions as email attachments to Jennifer Robinson at secretary@wwbany.org.<br />
❑ Articles should be 1,000 words or fewer. Remove all pagination, headers, footers or other<br />
formatting, other than bold, underline or italics. Authors are encouraged to submit photographs<br />
for publication with their submissions and include a short biographical statement with<br />
their submissions.<br />
❑ Materials submitted allow the <strong>WWBA</strong> a limited copyright and full permission to reprint the<br />
material in any <strong>WWBA</strong> publication or on its website without additional consent.<br />
❑ Photographs must be high-resolution (150 dpi or more) and the subject and all persons in<br />
each photograph must be fully identified.<br />
$10,000.00 for these heroes. We likewise<br />
recognized the needs of our law students<br />
during the pandemic and offered<br />
mentoring guidance as they ventured into<br />
a new academic reality and also assisted<br />
with donations to assist in their economic<br />
and housing needs.<br />
Through the leadership of Past President<br />
Deborah Scalise and Incoming President<br />
the Honorable Lisa Margaret Smith,<br />
we converted our traditional Annual Law<br />
Day/ Take your Children to Work Day to a<br />
virtual event. This was no small endeavor.<br />
In collaboration with the SDNY, we presented<br />
a live webcast program to students<br />
throughout our county entitled “Your Vote,<br />
Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th<br />
Amendment. It was huge success with<br />
over 300 attendees and will be cataloged<br />
in the Second Circuit Educational Archives.<br />
Recognizing the importance of the<br />
vote, under the leadership of our law student<br />
member Megan Farrell, the <strong>WWBA</strong><br />
registered the most new voters earning our<br />
chapter first place in WBASNY’s voter registration<br />
program.<br />
Not only did our law students face<br />
economic issues, so did our members. Past<br />
President Kim Berg and Litigation Co Chair<br />
Rebecca McCloskey held a virtual Zoom<br />
CLE program to educate our members<br />
about the CARES act, government resources<br />
and other grants to help lessen<br />
the financial and economic hardships<br />
faced by our members. Myself and other<br />
WBASNY members also assisted with an<br />
continued on page 5 ➥<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />
PROGRAM SCHEDULING<br />
❑ First visit the <strong>WWBA</strong> website: www.wwbany.org and click on the calendar at the home page to<br />
view scheduled programs. Conflicts in scheduling will be assessed on a case by case basis, with<br />
priority for early submissions.<br />
❑ Contact Jennifer Robinson at secretary@wwbany.org to schedule a <strong>WWBA</strong> sponsored or cosponsored<br />
program, including committee meetings, CLE programs, etc.<br />
❑ Once you have reserved the date with Jennifer Robinson, proceed with planning your program<br />
and creating your flyer.<br />
❑ Flyers must be approved by the Programs Committee. In advance of the 12th of the month,<br />
please send your flyer to the Program Committee Co-chairs for review and copy the Executive<br />
Director. Once approved, please send your final flyer to the Executive Director, Elisabeth Campos<br />
and the President for publication on the website calendar and the newsletter calendar. The<br />
final flyer will also be emailed to the membership.<br />
❑ We will also consider publicizing programs from outside organizations that may be of interest<br />
to our members.<br />
❑ Post-event: You may report on the success of your program and provide photographs of the<br />
speakers and participants that can be included in an upcoming newsletter. Send your submission<br />
to Jennifer Robinson, following the guidelines above.<br />
A d v e r t i s i n g R a t e s<br />
Full Page Display Ad<br />
5-10 Issues - $525.00 per issue<br />
1-4 Issues - $575.00 per issue<br />
Half Page Display Ad<br />
5-10 Issues - $275.00 per issue<br />
1-4 Issues - $300.00 per issue<br />
Contacts<br />
Jennifer Robinson, Corresponding Secretary and <strong>Newsletter</strong> Editor-in-Chief: secretary@wwbany.org<br />
Natanya L. Briendel, Programs Committee Co-Chair: tanyabriendel@gmail.com<br />
Amanda C. Fried, Programs Committee Co-Chair: afried@cartonrosoff.com<br />
Angela Morcone Giannini, President: president@wwbany.org<br />
Ann M. McNulty, CLE Chair: ann.m.mcnulty@morganstanley.com<br />
Elisabeth Campos, Executive Director: executivedirector@wwbany.org<br />
Quarter Page Display Ad<br />
5-10 Issues - $165.00 per issue<br />
1-4 Issues - $180.00 per issue<br />
Business Card Ad<br />
5-10 Issues - $60.00 per issue<br />
1-4 Issues - $75.00 per issue<br />
Classified – office space, furniture/equipment, employment & situation wanted (up to 5 lines)<br />
Members - $50.00 first issue; $25.00 each succeeding issue; Non-Members - $75.00 per issue<br />
Back Cover (3/4 page)<br />
5-10 Issues - $650.00 per issue; 1-4 Issues - $700.00 per issue<br />
Deadline for all ads is the 12th of the month prior to publication. Ads are subject to space limitations.<br />
Contact Jennifer Robinson at secretary@wwbany.org for any questions regarding advertising.<br />
Page 3
HAVE A PREFERENCE OF MAT OR CHAIR FOR YOGA?<br />
Great News – <strong>WWBA</strong>’s Restorative Yoga Series Includes Both<br />
Jennifer N. Netrosio, Esq.<br />
Each month the <strong>WWBA</strong> Wellness<br />
Committee offers a complimentary yoga<br />
class to members and invited guests. The<br />
Restorative Yoga class, taught by yours truly,<br />
offers both chair and mat versions for each<br />
pose. Why? To make the practice accessible<br />
to all who want to participate.<br />
Now that we agree this class is accessible,<br />
why should you do it? To contemplate<br />
that, let’s first discuss the aim of<br />
yoga.<br />
According to the Yoga Sutras of<br />
Patanjali, the aim of yoga is to calm the<br />
fluctuations of your mind so that you can<br />
reside in your true nature (Yoga Sutras 1.2<br />
and 1.3). Believe it or not, your true nature<br />
is calm, joyous, and at peace. Yoga<br />
teaches that we make the best decisions,<br />
think clearly, and have the most creative<br />
thoughts from a still, calm place.<br />
Calming the mind is far from easy.<br />
Join us for our next Restorative Yoga<br />
class on July 14th @ 6:00 pm via<br />
ZOOM. Register on our website.<br />
Which is why we practice. There are many<br />
styles and techniques of yoga. Yoga is a<br />
technique that incorporates the use of props<br />
so that the students can comfortably hold<br />
poses for approximately 5 minutes (sometimes<br />
more). The poses are seated or laying<br />
down so that the student can safety<br />
surrender to gravity and feel rooted to the<br />
ground, making it more comfortable to<br />
maintain each pose.<br />
Our restorative practice includes hip<br />
openers, gentle twists, forward folds, and<br />
gentle backbends – sequenced together<br />
with the intention of restoring balance in<br />
the body. And though working with the<br />
body, we begin to still the mind.<br />
And why should you do it? Because<br />
you deserve to make clear decisions, come<br />
up with creative insights, and engage in<br />
actions that are consistent with whom you<br />
are. Your clients deserve this of you as<br />
well. ◗<br />
~ Meals for Medical Warriors ~<br />
On May 11, <strong>2020</strong> the <strong>WWBA</strong> participated in Meals for Medical Warriors and<br />
donated to feed 51 Emergency Room staff members at Orange Regional Hospital.<br />
Page 4<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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“Intimate Partner Violence and the COVID-19 Pandemic in<br />
Westchester” Virtual Lunchtime Program<br />
Jennifer N. Netrosio, Esq.<br />
On June 11, <strong>2020</strong>,<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong>’s Wellness and Domestic<br />
Violence Committees hosted<br />
a virtual program via ZOOM:<br />
“Intimate Partner Violence and<br />
the COVID-19 Pandemic in<br />
Westchester – A Panel Discussion<br />
from Legal, Law Enforcement,<br />
and Mental Health Professionals.”<br />
Panelists included Detective<br />
Lieutenant Dennis Doherty from<br />
the White Plains Police Department,<br />
Jessica Grainger, MACJ,<br />
Director of Case Management,<br />
from Putnam Northern<br />
Westchester Women’s Resource<br />
Center (WRC), and Laurie<br />
Epstein, Esq. and Susan Carroll,<br />
Esq. from Pace Women’s Justice<br />
Center. Panelists offered their<br />
perspectives on the effect of New<br />
York’s shelter-in-place orders on<br />
intimate partner violence.<br />
All speakers shared that<br />
from page 3<br />
education letter circulated to<br />
WBASNY members with a<br />
checklist and resources for those<br />
e seeking financial assistance<br />
in their law practice in these trying<br />
times.<br />
We established a Coffeehouse<br />
Conversation Zoom call<br />
for member’s to share experiences<br />
in practicing during<br />
COVID19 and I am happy to<br />
report those will continue with<br />
the uplifting music that I have<br />
become very fond of and for<br />
those of you yet to join, please<br />
do, you will enjoy it!<br />
Our wellness committee in<br />
addition to offering tips on<br />
wellness and restorative yoga<br />
by Zoom, cochairs Susan Richmond<br />
and Jennifer Netrosiso<br />
collaborated with our DV cochairs<br />
Beth Levy and Tanya<br />
Briendel to host a program<br />
which included our WP Police<br />
Department, Community and<br />
education leaders for an open<br />
discussion of DV issues during<br />
Covid19 and sharing of available<br />
resources. These collaborative<br />
efforts were exactly what I<br />
was hoping to accomplish and<br />
the need to continue to do so<br />
is ever so great as we forge<br />
ahead in the new year.<br />
Importantly, we revitalized<br />
certain committees such as Immigration<br />
and welcomed many<br />
new committee co-chairs to<br />
serve on our Board including<br />
Criminal, Diversity, Judgments,<br />
Litigation, Matrimonial, Real<br />
Property and more. To our<br />
long standing members, I thank<br />
you all for encouraging new<br />
phone traffic to their respective<br />
call centers decreased dramatically<br />
for the last 2 weeks of<br />
March, which led them to adapt<br />
and find ways to service the community.<br />
They noted and discussed<br />
complications for domestic<br />
violence victims as a result<br />
of the directive to stay at<br />
home, such as: being with their<br />
abusers 24/7; being afraid to<br />
contact police and have them<br />
come to their home for fear of<br />
the COVID-19 virus; finding<br />
ways to contact local support/<br />
case managers without their<br />
abuser knowing. In family matters,<br />
issues arose of parents withholding<br />
visitation or child support<br />
related to COVID-19, and<br />
limited matters being heard by<br />
Courts.<br />
We learned from Jessica<br />
Grainger that the WRC remains<br />
open, operating remotely and on<br />
a no fee basis. With updated<br />
safety planning counseling, Jessica<br />
and her team finds creative<br />
ways to stay connected with their<br />
clients, who may have a difficult<br />
time making a phone call<br />
safely.<br />
Pace Women’s Justice Center<br />
also made a quick pivot to<br />
function remotely. Laurie Epstein<br />
shared her experiences with<br />
online court proceedings. Some<br />
relevant proceedings were<br />
deemed “essential” and thus<br />
heard via virtual court appearance.<br />
The court has not heard<br />
continued on page 9 ➥<br />
President’s message<br />
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members to take on leadership<br />
roles in our organization and<br />
to the new cochairs, I thank<br />
you for your willingness to share<br />
your expertise in your areas of<br />
practice with our membership<br />
and look forward to continuing<br />
to work with you.<br />
None of these accomplishments<br />
would have been possible<br />
without the encouragement,<br />
tireless work and dedication<br />
of my officers: Judge Lisa<br />
Margaret Smith, Amanda Fried,<br />
Jackie Hattar, Jennifer Gray,<br />
Tanya Briendel, Jennifer<br />
Robinson and Elizabeth<br />
Marcus. The words “thank<br />
you” do not seem nearly<br />
enough. Your willingness to<br />
help me lead this organization,<br />
your support, and creative<br />
ideas are very much appreciated.<br />
You have all made this<br />
journey a very enjoyable one<br />
for me and I so value the friendships<br />
we have forged. Thank<br />
you to our local directors Kim<br />
Berg, Lisa Denig, Lucia<br />
Chiocchio, Lisa Bluestein, and<br />
Lonya Gilbert for their support<br />
as Past Presidents and their<br />
work on behalf of the <strong>WWBA</strong><br />
in our local communities.<br />
Thank you to our State Directors<br />
Robin Carton, Deborah<br />
Farber -Kaiser, Susan Mills<br />
Richmond, Annette Hasapidis,<br />
Ann McNulty, Shari Gordon,<br />
Marian Genio and Kristen<br />
Motel for their dedication to our<br />
association and most especially,<br />
attending Saturday<br />
WBASNY meetings keeping us<br />
well informed of state issues and<br />
continued on page 11 ➥<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />
Page 5
<strong>WWBA</strong> <strong>2020</strong> ANNUAL INSTALLATION DINNER<br />
from page 1<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> Officers and Directors with Judge McMahon and Judge Miller<br />
Judge Smith’s oath<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> Officers and Directors with WBASNY President Joy Thompson<br />
The Honorable Cathy Seibel<br />
Julian Allison, member of Rye Neck High<br />
School Mock Trial Team<br />
The Honorable Paul E. Davison, watching the<br />
installation on his porch<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> Director Annette Hasapidis and her<br />
son, Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra<br />
Page 6<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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An Interview with Virginia K. Trunkes<br />
Susan L. Pollet<br />
Chair of the Archive and<br />
Historian Committee<br />
Q: When did you join the<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong>, and why did you join<br />
it?<br />
A: I joined the <strong>WWBA</strong> first in<br />
2011, and then became involved<br />
again in 2017. Having<br />
resided in Westchester<br />
since 2008, I joined initially<br />
to be among like-minded/<br />
situated members with whom<br />
I identify: cosmopolitan and<br />
savvy, with just the right level<br />
of grit, yet slightly disconnected<br />
from the intensity and<br />
frenzy associated with a 24/7<br />
NYC legal and residential<br />
lifestyle. Regrettably, in 2013,<br />
I felt it necessary to take a step<br />
back when it became problematic<br />
to depart early from<br />
my Manhattan office to make<br />
the 5:30 p.m. board meetings.<br />
In 2017, I rejoined after finally<br />
getting the opportunity to work<br />
in Westchester! I was excited<br />
to pick up where I left off and<br />
participate in CLE-planning<br />
and other events. While I have<br />
recently started working in<br />
Manhattan again, I maintain<br />
my involvement in the<br />
Westchester legal community.<br />
This time around, for my own<br />
personal and professional<br />
development, I plan to keep<br />
and strengthen my connection<br />
with the <strong>WWBA</strong>.<br />
Q: Please tell our members<br />
about your legal career.<br />
A: I have spent most of my<br />
career handling litigation, first<br />
from behind the scenes at the<br />
Appellate Division (First Department),<br />
and then in private<br />
practice. Much of the disputes<br />
I’ve litigated have involved<br />
business-related matters,<br />
which over the past several<br />
years have narrowed to those<br />
“There’s often no ‘balance,’ but<br />
rather figurative avalanches<br />
coming from different directions<br />
that you are regularly containing,<br />
dodging, or otherwise managing.”<br />
involving real property and construction.<br />
Currently, I spend<br />
more time negotiating neighboring<br />
access, construction<br />
and design services agreements<br />
versus merely arguing on a<br />
daily basis (much better for the<br />
psyche!). I advocate on behalf<br />
of developers; apartment building,<br />
brownstone and condominium<br />
unit owners; cooperative<br />
boards of directors; construction<br />
managers, contractors<br />
and subcontractors; and design<br />
services professionals in negotiating<br />
their business contracts<br />
and adjacent-owner license<br />
access agreements. The legal<br />
issues I handle range from construction<br />
and design defects,<br />
delay and lost productivity<br />
claims, and claims arising from<br />
force majeure events, to contractual<br />
breaches, fiduciary<br />
obligations, and property ownership<br />
rights. I’m glad to finally<br />
be specializing in an area to<br />
which I was naturally drawn. I<br />
was always interested in architectural<br />
and interior design, and<br />
during my legal practice I became<br />
fascinated with the complexity<br />
of the components of a<br />
construction project. Each<br />
project is different and will<br />
present different challenges.<br />
The possibilities for error and<br />
default are boundless. The skill<br />
of a construction lawyer is to<br />
predict and protect against the<br />
problems that are more likely<br />
to occur in that particular con-<br />
text. I am thrilled to represent<br />
clients whose projects are economically<br />
and culturally relevant,<br />
whether facilitating the<br />
“East Side” public transportation<br />
access, creating appealing<br />
office environments to attract<br />
and retain thriving businesses,<br />
or providing quality<br />
housing and hotels in a market<br />
where, notwithstanding periodic<br />
economic disruptions,<br />
they tend to be in short supply.<br />
Q: Which <strong>WWBA</strong> activities<br />
have you been involved in?<br />
A: Through the graciousness of<br />
Lisa Bluestein, I’ve had the opportunity<br />
to serve as a co-chair<br />
of the Corporate and Commercial<br />
Committee and have participated<br />
in planning (& sometimes<br />
speaking at) CLE programs.<br />
Back when people still<br />
congregated together (pre-<br />
COVID), I’ve enjoyed the<br />
beautiful and upbeat December<br />
and June soirees; Adrienne<br />
Orbach’s well-coordinated<br />
Making Strides Against Breast<br />
Cancer 5K; Susan Edwards<br />
Colson’s First Fridays “Women<br />
in Transition” lunches; weekend<br />
family-meetup outings; and a<br />
variety of interesting and spirited<br />
general meetings. I have<br />
not yet had the pleasure of participating<br />
in the Book Club,<br />
which, ironically, when described<br />
by Lisa Denig, sounds<br />
pretty convivial for a bar association<br />
sub-group! I hope the<br />
Virginia K. Trunkes<br />
Book Club will continue for<br />
at least the next several years,<br />
so I’ll have something to look<br />
forward to when my daughter<br />
no longer wants to associate<br />
with me on weekends. (Insert<br />
smiley face here.)<br />
Q: What are your other community<br />
activities when you<br />
are not practicing law or contributing<br />
to the <strong>WWBA</strong>?<br />
A: I am currently serving as<br />
Vice President of the Board of<br />
JALBCA, the Judges and Lawyers<br />
Breast Cancer Alert. It is<br />
similar to a bar association,<br />
but practically speaking, it is<br />
not. Instead of developing<br />
and presenting continuing<br />
legal education programs<br />
and holding mixers, JALBCA<br />
presents educational programs<br />
on topics de jour involving<br />
breast cancer, at a<br />
high intellectual level, and<br />
with a supportive understanding<br />
of the disease. It also<br />
holds an annual fundraising<br />
dinner and uses the money it<br />
raises to provide grants to organizations<br />
that offer legal<br />
services or legal education in<br />
connection with breast cancer,<br />
and fund mobile mammography<br />
vans that provide<br />
continued on page 9 ➥<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />
Page 7
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Westchester Women’s Bar Committee Activities<br />
Real Property<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> is pleased to announce that Allyson Lanahan has<br />
agreed to continue her service as committee Chairperson of the<br />
Real Property Committee. Joining her as Co-Chairs are Anne R.<br />
Aicher, partner of Hollis Laidlaw & Simon, and Robbin E. Sweeney,<br />
associate of Rosenthal & Markowitz, LLP.<br />
Anne’s practice involves the purchase and sale of commercial<br />
and high-end residential real estate, including leasing, construction<br />
contracts, and commercial financing. Her clients are<br />
builders, developers, private schools, condominium boards of directors,<br />
and commercial property owners from the Bronx to Dutchess<br />
County. Anne’s specialty lies in local laws that apply to the purchase<br />
and sale of new construction; she is able to anticipate the<br />
many latent factors involved in building residential homes. She<br />
also navigates American Institute of Architects (AIA) contracts, the<br />
agreements frequently used in design and construction projects.<br />
Robbin’s concentration includes the purchase and sale of residential<br />
real estate, estate and trust planning, and estate administration<br />
and settlement. She has over 35 years experience in real<br />
estate, commencing as a real estate agent and working for Merrill<br />
Lynch Mortgage Corporation before becoming an attorney in 1987.<br />
Her clients range from first-time home buyers who appreciate her<br />
ability to supply emotional support with her legal expertise, to seasoned<br />
and high-end buyers and sellers, to sellers who are at the<br />
down-sizing stage of life. Her legal experience, combined with her<br />
Masters in Mental Health Counseling and certification as a Professional<br />
Coach, have honed Robbin’s calm, focused, solutionoriented<br />
and organized approach. Robbin works hard to create<br />
an attorney-client relationship which also gives her clients practical<br />
guidance, support and confidence needed during one of life’s<br />
typically most-stressful transitions.<br />
Allyson, Anne and Robbin are looking forward to the coming<br />
<strong>2020</strong>-2021 year, commencing with the first Real Property Committee<br />
Meeting scheduled on September15, <strong>2020</strong> at 1:00pm. Although<br />
the pandemic has created challenges for many of us, both<br />
personally and professionally, they hope that the continuation of<br />
the Zoom meeting format, whether for all meetings or in part, will<br />
increase the ability of their colleagues to participate in future meet-<br />
continued on page 9 ➥<br />
Executive Committee<br />
On Friday July 1st the Westchester Women’s Bar Association<br />
(<strong>WWBA</strong>) participated in a Women’s Bar Assocation<br />
of the State of New York (WBASNY) Executive Committee<br />
Meeting to support the National Women’s Law Center and<br />
join as Amicus Curae in two matters, Peltier, et al v. Charter<br />
Day School, et al and Pambakian v. Blatt, et al.<br />
The Peltier case involved a charter school in North Carolina<br />
that prohibited female students from wearing other than<br />
jumpers, skirts or skorts to school. The National Women’s<br />
Law Center argued that the clothing restrictions violated the<br />
female students; rights under Title IX of the Civil Rights Act<br />
Amendments.<br />
The Pambakian case addressed the problem of mandatory<br />
arbitration for sexual harassment claims. The National<br />
Women’s Law Center put forth several arguments,<br />
including that the increase of mandatory arbitration has<br />
resulted in the reduction of enforcing workers’ rights and<br />
that forcing arbitration silences survivors and protects predators<br />
because of the fact that arbitration proceeds are confidential.<br />
The Westchester Women’s Bar Association voted to join<br />
as Amicus in both matters as did WBASNY. ◗<br />
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Page 8<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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An Interview with Virginia K. Trunkes<br />
from page 7<br />
screening for uninsured and<br />
underinsured women in<br />
marginalized communities.<br />
JALBCA was created almost<br />
thirty years ago by judges and<br />
lawyers who were afflicted or<br />
had a direct connection with<br />
breast cancer. Unfortunately,<br />
breast cancer still exists, with<br />
serious, and sometimes<br />
tragic, consequences. When<br />
diagnosed, women attorneys<br />
and judges face issues unique<br />
to them, for which JALBCA<br />
can provide informal, almostspiritual<br />
support.<br />
Q: How have you balanced<br />
your legal career with your<br />
family responsibilities?<br />
A: At the risk of sounding cliché,<br />
you have to have the right supportive<br />
mix. The concept of balance<br />
in life means something<br />
different to everyone. I am fortunate<br />
to have found my balance<br />
by working in environments<br />
that have permitted me<br />
to multi-task in between work<br />
assignments. There’s often no<br />
“balance,” but rather figurative<br />
avalanches coming from different<br />
directions that you are regularly<br />
containing, dodging, or<br />
otherwise managing. But I would<br />
not have it any other way.<br />
Civil Rights Law 50-a<br />
WBASNY Discussion<br />
Natanya Briendel, Esq.<br />
On Thursday June 11, <strong>2020</strong> the Women’s Bar Association<br />
of the State of New York (WBASNY) voted to repeal<br />
Section 50-a of the New York State Civil Rights Law (CRL<br />
50-a) to allow for the public disclosure of the disciplinary<br />
records of public safety employees, including law enforcement<br />
personnel.<br />
Civil Rights Law 50-a, which was passed in the 1970s,<br />
states that “personnel records” of police officers, firefighters<br />
and corrections officers are “confidential and not subject to<br />
inspection or review” without the officer’s permission or by<br />
judicial order.<br />
The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York<br />
and its members appreciate that those in law enforcement<br />
work tirelessly to serve and protect our citizens and that the<br />
majority of those working as public safety employees seek<br />
to promote the welfare and safety of our communities.<br />
WBASNY and its members also work tirelessly to promote<br />
the fair and equal administration of justice. These goals<br />
are not mutually exclusive.<br />
However, since its adoption CRL 50-a has been used<br />
to shield public safety employees from the type of scrutiny<br />
that keeps such employees accountable to the communities<br />
they serve. As an organization whose mission includes the<br />
promotion of the fair and equal administration of justice,<br />
WBASNY supports the repeal of CRL 50-a to ensure that<br />
all citizens are treated with dignity. ◗<br />
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Q: What advice would you like<br />
to give to women lawyers entering<br />
the legal profession.<br />
A: Joining a women’s bar association<br />
such as the <strong>WWBA</strong> is<br />
indispensable, for female<br />
litigators in particular. We understand<br />
each other, and do not<br />
fault each other for being direct<br />
or “verbally analytical,” my euphemism<br />
for what the rest of<br />
society considers “argumentative.”<br />
Beyond obtaining<br />
mentoring from a women’s bar<br />
association, I would recommend<br />
opening up to the idea that<br />
there is no pre-set career path,<br />
and realizing that it is up to you<br />
to create it. That means getting<br />
“out there” and exploring what<br />
opportunities exist. You can always<br />
pivot and go in a different<br />
direction. But without the exposure<br />
to different legal subject<br />
matters, methods of professional<br />
and business development,<br />
and lawyers’ personal anecdotes,<br />
you will be at a disadvantage<br />
in finding the right<br />
“fit.” The better the fit, the more<br />
you will enjoy an honorable<br />
and crucial profession in which<br />
you will have invested so much<br />
of yourself. And mastering<br />
your subject matter is the<br />
golden key to personal and<br />
professional success. It makes<br />
a difference when you can offer<br />
important information without<br />
saying, “Interesting question<br />
– I will get back to you.” It<br />
can be frustrating for new lawyers,<br />
and the key is to work in<br />
an area that you like so you<br />
will enjoy talking about it in everyday<br />
encounters. ◗<br />
Virtual Lunchtime Program<br />
from page 5<br />
other matters, such as child support.<br />
The discussion was riveting and insightful. A brief Q&A<br />
concluded the session, and Susan Carroll of PWJ discussed the<br />
many programs and resources available to meet the needs of<br />
our community. Resources were provided to all attendees after<br />
the program. If anyone would like a copy of the resources,<br />
please contact jennifernetrosio@gmail.com.<br />
The <strong>WWBA</strong> thanks the Pace Women’s Justice Center and<br />
Sterling National Bank Charitable Foundation for sponsoring<br />
this program, and for the 49 members and guests in attendance.<br />
◗<br />
Real Property Committee<br />
from previous page<br />
ings with ease and obtain the benefits intended by membership.<br />
They are pleased to announce that the first meeting will be<br />
presented by <strong>WWBA</strong> member, Jean Partridge, Chief Counsel and<br />
Managing Member of Benchmark Title. Jean will be focusing on<br />
many of the overlooked or misunderstood title issues that, whether<br />
representing a buyer or seller or conducting a residential or commercial<br />
transaction, attorneys should be prepared for. J<br />
The anticipated format for future monthly meetings will be<br />
speaker or topic driven followed by discussion. We also plan to<br />
utilize a portion of the meeting as an opportunity for colleagues to<br />
share challenges, find possible solutions and discuss current trends.<br />
We look forward to a year of learning and networking for the<br />
Real Property Committee. On September 15th, please join us to<br />
welcome Anne and Robbin and thank Allyson for her continued<br />
service. ◗<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />
Page 9
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Chapter News and Announcements<br />
Announcements & Notes on Members<br />
❑ The Cuddy Law Firm is pleased to announce that Westchester Women’s Bar<br />
Association member and Co-Chair of the Education Committee, Alison Mor-<br />
ris, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the Disability Rights Committee of the<br />
New York State Bar Association. Alison focuses her practice on special education<br />
advocacy, litigation, assisting families in navigating the Office with Persons<br />
with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) system, and representing families at<br />
OPWDD and other administrative hearings. Ms. Morris is a frequent lecturer<br />
on topics of interest to both professionals and families on special education<br />
law. ◗<br />
Virtual Coffeehouse with <strong>WWBA</strong> Member<br />
and Author, Susan Pollet<br />
Past <strong>WWBA</strong> President, Susan L.<br />
Pollet’s second novel, entitled “Through<br />
Walter’s Lens,” has been published and<br />
is available on Amazon. https://<br />
www.amazon.com/dp/1952570492<br />
It is an immigrant’s story of a pre<br />
and post World War II street photographer<br />
who had relationships of the mind,<br />
spirit, and sometimes body with some<br />
of the most famous photographers of<br />
his day. Reading this book is a welcome<br />
escape from the turbulent times<br />
we are living in. ◗<br />
Become a New<br />
Member Today<br />
RENEW YOUR<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> MEMBERSHIP TODAY<br />
FOR THE PERIOD<br />
JUNE 1, <strong>2020</strong> TO MAY 31, 2021.<br />
RENEW NOW! DON’T WAIT!<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> Membership includes<br />
membership to the Women’s Bar<br />
Association of the State of New York<br />
(WBASNY).<br />
January 31, 2021 is the closing date in<br />
order to count the <strong>WWBA</strong> members<br />
towards our certification to WBASNY and<br />
assure our number of delegates.<br />
Renewing before this date will allow our<br />
Westchester Chapter (<strong>WWBA</strong>) to continue<br />
to be a strong presence in our statewide<br />
organization (WBASNY) while you will<br />
enjoy its many benefits, events,<br />
newsletter and CLE programming.<br />
Hélène Côté, Sherry A. Bishko,<br />
Elisabeth Campos<br />
It is easy to renew by going to the<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> Website at www.<strong>WWBA</strong>NY.org.<br />
You can use a credit card or<br />
PayPal to make payment.<br />
Page 10<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News
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Westchester Women’s Bar Association New Members<br />
The Westchester Women’s Bar Association proudly welcomes our newest members:<br />
TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY OF OUR MEMBERS,<br />
THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE <strong>WWBA</strong> ONLY.<br />
President’s Message<br />
from page 5<br />
exercising our chapter voting<br />
rights.<br />
I know that we all are<br />
eagerly awaiting the day we<br />
can once again meet in a<br />
conference room, sit side by<br />
side and engage in lively<br />
discussion, and we will do<br />
so, when it is safe and in<br />
compliance with state guidelines.<br />
But for now, the new<br />
normal (if there is such a<br />
thing) will continue to include<br />
“the virtual” in business, education,<br />
family and social life.<br />
I can think of no better<br />
leader to take us forward<br />
during these times than the<br />
Honorable Lisa Margaret<br />
Smith. You can all be well<br />
assured that Judge Smith<br />
and her dedicated Officers<br />
recognize the reality of this<br />
new world and are committed<br />
to more virtual meetings,<br />
programs and events to further<br />
our mission.<br />
Keeping us all<br />
grounded and on the right<br />
path is our fearless executive<br />
director Elisabeth Campos.<br />
Her dedication, energy,<br />
good judgment and<br />
willingness to take on more<br />
tasks is absolutely incredible,<br />
and I thank you Elisabeth<br />
with an “s” for being there<br />
for me and our Association.<br />
I could not have done it without<br />
you!<br />
And beyond the Association,<br />
is indeed the practice of<br />
law. Lest we forget that we all<br />
have our practices that we run<br />
along with our roles in the<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong>. Special thank you to<br />
my office: law partner Lucille,<br />
Nancy and Florence, for their<br />
help and support during my<br />
Presidency.<br />
Thank you to the two<br />
women in my life, my mom and<br />
sister Andrea who are both<br />
strong women role models and<br />
offered much encouragement<br />
and guidance during my Presidency.<br />
Thank you to my husband<br />
Robert, and my son<br />
Michael and his girlfriend<br />
Jacqui and my son Thomas for<br />
making each day a better day<br />
for me and for the many times<br />
they came to the rescue with<br />
technology support as we went<br />
virtual. You all made this job<br />
a lot easier for me!<br />
Our association from its<br />
very inception has been dedicated<br />
to the mission of “promoting<br />
justice for all.” Beyond<br />
COVID19, our society is at a<br />
momentous point in our history<br />
addressing racial inequality.<br />
The real challenge is<br />
WHAT can we do as a Chapter<br />
within our local communities<br />
and state organization to<br />
address the systemic racism<br />
that continues to exist. We<br />
must be willing to listen to those<br />
who can share experiences<br />
from which we can learn and<br />
then take an active role in<br />
bringing about change. Our<br />
association has successfully<br />
addressed legal inequalities in<br />
the past and we must be a part<br />
of today’s dialog to bring<br />
about change. Our Governor<br />
has recently signed legislation<br />
bringing about reforms<br />
and new policies. Indeed, a<br />
first step. I call upon our Board<br />
and committees in the coming<br />
term to join together and<br />
collaborate as to who we can<br />
best learn from, how we can<br />
share this knowledge with our<br />
members and community and<br />
what we can do as a Chapter<br />
to act both at the local and<br />
state levels in promoting<br />
WBASNY’s voice in advocating<br />
for justice and equality for<br />
all.<br />
Many of us have experienced<br />
great losses during<br />
COVID19. The loss of loved<br />
ones, friends, and colleagues<br />
were too many. I share with<br />
you the words of my friend and<br />
former law partner, the late<br />
Henry Miller, who passed as a<br />
result of Covid19. I often would<br />
consult with Henry before a<br />
trial or speech and I know he<br />
would be happy to have me<br />
share his very meaningful<br />
words:<br />
“Have the wisdom to<br />
know that life is short and<br />
that the time to do good<br />
is now, the time to surrender<br />
self-righteous anger<br />
which always justifies<br />
itself is now, the time forgive<br />
those who trespass<br />
against you is now, the<br />
time to help those in<br />
need is now, the time to<br />
set the example for those<br />
that come after you is<br />
now, and by doing this<br />
you will contribute to the<br />
tradition which never<br />
tires of the arduous<br />
search for a better<br />
world.”<br />
I congratulate those who<br />
will lead our organization forward<br />
to bright new days! I look<br />
forward to working by your side<br />
and in support of our continued<br />
goals and Judge Smith’s<br />
new mission of “giving back.”<br />
I sincerely thank you for<br />
your kind support, generosity<br />
and friendship. It has been a true<br />
honor and privilege to have<br />
served as your President. ◗<br />
Westchester Women’s Bar Association News<br />
Page 11
<strong>WWBA</strong> Schedule of Upcoming Events<br />
COMMITTEE DATE/TIME<br />
p<br />
PLACE TOPIC RSVP (also online at www.wwbany.org)<br />
y g<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong>-Virtual Book Club 8/4/20<br />
6:00 pm<br />
ZOOM<br />
Book: “The Vanishing<br />
Half” by Britt Bennett<br />
RSVP online at<br />
www.wcbany.org<br />
<strong>WWBA</strong> is a chapter of WBASNY, which is an approved provider of CLE credit. Full and partial scholarships for CLE programs based<br />
on financial need are available. For information on the guidelines and procedures for applying, please contact the person running<br />
the program. All requests are strictly confidential. All programs are for transitional credit unless the program states otherwise.<br />
Unless otherwise indicated, events are for <strong>WWBA</strong> members and invited guests only.<br />
The opinions expressed by any program presenter are the presenter’s own, and do not reflect<br />
the official position of the <strong>WWBA</strong>.<br />
REMEMBER, YOU CAN FIND THE WBASNY WEB PAGE<br />
AT WWW.WBASNY.ORG.<br />
PLEASE REMEMBER TO RECYCLE<br />
Connect<br />
with<br />
us<br />
THE <strong>WWBA</strong> MEMBERSHIP PERIOD FOR<br />
<strong>2020</strong>-2021 BEGINS ON JUNE 1, <strong>2020</strong>.<br />
PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TOD<br />
ODAY AT<br />
WWW.<strong>WWBA</strong>NY<br />
.<strong>WWBA</strong>NY.ORG<br />
.ORG