Breakfast Forums at Gala Address Issues Important to Women
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Gala Restaurant is teaming with the Berkshire Business and Professional Women to host a series of breakfast forums to mark Women's History Month.The first was set to kick off Tuesday morning but, unfortunately, not enough people responded. The restaurant and BBPW officials are hoping to get the word out about the next two roundtables.
The series continues on the next two Tuesdays, March 17 and 24. The breakfast buffets begin at 8, with speakers at 8:30 and 9.
The breakfast forums were conceived by Brian Flagg, Gala's restaurant and banquet manager, and part of an effort to involve the Orchards restaurant more fully with the community.
It started with the well-attended Inaugural Breakfast in January, said Heidi Cornwell, director of sales and marketing for the hotel, and includes a recent benefit bash for BFAIR.
"We're trying to be community friendly. This lets [people] know we're just as much a part of the community as everybody else," said Cornwell, adding Orchards has long been perceived as a place for tourists, not residents. "That's not the way the ownership who took over in 2006 want to be portrayed. This is one of the ways we're trying to show that we're part of the community, too."
Flagg wanted to do something celebrating women and history, and the professional women's group was approached about doing a series of roundtables. The organization lined up the speakers and the restaurant offered the space, charging only for the meals.
The idea was to offer presentations that today's women will find timely and appropriate; the speakers, many from North County, are donating their time.
"They're very women-oriented and apply in your everyday life," said Cornwell.
On March 17, personal trainer Joanna Ezinga will offer a Q&A on exercise and Christine Singer, president of Your Personal Best: Workshops For Success, will speak on taking time for yourself.
On March 24, Maureen Phillips, a mortgage loan officer with Greylock Federal Credit Union, will discuss the current mortgage and credit crisis and Realtor B Mile of Re/Max Integrity Real Estate will talk about the local real estate market.
The cost to attend a roundtable is $15; reservations are encouraged by calling Brian Flagg at 413-458-9611 or 800-225-1517, Ext. 531, or e-mail brian@galarestaurant.com.
Cornwell said the restaurant and hotel will be offering more activities and events in the coming months.
