https://bigweck.com/podcasts/in-our-community-with-penny-wolfgang?play_file=129945
Buffalo
Fall Semester, 2022
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9/21 Niagara University Dr. Dana Radatz Intimate Partner Violence
9/27 University at Buffalo School of Law – Family Violence/Women’s Rights Clinic
10/18-19 Hobart & William Smith Colleges Dr. Jim Sutton President’s Reception, Evening Lecture & Deviance Class
10/27 Haven House Webinar via Zoom
11/1 Official Release of “Finding Krissy” & Reception
11/9 University at Buffalo School of Social Work Dr. Rob Keefe Human Behavior Class
11/10 Twentieth Century Club of Buffalo
11/22 University at Buffalo School of Social Work Dr. Noelle St. Vil Human Behavior Class
11/25 Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy
11/30 University at Buffalo School of Social Work Dr. Chris St. Vil Human Behavior Class
12/21 “On Target with Penny Wolfgang” WGR550 Talk
On Target with Penny Wolfgang
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In Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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New Book Release
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That’s where we find Krissy, in this much anticipated sequel to Leaving Dorian; having survived one full day outside of Dorian’s grasp, wondering what comes next. The journey that follows spans twenty years. A second marriage becomes the mechanism through which Krissy attempts to navigate her trauma and repair her forever broken heart. Being forced to manage an abusive ex-husband who quickly learns to weaponize law enforcement, the family court system and even his own children, only compounds the undiagnosed CPTSD that weighs so heavily on her narrow shoulders for more than a decade. And while the duty of motherhood shapes nearly every aspect of her life, the need to reach out to women who have also suffered at the hands of men who claim to love them eventually becomes a catalyst of change.
Finding Krissy: A Memoir of Survival is all at once eloquent, fierce and heart-breaking. More than just ‘the rest of the story’, Finding Krissy is Linda Dynel’s impassioned plea: “For anyone who’s ever given their power away – reclaim yourself”.
Fall Semester 2021
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September 3/October 5 – University at Buffalo School of Law, with Professor Judith Olin
October 7 – Niagara University, with Dr. Dana Radatz – Domestic Violence class
October 19 – Finding Our Voices Book Club, with Patrisha McClean
November 9 – University at Buffalo School of Social Work, with Dr. Rob Keefe – Human Behavior class
November 23 – UB School of Social Work, Drs. Noelle & Chris St. Vil – Human Behavior
December 8 – Featured in Niagara Falls, NY Zonta “16 Days of Activism” Campaign
December 13 – Wilson High School, After School Dating Violence Prevention Program
December 21 – Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy, Niagara County Community College
It’s Time: Remove O.J. From The Wall of Fame
StandardIt’s about time and I, for one, am here for it. Thank you Rep. Burke for stepping up. Long past due that this garbage-human was removed from our collective conscience.
“A state lawmaker from South Buffalo is calling on Terry and Kim Pegula to remove the name of O.J. Simpson from the Wall of Fame at Highmark Stadium. In a letter to the Pegulas, Assemblyman Patrick Burke said Simpson’s character disqualifies him from the right to be recognized alongside the likes of former player Bob Kalsu, who was killed in action in the Vietnam War, and The 12th Man, the affectionate name given to honor the team’s loyal fan base.” Read the article in it’s entirety:
Spring Semester 2020
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Though Spring semester ended well before it was supposed to thanks to COVID19, I was busier than ever! I was so fortunate to be invited to work more than a dozen dates with The Erie County DV High Risk Team at Spectrum Mental Health Services, Best Self Behavioral, as well as for Assigned Counsel with the Erie County Court System. I also started working with The University at Buffalo Law School, and of course made my way out *very* early one morning to speak with Health classes at Hamburg High School 🙂 The most disappointing part of the semester was not being able to complete all of the dates scheduled. Hilbert College was cancelled completely, as was my trip out to Western Michigan University 
Even my Skype session with students at Loyola University at New Orleans ended up needing to be cancelled. On the upside, we all figured out how to conduct really productive Zoom meetings and I even got to meet Sunny the Therapy Dog!
One perk to COVID19? I suddenly have plenty of time to work on my new book, the sequel to Leaving Dorian. I’ve also decided to do an audio book, of sorts. It will be *free* and will be made available within the next couple of weeks. The formal announcement for that will be posted on all of my social media Monday, March 30.
There’s always a silver lining, ladies and gentlemen; you just need to be willing to look for it. Or as Dolly is fond of saying, “You don’t get the rainbow without a little rain.”
Spring Semester 2018
StandardIt was a looooooong semester!!
Staff Development program at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, NY. ### Mt. St. Mary’s is part of the Western New York Catholic Health System, so there were Sisters in attendance. ### I’m well aware that Religious work at the hospital doing a variety of jobs. I *should have known* that there would be Religious in attendance … and yet … I didn’t even consider it. ***Sigh*** At various times during my presentation, I repeat off color words that were spoken to me Awkward But the Sisters took it all in stride, as did the entirety of the staff 🙂 I was happy to have everyone from administrators to nurses (still in their surgical scrubs!) in attendance, as well as reps from Neighborhood Legal Services in Buffalo and UB School of Social Work.
Working with the Niagara County Sheriff’s Victims Assistance Unit inside the Niagara County jail, women’s facility. Half peer mentoring, half book club, the program involves an advocate and I going in and chatting with the women about tackling life after surviving domestic violence.
I had a podium for this one 🙂 Woohoo!! I love it when I’m not just thrown into a room with a bunch of people, kinda just hangin’ out up there … notes in hand Seriously, though, it was a small but important event and I was honored to be asked to speak.
Making the paper (or two) is always interesting, because you can never be sure how the photos will turn out. I’ve been doing this long enough now that I feel comfortable speaking up if I’m unsure or uncomfortable with how a shot is being composed. When I asked veteran photographer Jim Neiss if he *really* thought that someone who wrote a book about being a victim should be standing in what looks like a power position while everyone else is sitting (including the Sheriff… which made me even MORE uncomfortable), he looked at me with a totally straight face and said, “I get the feeling you’re no shrinking flower… ” and continued to compose the shot. Well! *blush* Of course he was spot on, and the picture looked great 🙂 Thanks, Jim!
On Saturday, April 7, I spoke at the “Dress for What’s Next” event at the University at Buffalo School of Law. This free, all day event for survivors of domestic violence was put on by an all-volunteer team of UB Law School students. Daycare and lunch were provided for women and their children and there was even a therapy dog on site 🖤 Meditation and self-defense classes were offered, support and referral information was provided and there was even an opportunity for the ladies to do a little “gently used” clothes shopping👗👠👜 Impressive from beginning to end and I was absolutely honored to be asked to be a part of it!
“Purple is our color”
Clothes Closet. Women could “shop” for business ans casual clothes. This is an incredibly important opportunity, as there are times that women lee an unsafe home with only the clothes on their backs. It’s also a fantastic way for them to access nearly new business attire. They will look great and feel confident when they venture out into the job market!
Beautifully decorated for the ladies luncheon!
Explaining the years of nonsense and difficulties I went through AFTER my divorce.
Talking about the GIANT microwave I was gifted from a dear friend when I rented my first apartment after my divorce.
“Leaving Dorian” is used as required text by the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University. Just like with any college level course, once the students read the book, I go in and spend a couple of hours answering their questions and fielding comments.
I was happy to be invited to stay and watch the recruits of the 68th Police Academy run through some DV role play.
Yes, it was “pretend”, but it was still unnerving to watch.
The ladies of the Niagara County Sheriff’s Victim’s Assistance Unit were fantastic in acting out real life scenarios that the recruits will definitely be facing once they’re sworn and out in the field.
There were points that I could feel myself wanting to cry. Silly, right? Nope, not when you’re sitting there and you realize what these recruits are actually signing up for.
After watching those two hours of role play, I have an entirely different perspective on the unique position that officers are in every day. I will never forget this group.
I submitted it as an op-ed but ended up with a feature spot. Nice!
Spent a lengthy lunch hour talking DV and related topics with attorneys and advocates. These ladies (and one gentleman) had great questions and were a lot of fun to work with.
April is my anniversary month; eighteen years ago in April, I escaped my abusive husband. Spending the day in Hamburg (the town that I ran away to) delivering Dating Abuse Awareness classes to 9/10 grade and college credit Health classes at Hamburg High School was amazing. A full circle moment for me, to be sure!
Linda Dynel 