14
Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
November 2020
www.WCANaples.org / 215.820.6697
WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE
Use the “Zoom highway” to connect with WCA North and WCA South By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator
T
he wide range of cultural and social programs, as well as the warmth and comradery that is an integral part of every program, helps to define WCA. Years ago, to make it more convenient for members to reap these benefits, WCA formed two “satellite” groups — one for women who live north of Naples (into southern Lee County) and one for members who live south of Naples (down to Marco Island). All WCA members benefited, as the fabulous programs offered by these two satellite groups are open to everyone. Although COVID-19 forced us to stop meeting in person, both WCA North and WCA South have been successfully using Zoom, not only to educate and entertain our members, but also to keep them connected. WCA South, under the leadership of South Coordinators Leslie Wasserman and Cathy Lone-Dawson, kicked off its sixth season of programming on Oct. 21 with a virtual “Inaugural Luncheon.” WCA North, led by Coordinator Dina Shein, has been using Zoom for months. With all WCA members able to easily “Zoom into” programs and interest groups from wherever they are, more members are looking into WCA North and WCA South’s offerings, an unanticipated, but extremely positive, benefit of going virtual. And when they do, they certainly aren’t disappointed!
Next month’s Federation Star article will focus on WCA South and the exciting events being offered. Read about the wonderful WCA North programs below.
discussions are based on these points. (The list of films is on the sidebar of the WCA e-blast.) Between 30 and 40 women have been participating in this relatively new program.
WCA North dates back to 2012
Ladies who brunch
This satellite was born Traditionally, this when Corkscrew Cocogroup met at various nut Consortium (CCC) restaurants in southModern Israeli Movies address the “Ten Points to Ponder“ was formed to better ern Lee County on serve members who live the second Friday of WCA North has brought a variety in southern Lee County. In 2014, when each month. The women still “meet,” of new and exciting activities to WCA, Elaine Soffer became WCA President, the but now through Zoom. Each month, attended not only by women who live group was renamed WCA North. Under between 12 and 24 women participate. north of Naples, but also by our general the guidance of WCA North CoordinaMarilyn Harris, who organizes the group, membership. WCA North has about tor, Dina Shein, and her dedicated board, explains that Ladies Who Brunch gives 500 women on its list and about one-third WCA North flourished. women an opportunity to chat and of those women live in Naples. The 12 talented and creative women share experiences. When the pandemic struck, North who comprise the WCA North board “No one really wants to discuss a hardly missed a beat — as soon as the include Patti Boochever, Diane Carel, specific topic. We really just want the Federation established Zoom accounts, Diane Greene, Andrea Goodman, opportunity to “be” with each other. WCA North transitioned its programMarilyn Harris, Susan Krohn, June Zoom gives us the ability to stay conming into online offerings. Kruger, Susy Payne, Laurie Rapport, nected. I am so glad that we can do this,” Shein explains, “We had a wide Harriet Schweitzer, Jackie Sherman and says Harris. range of programming planned and Denise Sultan. immediately embraced the opportunity “What makes the board so successful WCA North’s mahjong to use Zoom to continue all of our fabuis that, while each woman concentrates This group used to gather at Grandezza lous programming! A bonus is that we on a special area of interest, board memevery Wednesday to eat lunch and play. have ladies from all over the U.S. and bers truly support each other,” says Shein. “Since COVID-19,” says group Canada attending.” organizer Andrea Goodman, “most of Some of the most popular WCA us having been playing online through WOMEN’S North programs are described below. CULTURAL the app “Real Mahjong,” staying on our ALLIANCE cellphones so we can talk. These games WCA North are not officially organized through WCA Book Discussion North, but even some of our members Women’s Cultural Alliance Led by Shein, WCA North Book Diswho are up north are playing.” Goodman 2020-2021 MEMBERSHIP FORM The membership year is from September 1 until August 31 of the next year. cussion has met monthly on the fourth adds, “While it is fun, I can’t wait until Dues received after March 1 will be applied to the next season. Thursday of the month for several years, we will all be together again—and I hope Please check one: NEW RENEWAL (PLEASE fill out the form completely and PRINT CLEARLY!) gathering at Grandezza for lunch and a that it is sooner rather than later.” Is there a change in your information from last year? YES NO If you checked NO, just LEGIBLY print your name, fill in payment info, sign Event Waiver below, and mail to WCA/JFGN. book discussion. They are still meeting, Several WCA North activities, howPrint Name Spouse/Partner Name but now through Zoom. Shein explains ever, have been put on hold for now, Email (very important) that using Zoom allows more women including canasta games and lessons. Local Street Address FL Community to participate. Due to space limitations Jackie Sherman, who has been teaching City State Zip at Grandezza, participation was limited canasta for three years, said that she will Florida Phone Cell Phone and there was a waitlist. again schedule lessons when women Northern Address No. Phone “With Zoom, we can now include City State Zip are comfortable getting together. As an In Southwest Florida Full-time Part-time from to up to 35 women,” says Shein, “allowaside, Sherman mentioned that she is NAME BADGES: New Members receive a one-time name badge as a welcome gift from WCA/JFGN. ing for an invigorating discussion, yet really enjoying Zooming into the WCA Returning Members: If you need a new or replacement name badge, please increase your fee by 8. still having time for each woman to Speaker Series! Print your name as you want it to appear on the badge express her thoughts.” (The list of book June Krueger typically arranges theater MEMBERSHIP DUES: 90 (US Funds only, Minimum for the year; includes membership to the JFGN):____ $ 90.00 selections is on the sidebar of the WCA outings during the season, and other I am also including a voluntary donation to the Federation in the amount of: _ $ weekly e-blast.) I am including $8 for a replacement Name Badge: __ $ board members schedule a variety of Total enclosed or authorized: __ $ activities and special events throughout I will be paying by check. Please make your check payable to JFGN/WCA. Sharing Shakespeare the year. I will be paying by credit card. Card Number Expiration Date Name on Card CVV Led by Diane Carel, Sharing Shakespeare But as Shein says, “For now, those Mail this SIGNED form (with your check or credit card number) to: was one of North’s most popular groups. will have to wait until after COVID-19. WCA/Jewish Federation of Greater Naples When Carel decided to take the year We are moving along — there is always 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples, FL 34109 off, the Tuesday afternoon time slot was something happening on Zoom! And I I would like to VOLUNTEER my services/expertise and would be willing to chair or co-chair an activity on the following topic or topics. immediately filled by Modern Israeli am certainly open to suggestions.” Movies. The group still meets the second So, grab your calendar and check the Tuesday of the month, but now they meet e-blast for WCA programs occurring EVENT PARTICIPATION WAIVER. By signing below, I accept the terms of this waiver. As a participant in a WCA event,* I, acting for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns agree as on Zoom. Instead of watching the movie in WCA North and WCA South. All follows: That I waive all rights, claims and/or causes of action of any kind whatsoever that I or my heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns may claim to have against either the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, and/or the Women’s Cultural together, women watch it beforehand. WCA members are welcome to particiAlliance, their members, agents, servants, and/or employees, for any loss, injury, or damage sustained by me while participating in a WCA event. This waiver and release shall be construed broadly under the Laws of the State of Florida. Shein, who facilitates the group with Luba pate. After you register, simply “click” to Rotsztain, sends participants information Signature ________________________________________________Date ____________ enter the “Zoom highway” and enjoy about how to access the movie along your destination! For more information contact Membership Director Harriett Kleinman at hmkleinman@gmail.com with “ten points to ponder.” The group’s
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*Note: Certain higher risk events such as athletic activities or trips require an enhanced waiver to be signed. Contact your activity’s director for more information.
2020-21
