Central New York (CNY) Branch Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

Marking their 100th anniversary as a branch of the National League of American Pen Women, the Central New York (CNY) Branch gathered at the Springside Inn in Auburn, NY for the special event on October 18, 2026.

Co-Chairs Karen Hempson and Mary Gardner and their committee worked for nearly a year to plan the event which included a brunch, an original short play by member Coni Koepfinger, an exhibit of Pen Women art, and sensational guests.

New York State Senator Rachel May presented a proclamation to CNY Branch President Janine DeBaise on the occasion of the branch's 100 anniversary. Tanisha Jackson, Ph.D., chair of Syracuse University's African American Studies and founder of the Folk Art Museum was the keynote speaker for the celebratory event, offering inspiration. Pen Woman Gretchen Martens, who now resides in Texas, created and donated a beautiful book as a gift to the branch.

The centennial was truly a remarkable event in which branch members came together to celebrate 100 years of the CNY Branch and each other.