WESTFIELD-A new executive board has taken the helm at Westfield on Weekends, poised to enthusiastically continue the work started by Robert Plasse and a host of volunteers in 2003.
“I am thrilled to have such a talented executive board at the helm of Westfield on Weekends (WOW),” said Plasse, noting the election took place Tuesday night at Westfield Creative Arts.
Board members elected for a one-year term were Jay Pagluica, president; Morgan Drewniany, vice president and governance chair; Tania Vancini, secretary, and Sue Jegelewicz, treasurer.
“Jay has been one of Westfield’s most stalwart community volunteers who has worked tirelessly on behalf of many nonprofits and his organizational skills and incredible ability to make bridges between all of the city’s disparate groups will serve WOW well,” said Plasse.
Pagluica is bullish on the city’s arts and entertainment sectors and is eager to get started with his new volunteer role.
“I feel confident and will give this opportunity my best shot,” he said, adding, “We have so much potential with WOW.”
During last Saturday’s first Arts on Elm Art Walk, sponsored by WOW and Westfield Creative Arts, Pagluica said he and his wife spent time walking down Elm Street to check out the festivities.
Jay Pagliuca
“I was fortunate to talk to vendors and business owners about their thoughts on the event and got great feedback,” said Pagluica. “Everyone involved seemed extremely pleased with the event and encouraged us to do it again this fall.”
As the organization has grown over the years, the executive board deemed it necessary to create a vice president position as well as restructure its mission and bylaws. Drewniany was voted in as WOW’s first vice president on Tuesday.
“Morgan is a shining star, whose work as executive director of the Springfield Central Cultural District has been praised by her colleagues,” said Plasse. “She is young, energetic, smart, and knows the world of community arts development well.”
Pagluica echoed those sentiments.
“I’m lucky to have Morgan as vice president because of her organizational skills,” said Pagluica, adding, “she will help WOW grow.”
Drewniany said she is honored to join WOW’s “robust leadership circle” and hopes to bring more structure to the organization that will include enlisting more volunteers which in turn will help improve the Elm Street corridor.
“Growing up in Westfield my parents always brought me to WOW events and encouraged me to shop locally,” she said. “I’ve always attended WOW events to support the organization.”
Plasse also acknowledged Jegelewicz for her indispensable knowledge of accounting, her business sense, and her ability to think practically and realistically.
“Sue makes the ideal replacement for past treasurer Barbara Trant, who continues to be a strong advocate for WOW with her acumen and ability to think globally,” said Plasse.
Plasse also said that Vancini is a “hard-working volunteer, whose grace and dedication to WOW were noted when she was honored by Mayor Brian Sullivan in April as one of Westfield’s volunteers of the year.”
As the new board members learn the ropes from their predecessors, Plasse notes that all of the volunteers are instrumental in the success of the organization.
Plasse also thanked the directors who serve in various roles including John Bonavita, Paul V. Condacurri, James Johnson-Corwin, Cindy Gaylord, Tricia Kiefer, Jenn Kiely, Ed Orgill, Stacie Phetteplace, Joanne Papadimitreo, Prabodha Reshamwala, Carol Saltus, Tom Sawyer, Lynn Tassinari-Wiegel, Gerry Tomasko, Amy Tosi, Barbara Trant, Lester Walshin and Katherine Zavras-Bentrewicz.
“WOW’s new and continuing volunteers represent a cross section of dedicated individuals from all walks of life, who have vision and a great sense of community life,” said Plasse. “With their help, I am sure that Westfield on Weekends will continue to be a vital and important cultural institution for years to come.”
Area residents interested in volunteering with WOW are encouraged to visit www.westfieldonweekends.com for more details or visit WOW’s Facebook page.
