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Massbach Ridge Winery Celebrates Wine in Bloom and Award Winners

The family at Massbach Ridge Winery would like to invite you celebrate the growth of a spring and another year of producing award-winning wines. The grapevines in Massbach are bearing the color of another wonderful year of grape production. Join us for the 9th Annual Wine in Bloom Open House on Saturday, May 19th from noon to 6 pm to witness the beauty for yourself and partake in a relaxing afternoon in the country.

Visitors will enjoy vineyard tours to learn more about the grapes as well as a winery tours by winemaker Peggy Harmston. See the equipment used for the wine production and learn about the fermentation and bottling processes as well.

“With the mild winter and early warm temperatures, the vines are eagerly beginning another vintage year,” said winemaker/owner Harmston. “Wine in Bloom is a fantastic event for all ages to come outside and enjoy a relaxing day in our beautiful hills.”

Wine pairs well with many occasions, but it is always more enjoyable with good music. Back Roads Trio will be performing on the wine patio from 1-4 pm for your listening pleasure. Bring your lawn chairs and settle in for the duration of the afternoon with a bottle or glass of your favorite wine. Local cheese will also be available for sampling and purchase.

Massbach Ridge has three other reasons to celebrate this spring with the announcement of recent award winners at the Finger Lakes Wine Competition in New York. Traumen, a full-flavored, velvety sweet red wine received a silver medal, while St. Pepin, a semi-dry white, and Berry Sweet, a rose blend with blackberry juice were both bronze medalists. 

“It is wonderful to have the judges agree with what our customers have already been experiencing. The 2010 vintage of Traumen was released in February and was an immediate hit with both dry and sweet wine drinkers. This dark, rich dessert wine has a velvety flavor made from our estate-grown Frontenac grapes,” commented Harmston. 

The tasting room and winery is situated on 18 acres of vineyard at 8837 South Massbach Road, Elizabeth, Illinois and is open daily from 11am to 5pm. The family-owned and operated business takes pride in producing quality wines from grapes grown in their own vineyard.

Visit www.MassbachRidge.com for more information on events, directions and other winery news. Massbach Ridge Winery can be contacted at (815) 291-6700 and visitors may also request sampling appointments at any time.

Chadwick-Milledgeville Annual FFA Chapter Banquet

The Chadwick-Milledgeville FFA celebrated their annual chapter banquet on Wednesday April 18th at Milledgeville High School. The banquet consisted of the chapter advisor ,Mrs. Cindy Feltmeyer, awarding Chapter Awards and all around recognition of the member’s CDE’s and SAE’s they have involved themselves in throughout the

2011-2012 school year, along with the induction of the 2012-2013 officers.

Many members received awards.

To complete the banquet, Mrs. Feltmeyer announced the 2011-2012 officers. Next year’s officers will be: President Lauren Hackbarth, Vice President Courtney Swalve, Secretary Alex Fink, Reporter Emily Kleckler, Treasurer Nick Nelson, Sentinel Alan Osterhaus, Historian Becca Alexander and Chaplin Baily Queckboerner.

Congratulations to all members who received awards and all newly inducted officers.

Balloon animals drew a large crowd during Family Day on Sunday at Manny’s Grand Opening Celebration. Manny’s Pizza in Savanna held it’s Grand Opening Celebration on May 4,5, and 6. Sunday’s theme was “Family Day” and included a clown and magic show. Door prizes were awarded every hour all three days.
(PA photo/Lynnette Forth)

The Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Receives Superior Achievement Award

The Illinois State Historical Society announced the recipients of its 2012 Annual Awards program last Friday evening, April 27, during the 32nd annual Illinois History Symposium, held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in East Peoria.

Awards were presented in several categories. The Campbell Center received a Superior Achievement Award in the Collections Preservation category for its Collections Care Training Program, a nationally recognized program that educates museum professionals to properly care and preserve their institution’s collections. Campbell Center Executive Director, Sharon Welton, and Assistant Director, Matthew Toland, were present to accept the award.

ISHS Executive Director William Furry reported that “These awards acknowledge the highest individual and institutional achievement in historic preservation, history publications, and public education through exhibitions and programming. Through its awards programs the ISHS recognizes the extraordinary commitment of our historical societies, museums, and public and academic historians to articulate the Prairie State narrative in a state, national, and global context, and to give meaning and depth to the Illinois experience. We extend a hearty ‘congratulations’ to all our award recipients.”

Durward Wins State FFA Proficiency Award

Kimberly Durward of Thomson, a member of the West Carroll FFA Chapter, won the State Forage Production Award at the State FFA Proficiency Awards Day held April 14, 2012, at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Kimberly is the daughter of Andrew and Janice Durward of Thomson. Her agriculture education instructors at West Carroll High School are Dan Hartman and Don Mathey.

The Forage Production Award is one of 51 State FFA Proficiency Awards. Five finalists from each award area had previously advanced through chapter, section and district competition. Kimberly will receive the award during the Illinois FFA State Convention, June 12 – 14, 2012, at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, Illinois.

Selection of the state award winners is based on a personal interview as well as the size and growth of the FFA members’ Supervised Agricultural Experience Program and their knowledge of the subject. The 51 state award winners were selected from over 16,000 FFA members state wide.

The Illinois Foundation FFA sponsors the proficiency award program and provides medals, plaques and other awards for more than 4,000 Illinois FFA members each year.

Morrison Rotary Big Winners

Morrison Rotary wins big in District 6420 Conference held in Dixon April 28th. At right, President Kathy Schmidt received on behalf of the club the District Governor Award for Public Image. Presenting the traveling trophy to her is District Governor Leo Paterson. The public image award is based on 5 areas of media including internet, social media, newspaper, TV, and print materials. Each club may submit

up to 20 examples of their work for consideration.

(Top) Ellen Smith is receiving the certificate and ribbon from District Literacy Chair, Andy Axup for Sustained Literacy work in the Morrison area, as well as current year literacy projects in which many books were donated to three local preschools.
(Courtesy of Kathy Schmidt)

Mount Carroll Rotary Club members Wayne Brooks (left) and Mike Risko (right) present Larry DeSpain, Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce Mayfest committee chairman, with a check for $1,000 in support of the 31st annual Mayfest celebration. Mount Carroll Rotary hosts the Beer & Wine Garden at Mayfest held May 25-27 at the historic Campbell Center campus. For Mayfest information visit www.mtcarrollil.org or call . (Photo courtesy of Anna Gray)

The Week 27 Thumbs Up Winners at Chadwick-Milledgeville Elementary from left to right, front row: Brady Brown, Emma Foster, Wyatt Meiners, Tristan Green, and Caley Munz. In the back row are: Lilly Queckboerner, Linsey Lapp, Liam Jensen, Damon Miller, and Kathryn Strauss.

Based on their essays about their future plans to study agriculture, these students were chosen for the Carroll Service Company scholarships. Receiving these awards were (l to r) Chris Dornink of Dakota High School, Garrett Badtke of West Carroll High School, Mitchell Rahn of Chadwick-Milledgeville High School, and Kimberly Durward of West Carroll High School. The scholarship awards were presented by Ray Woessner, Manager of Carroll Service Company.
(PA photo/A. Williamson)

Carroll County 4-H Federation To Meet

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Program Coordinator, 4-H & Youth

The next meeting of the Carroll County 4-H Federation will be Saturday, May 12, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the 4-H Exhibit Building at the Carroll Co. Fairgrounds

We will have a short meeting followed by “Fun Day Games” and activities and a wiener roast. All food will be supplied. This event is open to all 4-H’ers and neighboring counties have been invited. The meeting will he held rain or shine.

Pre-registration is due to the Carroll Co. Extension Office by May 10th to plan for food.

For more information contact Leanne Rahn at University of Illinois Extension or e-mail at .

Boaters’ Reminder: Slow No Wake in Pools 12-14

The spring recreation season is here at last and many folks are already out enjoying the river. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge would like to remind people while they are out on the river there are several locations where no wake regulations are in effect through October 31.

In areas posted and shown on maps as “Slow No Wake Area,” watercraft are required to travel at slow, no-wake speed from March 16 through October 31. The Refuge applies the State definition of slow, no-wake operation in these areas. The operation of airboats or hovercraft in these areas from March 16 through October 31 are prohibited. These areas are named and located as follows: Nine Mile Island, Pool 12, Iowa, 454 acres and Princeton, Pool 14, Iowa, 327 acres.

In portions of Spring Lake and Crooked Slough-Lost Mound, Pool 13, Illinois, posted as “Slow, 5 mph When Boats Present” and marked on maps as “Speed/Distance Regulation,” watercraft operators are required to reduce the speed of their watercraft to less than 5 mph (8 kph) when within 100 feet (30 m) of another watercraft that is anchored or underway at 5 mph (8 kph) or less.

These regulations are in effect to keep people out on the water safe and to allow as many individuals as possible to enjoy the resource. We appreciate your cooperation, if you have any further questions please visit the Refuge website (http://www.fws.gov/midwest/UpperMississippiRiver) or call the office ().

NARFE News

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at noon on Thursday, May 17th at the House of Events in Savanna. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business meeting and program will follow at 1 p.m. The guest speaker will be Jo-Ellen McCasky, manager of Pinnacle Place assisted living facility. All active and retired federal employees, spouses, and survivors are cordially invited.

Thomson Citywide Garage Sales

The annual Thomson citywide garage sales will be held on Saturday, June 2 starting at 8:00 a.m. Persons wanting to participate need to fill out a registration form and return it to the Thomson Public Library along with the registration fee by May 26th. Registration forms were sent out in the village water bills or they may be picked up at the library.

Carroll County Veterans Assistance Commission

The Carroll County Veterans Assistance Commission is reaching out to all organizations. We would like to come to your meetings and speak about veterans benefits. Are you having a festival? We would like to come and set up a booth. Call us at to set up an appointment.

DID YOU KNOW

1-Vets returning from duty are guaranteed healthcare for service based problems!

2-Vets exposed to Agent Orange are not only covered, but your children’s health problems may also be covered!

3-Exposure to ionized radiation from nuclear weapons is also recognized!

4-We don’t care what country you’re from, we’ll help prepare the documents you need to apply for your benefits!

5-We do for free what some organizations on TV charge you for!

Even if you have no health problems you should get in the V.A. health care system. Many wait until they have serious problems to come in. Don’t wait, be proactive, not reactive! At last count we had 1.690 vets in Carroll County and the number is growing all the time. Many of you were told in the past that there was no help for you. Times have changed and many health problems are now pre-emptive guaranteeing your benefits! You know government wheels turn slowly so come in now and keep them turning. If you’re the spouse or dependent of a vet you may also have benefits, so come and see us. We’re here to help! Our hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Call anytime at and leave a message, we’ll get back to you.

VETS HELPING VETS, CARROLL COUNTY VETERANS ASSISTANCE COMMISSION

Carroll County Democrats

The Carroll County Democrats will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 15th at 7:00 p.m. at the York Township Public Library, 1005 W. main Street in Thomson, IL. Plans will be discussed on the picnic coming up on June 9th. Also, scholarship applications will be gone over. For more information, contact Gerald L. Bork at .

NICL Peer Mentor Training Class

Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL) Peer Mentor Trainer, Tim Griffin will be starting a Peer Mentor Training Course on Tuesday, May 8th. The Training Course will include: Training on Disability related opportunities and share awareness of ADA and government regulations.

The Independent Living Program, from the planning stages to the actual provision of services, disabled people are involved in mentoring customers in the community. Learn how to mentor all ages, all groups, and be a Team Mentor. The meetings will be held at NICIL, 412 Locust Street in Sterling, IL. The Mentor program will consist of two days per week for two weeks. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion. We will offer a lunch.

Call NICIL to RSVP Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Heartland Meeting Notice

The Heartland Pet Welfare’s board of directors will meet on Tuesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the West Carroll Primary School. Please call 244-6543 or if you have any questions or concerns. All are welcome to attend this meeting.

Sheep/Goat Weigh-in & Tattooing For State Fair

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll Co. Program Coordinator, 4-H & Youth

On Saturday, May 12, will be the annual sheep/goat weigh-in and tattooing for any 4-H’er or FFA member that is planning to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair Jr. Show in August.

This is not a requirement to show on the county level, only if you are going to State Fair.

The weigh-in will take place at the Terry Bocker farm near Lanark, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Please arrive during this time. This will be the only weigh-in for state in this area. Others are scheduled for the Quad Cities and in Central Illinois.

If you have any questions please call the Carroll County Extension Office at or e-mail Leanne Rahn at .

The weigh-in will be held rain or shine. You must be 10 years old by September 1, 2011 to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair Jr. Show.

Award-Winning ‘War on Kids’ Documentary

On Friday, May 18, 2012, at 7:30 pm, the Documentary Channel aired The War on Kids, a documentary directed by Cevin Soling which examines the increasingly authoritarian nature of the public schools and their long-term impact on young people. The documentary features an interview with constitutional attorney John W. Whitehead, who has been a vocal critic of overreaching school zero tolerance policies—one-size-fits-all disciplinary procedures that mandate suspension or expulsion for students who violate the rules, regardless of the student’s intent or the nature of the violation. The Rutherford Institute has come to the defense of hundreds of students who have run afoul of school zero tolerance policies. Most recently, Institute attorneys asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case of a 14-year-old honor student who was suspended for shooting plastic “spitwads” while at school.

“For the millions of students attending elementary and secondary public schools, their time in school will be marked by overreaching zero tolerance policies, heightened security and surveillance and a greater emphasis on conformity and behavior-controlling drugs—all either aimed at or resulting in the destruction of privacy and freedom,” said John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. “As The War on Kids shows, the moment young people walk into school, they find themselves under constant surveillance: they are photographed, fingerprinted, scanned, x-rayed, sniffed and snooped on. Between metal detectors at the entrances, drug-sniffing dogs in the hallways and surveillance cameras in the classrooms and elsewhere, America’s schools have come to resemble prison-like complexes.”

Named the best educational documentary by the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, The War on Kids is a 2009 documentary film about the American school system. The film takes a look at public school education in America and concludes that schools are not only failing to educate, but are increasingly authoritarian institutions more akin to prisons that are eroding the foundations of American democracy. The documentary features interviews with schoolchildren, high school teachers, administrators, prison security guards, renowned educators and authors, including attorney John Whitehead.

As Whitehead points out, under the guise of protecting and controlling young people, school officials have adopted draconian zero tolerance policies, which punish all offenses severely, no matter how minor. School systems began adopting these tough codes after Congress passed the 1994 Gun-Free Schools Act, which required a one-year expulsion for any child bringing a firearm or bomb to school. Zero tolerance rules in many states also cover fighting, drug or alcohol use and gang activity, as well as relatively minor offenses such as possessing over-the-counter medications and disrespect of authority. Nearly all American public schools have zero tolerance policies for firearms or other “weapons,” and most have such policies for drugs and alcohol. In the wake of the Columbine school shootings, legislators and school boards further tightened their zero tolerance policies, creating what some critics call a national intolerance for childish behavior. In some jurisdictions, carrying cough drops, wearing black lipstick or dying your hair blue are expellable offenses. The Rutherford Institute is regularly called on to defend students dealt excessive punishments for violating unreasonable zero tolerance policies.

DeReus Inducted into Ashford University Honor Society

During a ceremony on Sunday, April 15, Theresa DeReus of Savanna, IL was among seven new members were inducted into the Ashford University Junior-Senior Honor Society.

The Ashford Junior-Senior Honor Society recognizes and encourages scholarship among juniors and seniors at the University. Membership is extended to full-time juniors and seniors who have completed at least one semester at the University’s Clinton, Iowa campus and attained a semester grade point average of 3.50. Thereafter, the student must maintain a grade point average of 3.20. Dr. Gary Heath is the group’s advisor.

Friends Forever Fundraiser

You’re invited to support Friends Forever Humane Society at Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser breakfas on June 9th from 8 to 10 am at Applebee’s 1802 S. West Street, Freeport.The menu includes pancakes, bacon and a beverage price $6.00. Tickets are available at the shelter 966 Rudy Rd, Freeport or by calling 232-6164. Tickets will be available at the door.

Government-Pension Crisis: #1 Budgetary Problem in U.S.

The government-pension crisis is the number one budgetary problem in the U.S., stated the Vice President of Taxpayers United of America (TUA).

“The government-employee pension plans of a number of cities are headed toward default, and these sinking pension plans are the underlying reason why some cities already have declared bankruptcy and why more cities may be staring bankruptcy in the face,” according to Christina Tobin, TUA Vice President and Founder of Free and Equal Elections Foundation.

“For the last year, I have been traveling to different states county-by-county, releasing local government pension amounts. I have seen firsthand the dire financial situation that is occurring in cities and counties across the country. Reuters noted that so far in 2012, there have been 21 municipal defaults totaling $978 million, versus 28 defaults totaling $522 million for the same period in 2011,” said Tobin.

“A number of US cities have filed for bankruptcy, the most prominent of which is the city of Vallejo, once the capital of California. Municipalities that have either filed for bankruptcy or are just emerging from it include Central Falls, Rhode Island, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Boise County, Idaho, and Jefferson County, Alabama. According to the San Francisco Examiner, leaders of Pritchard, Alabama, a city on the outskirts of Mobile, had known since 2004 that the pension fund was scheduled to run dry in 2009. Officials tried to declare bankruptcy, but state law forbids a town from ducking its pension obligations. The city just stopped paying its pensions. Pritchard’s 150 retired city employees were reduced to showing up at City Council meetings begging for money to make it through the Christmas season.

“As of December 2010, America’s public pensions were underfunded by an estimated $3.6 trillion. The pension problem might be worse than figures suggest, because many cities and states are either ignoring the problem or actively trying to conceal it. It’s now judgment day for the lavish, gold-plated city and municipal government pensions,” said Tobin. “Many retired government employees receive pensions that are higher than salaries in the private sector. Government pension plans are hemorrhaging dollars. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Pritchard stands as a warning to cities like Philadelphia and states like Illinois, whose pension funds are under great strain.

“The way to fix the broken pension system is to replace pensions for all new government hires with social security and 401(k)s, and increase current employee contributions,” said Tobin. “The current crop of Republicans and Democrats won’t do it—they’re controlled by corporate and union interests. We need a national movement of Americans from across the political spectrum who will unite and throw them out of office. Then, we will get meaningful pension reform.”

To learn more, visit our website at www.taxpayersunited.org.

Farm Program Signup

Douglas Olson, member of the Carroll County FSA County Committee, is announcing that 2012 DCP and ACRE signup started January 23, 2012 and runs through June 1, 2012.

According to Olson, any producer that wishes to participate in the 2012 DCP/ACRE program, needs to sign up and file all necessary paperwork by the June 1st deadline. He reminds producers that all owners and operators involved in the farm, need to sign the DCP/ACRE contract , including those with “0’% shares. Producers can provide a copy of the current cash lease in lieu of obtaining a “0”% share signature. Olson said, “I would encourage producers to sign up as soon as they can, to avoid having to visit their county office after field work begins this spring.” Olson also stated that although the Carroll County FSA Office does not schedule appointments for all producers, they would be more than happy to schedule appointments for producers with off farm jobs, or those on a tight schedule. He also encourages producers to “call the office in advance” so the office personnel can prepare necessary paperwork ahead of time to facilitate better service to the producer.

Producers with questions on the DCP/ACRE program or other programs administered by FSA, are encouraged to contact their local FSA office.

The Browns to Perform at Spring Valley Reformed Church

Spring Valley Reformed Church, located at 10960 Spring Valley Rd, Fulton, IL will be holding their annual Memorial Day event on Monday 28, 2012. We are exited to have The Browns Family perform for our evening concert. Please visit www.thebrownsmusic.com for more great information! Also, join us for a barbecue dinner from 5-7 pm and concert at 7 pm. We welcome audiences of all ages as we will have activities for children during the supper hour. The concert will be held outdoors weather permitting or will be moved indoors. You can enjoy the concert from the comfort of your car or you may bring a lawn chair. Please visit www.springvalleychurch.net for more information or call . A free-will offering will be taken.

Big Meadows Celebrates National Nursing Home Week

Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna will be celebrating ‘National Nursing Home Week’ throughout the ENTIRE month of May. At Big Meadows we have decided we are not celebrating the nursing home, but the families we have come from, and the family we are a part of now, we are calling our celebration Family Week. The theme this year is “Celebrating the Journey”.

Family Week (National Nursing Home Week) is from May 13 - May 19. The celebration of Family will begin on May 10 with the annual Mother’s Day banquet. The banquet honoring all of our ladies will be held at 5 pm in the dining room with the theme “Love Found A Way.” On Sunday, May 13, an ice cream social and balloon launch will be at 3 pm. On Monday, May 14, a Wizard of Oz dress up day will be held and the movie will be shown in the dining room on a big screen at 6 pm. On Tuesday, May 15, some of our residents will be attending Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa. The Grand Squares square dancing troupe from Morrison will be performing at 6:30 pm in the dining room. Residents, staff and visitors are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing in their Western best! On Wednesday, May 16, it is sports day and the monthly Community Coffee will be held in the dining room at 9:30 am. On Thursday, May 17 , it is ‘mis-matched day’. A banana split social will be held at 3 pm to honor staff at Big Meadows hosted by the residents. Friday, May 18 is Big Meadows Day - the annual ‘Hot Dog Hurrah!’ and resident council bake sale will be held from 10 am-1:30 pm. At 2:45 pm a butterfly release and social is planned. A variety of other activities are planned for the week to celebrate life’s journey through the decades. The fun will continue the following week with a performance by Rockford area radio and television personality Bob Kevern at 2 pm in the dining room. Everyone is invited to attend all activities! For questions or more information call Jaime Barnhart, Activity Director at .

Good Samaritan Society Celebrates Nursing Home Week

The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll is celebrating National Nursing Home Week, May 13-19, with the theme: “Faces of Wisdom, Blessed by Faith.”

National Nursing Home Week is set aside each year to honor residents of long-term care centers, their families and those who work in long-term care. The American Health Care Association established the week in 1967.

The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll will celebrate in with the following theme days with special activities: Monday, Royal Day with King & Queen coronation at 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Tropical Day; Wednesday, Cartoon Day; Thursday, Wild Hair/Clash Day; and Friday, Western & Farm Day.

“We are proud to be part of this special week,” says Administrator Dave Simon. “And we give thanks for the lives of those we touch each day through the care and services we provide.”

The Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll is part of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, a not-for-profit organization that owns and operates more than 240 rehabilitation and skilled care centers and senior living communities in 24 states. The Good Samaritan Society’s mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “In Christ’s Love, Everyone is Someone.”

American Business Women’s Association to Hold Meeting

The Jane Addams Chapter of American Business Women’s Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Networking will begin at 6PM followed by dinner and a program. This meeting will be held at the Silver Creek Museum at 2954 S. Walnut Road, Freeport, IL. The program speaker is Dr. Carolyn Sluiter of the New Hope Veterinarian Clinic in German Valley. Dr. Sluiter will be speaking about her career as a woman veterinarian.

The menu for dinner is baked chicken, baked potatoes, corn, 7-layer salad, coffee, punch, water and cookies. We will also have a special birthday cake in honor of our chapter’s 28th birthday. Reservations can be made by calling Kay Klever at by Monday, 05-07-12. Guests are welcome to attend but are asked to make a reservation by calling Kay.

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. For more information about ABWA, please call Kay at .

- Dianne Griffin