Influential Women in Buffalo During the 19th and 20th Centuries
Marian de Forest
We kicked off our fall meeting season with a presentation on “Influential Women in Buffalo During the 19th and 20th Centuries” highlighting our own Marian de Forest and the birth of Zonta International, by local acclaimed author Rick Falkowski. Mr. Falkowski is a presenter for Erie County Dept. of Senior Services University Express, and the coordinator of the Wednesday on the Canal Concerts at Gateway Harbor Park in North Tonawanda. He cofounded the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, the Buffalo Music Awards and was the Publisher of Buffalo Backstage magazine. Mr. Falkowski has published a number of books, and is in demand as a presenter on Buffalo Music and Buffalo History at WNY community centers, libraries, historical societies, senior complexes, clubs, and organizations.
In Memory of Phyllis Dickinson
As a member of the Zonta Club of Cheektowaga-Lancaster for over 42 years, Phyllis was a leader, mentor and friend to both current and past members of the club. During the time Phyllis was a member, she served in the offices of President, Vice President and Secretary. She was selected as Zontian of the Year in 2007, meeting all the criteria of: showing commitment to the ideals of Zonta, excellent leadership qualities, participating in club activities over and above the norm, and participating in the community. Phyllis’ contributions were well known to others in the community, volunteering her time to Meals on Wheels and the Lancaster-Depew Boys and Girls Club. For many years, Phyllis volunteered at the intake desk for the Family Justice Center and performed other duties as needed. She was our Club Historian, keeping numerous boxes of our past records and paraphernalia, and sorting through and organizing them. Phyllis turned her home into a Zonta satellite, always offering it up for meetings, garage sales and basket making. She took it upon herself to be the Manager of our Food tables at our Sweets and Shopping and Team Trivia Nights, organizing the baked goods and making sure we had enough paper products, cutlery and serving utensils. Prior to retiring Phyllis worked in the Lancaster School system as a Librarian and then became the Media Specialist at LHS. Phyllis was a driving force in the club with her welcoming personality and smile that always be remembered and missed by all.
