Board, Staff: About Us at AWWWF

*The people who keep the Foundation running* Officers - Brenda M. Rider - Karen S. Stilgenbauer - Janeen A. Williams Board of Directors - Dean R. Ball, D.O. - Diane Folkwein - Charlotte Labuda - Alan Matavich - Dorothy Mattson - Brenda M. Rider - Karen S. Stilgenbauer - Janeen A. Williams - Christopher Yambar Administrative Staff - Kimberly Dietz - Nicole Fryfogle	Sponsors \| Contributors \| Volunteers \| Become a Volunteer WHO WE ARE : Board Members and Staff The A Way With Words Foundation exists to give a voice and a means to action to people who are concerned about cancer in children. Whether someone serves as an official of the 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, as a sponsor, or as a volunteer, they all seem to get involved beyond a single classification of their contribution. The Foundation is a 'hands-on' supporter of cancer survivors and cancer research, a fact that enhances the experience of the contributors and benefactors, and that all that matters to those who make the Foundation work. All officers, board members, and some administrative staff serve without salary as their contribution to the efforts of the Foundation, permitting the highest amount of the donations to go to cancer agencies that assist cancer survivors and fund cancer research.		"It's not about how much time you have here, it's what you did with it that counts" -- Diane Folkwein

	Courtesy Lance Klinger	DEAN R. BALL, D.O. Doctor Ball is the most recent addition to the A Way With Words Foundation Board. He specializes in radiology from his office in Boardman, Ohio and brings a special enthusiasm to his patients and friends here. Return to top

		KIM DIETZ is the Recording Secretary for the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF). Equally noteworthy is that Kim is always there helping with the R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir performances, the annual spring Charity Golf Scramble, and the ever-changing auctions. Return to top

		NICOLE FRYFOGLE has a long history in local fundraising efforts. As the new Fundraising Coordinator for A Way With Words Foundation, Inc., Nicole is again redefining her list of what a "stay at home" mom means. Eight years ago Nicole left an insurance sales position to remain at home with her children through soccer, chauffering, and babysitting. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to be home with her children, and the many 'extra' kids that have become part of her household. In the last 4 years, Nicole has operated an in-home day care, adding to the children in her 'family'. An alum of Ursuline High School, Nicole served there 8 years as a Speech and Debate Coach. When her third child was born, Nicole concentrated on her own family. Two years ago she began directing musical productions at Ursuline, loving every minute of it since then. In between her other family-oriented activities, Nicole has been busy organizing and conducting numerous successful fundraising campaigns like auctions, reverse raffle dinners, and Chinese auctions for local non-profits. About her newest project, Nicole says, "Raising money for cancer research is near and dear to me because both of my parents are cancer survivors, and I have many friends and their families who have been touched by the disease. I am excited to be working with Brenda and having the opportunity to coordinate the foundations fundraising efforts. I love fundraising!!!" Nicole can now be reached at nicole@awaywithwordsfoundation.org for information on the fundraising events at The Away With Words Foundation. Return to top

		DIANE FOLKWEIN is retired from a shop in Canfield she owned called "Present Company." Her dedication to the community had reached far beyond the average person. Before ever becoming a cancer survivor herself, she was a volunteer for Hospice of the Valley for many years. In addition to serving as a board member of the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc., Diane finds time to serve on the boards of the Silver Lining Cancer Fund, the Forrest Lawn Memorial Park, and The Bummer Fund. She states,"It's not about how much time you have here, it's what you did with it that counts." With all her community work, her two children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild are still the center of her attention. Return to top

	Charlotte Labuda directing the R.O.C.c.K Children's Choir at a Barnes & Noble Book Fair, October 2007. Courtesy Karen O'Malia	*CHARLOTTE LABUDA* Hello, as choreographer and associate director of the R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir, it has been a long journey to reach this point, but it is a place of great personal significance and satisfaction to me. As one of six children raised in Youngstown, Ohio, others may say that I grew up poor, but because my home was always filled with people, love, laughter, music, and creativity, I never really noticed. I remember being taught to appreciate a wide range of music from honky-tonk, country, rock and roll, classics, gospel, hard rock, funk, jazz, and everything in between. In 1980 I lost my father to a long battle with diabetes and that same year I dropped out of college to take a job with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. As a dance instructor, I competed professionally in Ohio, Florida and Canada. A high moment for me was when I, with my partner and 5 other professional instructors, performed as an opening act for Manhattan Transfer. Another keystone event happened in February, 1993, when I won my first song-writing contest with the song, “No Time Is Better.” I wrote the song for my soon-to-be husband. In 2000 my mother was diagnosed with cancer. During this time I met Brenda Rider, who was a major support to me and my family through this crisis. During my mother’s last days, my family’s love of music gave us the strength to cope. Months after my mother passed away, I joined Brenda Rider's Relay For Life team. At that time, Brenda had just lost her uncle to cancer. The following year I joined the 2002 Relay For Life team to pay tribute to the amazing fight my mother put up during her bout with this disease. In 2003, Brenda asked me to help choreograph some dance moves to accompany songs that the R.O.C.c.K Children's Choir were performing. I have been with the choir ever since because I love working with the kids. The children are amazing: always happy and silly. I think I get along with the kids because I myself am a big goofy kid! I deeply enjoy spending time with family and friends singing, dancing, and sharing their love of music. Brenda has shown me I can write poetry, another personal milestone which I still pursue. Return to top

		*ALAN MATAVICH* Alan started in private practice as a lawyer the year he graduated cum laude from Ohio State University with a law degree. He enjoys being challenged by complex cases and has over 25 years experience in general civil, criminal, and business law. Alan donates his expertise, time, and money to the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF). Under Brenda Rider's encouragement, Alan has become an accomplished poet and song writer. Recently his song "How'd Ya Get To Hyder" ( The "Gift" of Giving (March 2006), page 38) was featured in a TV documentary of Hyder Alaska. Alan's latest songwriting adventure, "Dumb as Dillon" was put to music by Brenda Rider, sung by Mike Talanca, and published in December 2007. He has generously donated the song and all proceeds to the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. When he gets a chance, Alan pursues his other passion: sports. He is a fan of Ohio State football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Cleveland Indians. Return to top

		DOROTHY MATTSON Dorothy retired from the Tallmadge Police Department after more than 30 years of service. With her liberated time, she became an important part of A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. Dorothy volunteers her time to assist with the annual Charity Golf Scramble and various auctions. In between events, Dorothy puts her editing skills to use, assisting the Foundation's publication efforts by keeping the grammar and spelling up to standard. Dorothy is a passionate fan of the Foundation's projects and in whatever task she does, she leaves a lasting trail of uplifting enthusiasm. Return to top

		*KAREN STILGENBAUER* Born in Canton Ohio, Karen was a professional singer and dancer before she married and had children. She performed with the Canton Playhouse for several years. She has three children and four granddaughters, the "Light" of her life. She's worked as an office manager for over 25 years at Glorious Homes, Inc. She's a volunteer at the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF) and Relay For Life. Among her other tasks, Karen keeps everyone up to date as the information coordinator for the R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir. Her hobbies include her grandchildren and whatever they are involved with, music, dancing, and watching football. Return to top

Elissa Matthews, drew this "Flower of Hope" when she was 5 years old and a member of the R.O.C.c.K. Children's Choir. The drawing was published in the book The "Gift" of Giving (March 2006), page 35. Elissa also wrote the poem, "The Rocck Choir", on page 11.		JANEEN WILLIAMS From childhood, music and charity has always been a part of Janeen's life. Janeen, with her brothers Eric and James McClenand, performed as children in church and for every and any worthwhile cause. Through the years she and her brothers have done numerous concerts to raise money for many local causes. They truly have a gift and share it with the world. It was through her work as a committee person for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life that Janeen first met Brenda Rider. As a result of their collaboration, Janeen recorded Brenda's first song called "Rainbow of Ribbons." Today Janeen is still a professional singer and songwriter. Working together, Janeen and Brenda created the Foundation and the R.O.C.c.K Children's Choir. In another joint project, Janeen and Brenda designed the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. logo of the guitar, ribbon and plume --- tying together all they hoped to accomplish with this foundation. Janeen continues her charity work with Life Banc, an organ donation company, and Weight Watchers, again helping others in a difficult time. Although Janeen is currently between cities, her heart and voice is with the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. Janeen is married to the Reverend Mark Williams and has two grown children, Andrew and Janna. Return to top

	Chris Yambar at launch of new LIVEMAXX™ cancer survivor comic book. Courtesy Tasha Agustin	*CHRISTOPHER YAMBAR* Chris Yambar is an internationally-recognized author, artist, and comic character creator who has been enthusiastically supportive of Brenda Rider and the A Way With Words Foundation, Inc.'s work with cancer survivors. As a sponsor of the Foundation, Chris created the LIFEMAXX™ and related cancer-survivor-story comic book characters. With the help of graphic artist George Broderick, Jr., Chris launched the first copies of the new comic book concept in November 2007. He has just increased the level of his involvement with the Foundation by becoming a new Board Member in January 2008. View his full biographical statement on the LIFEMAXX™ Headquarters site at http://www.lifemaxxhq.org/bios.htm Return to top

A Way With Words Foundation, Inc. (AWWWF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 foundation dedicated to raising money for cancer research and for the support of kids touched by cancer. All donations are tax deductible.

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Page updated 25 March 2010 ca