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YWCA celebrates retiring CEO’s legacy

CARA MORNINGSTAR/Sun-Gazette Norm Wengert, husband of the late Marguerite Bierman, presents Diane Glenwright, retiring CEO of the YWCA Northcentral PA, with a Bierman print during Glenwright’s retirement celebration at the YWCA in Williamsport on Tuesday.

The YWCA Northcentral Pennsylvania chapter held a retirement celebration for Diane Glenwright, CEO, who retires this month after 16 years.

In honor of her time with the YWCA, it held an open house with refreshments and many spoke about times they shared with Glenwright.

Norm Wengert, husband of the late Marguerite Bierman, said Glenwright and Bierman had been very close together in their careers.

“To thank those who negotiated the restoration, redecoration and revitalization of our YWCA … and especially Diane, whose leadership has guided the programs and services here,” he said.

He presented Glenwright with a Bierman print titled “Spring Magnolia Delight” as a gift for her retirement.

“Please, whenever you look at it, feel Marguerite,” he said.

Barb Wascher, board member, and Deb Parsons, artist, presented Glenwright with a tree.

“We tried to think of something that reminds us of Diane … and one thing we know for sure is she helps you grow and she likes to see things grow,” Parsons said.

She said the tree should grow to be colorful like the rotunda of the YWCA.

“May it always remind you of the roots and things that you’ve planted, how you’ve changed all our lives,” she said.

Wascher said everyone loves Glenwright.

“She has done great things, for the women upstairs and for the community,” Wascher said.

Jo-Ann Gorski, board vice president, presented Glenwright with a wooden sign.

“It will be hanging over the double doors as you enter the boutique. It is a reflection of the colors in the rotunda as well as the boutique,” she said. “The writing on it says … ‘The boutique inspired by Diane Glenwright.'”

R. Jack McKernan, Tony R. Mussare and Richard Mirabito, county commissioners, presented Glenwright with a citation of recognition.

“She has turned the YWCA into a safe, comfortable home for countless women and children. (She made it) not just a safe haven, but under her leadership, a historic 21st century building,” said Kathy Brown-Wehr, board president.

She said Glenwright would get up at 3 a.m. just to be at work by 5 a.m. because she was so dedicated.

“We wanted to do something special for Diane, something memorable,” she said. “Her generosity, her community service and her leadership throughout her tenure here at the YWCA, we have nominated her as a Woman of Excellence. We will be holding our dinner in November, so hopefully lots of you will come and celebrate with her with that honor as well.”

She said that they found out Glenwright’s favorite food was lettuce.

“We wanted to give you some recipes… so we have some picks of lettuce with recipes. We thought you would enjoy that,” she said. “My tenure is almost up … but I’ve enjoyed working with you so much.”

Glenwright said she was so moved by everyone’s kind words that it was hard to talk without crying.

“Thank you to all who have gathered here. Thank you to all who have joined in our fight and partnership,” she said. “Because of you, the YWCA, my life is richer than I ever dreamed.”

She said that her time with the YWCA had been a blessing.

“The people I have met are those to cherish. The memories we have shared, both the good and the challenging, is what life is all about. I am blessed to have met you, to have had the chance to work here with you,” she said. “… And now it is on to my next great adventure, complete with lettuce. God bless you.”

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