To Zoom or not to Zoom?

For WCA, there was no question!

By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator

Six months ago, if you heard the term "Zoom," would you have known what it meant? Was it a verb? An adjective? Perhaps a simple noun? We can Zoom; we can attend a Zoom meeting; and we can watch a presentation through Zoom. The term might have been unfamiliar to us six months ago, yet today Zoom is an integral part of our everyday lives.

In mid-March, due to COVID- 19, all events and programs suddenly ground to a halt. Yet not even this unprecedented pandemic could deter WCA from meeting its goal of bringing like-minded women together through programming that offers something for everyone. WCA’s leadership understood the necessity for change. (Change with a capital C!) We jumped in full force and quickly took advantage of this new communication technology called “Zoom.” By April, several WCA programs were being offered virtually. With Federation’s help, WCA secured three Zoom accounts, so three virtual programs could occur simultaneously.

The learning curve was quick—well, more so for some than for others—but soon, many of us became full-fledged Zoomers! And what are some of the benefits of using this newly honed skill? From the comfort of any room in your home, you can listen to fascinating speakers and discuss plays, books and even New Yorker articles. You can show off your creative stitchery projects and share your memoirs. We can even enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal together from anywhere in the world!

In extolling the virtues of holding her book discussions through Zoom, Sue Bookbinder, liaison for WCA’s Contemporary Fiction group, commented, “Most women really seem to like meeting through Zoom. They don’t have to travel to the session, they can call in from their northern homes and they don’t even have to wear shoes!”

(I, for one, have been known to throw a pretty top over my comfy old sweats.) Simply run a comb through your hair, maybe slap on some lipstick, and voila, everyone is ready to Zoom!

Thanks to Zoom, many of our most popular interest groups—including several book groups, Let’s Knit and Stitch, Ted Talks, the New Yorker, Modern Playwrights and Single Girlfriends, to name a few—are meeting regularly and fulfilling an important need in our lives. Barbara Karp, a WCA Board Member and longtime co-facilitator of Let’s Knit and Stitch, commented, “Since COVID-19 began, WCA has been a lifeline. I am really busy.”

In future articles, you will have a chance to read about the impact that Zoom is having on WCA North and WCA South as well as on many of WCA’s interest groups. Read on to catch up on what is happening with our Speaker Series and some of the advantages resulting from using Zoom.

Pamela Mitchell sharing the history of women’s suffrage

The WCA Speakers Series

One of WCA’s signature programs, the WCA Speakers Series has continually offered our membership educational and entertaining programs across a broad spectrum of topics, including the arts, health, current events and the environment.

Susan Koeppel, Speaker Series Coordinator, commented, “This spring, we faced a significant challenge as we considered the impact the pandemic would have on this hallmark program. How might we adapt? We made lemonade from lemons. . . the program became virtual!”

Susan explained that now that WCA is using Zoom, she can invite speakers from throughout the country—they no longer have to be in Southwest Florida. And she can accommodate a larger audience as it is no longer necessary to limit the number of participants to available chairs: no more waiting lists!

WCA snowbirds are now able to “Zoom into” the Speaker Series from throughout the country and Canada. In addition, Zoom has provided us the opportunity to share and join programs of interest offered by MCA (Men’s Cultural Alliance).

“Our membership has enthusiastically embraced the virtual format with record participation and commitment," Susan added.

With the technical assistance of Elaine Soffer, Robin Mintz and Ann Cowen, and through the “magic of Zoom,” our virtual speaker series debuted in May. To ensure an auspicious kickoff, Susan tapped into the wealth of WCA "family" talent. Tony award-winning producer Eva Price, daughter of Judith Price, brought us up to date with “What’s Happening on Broadway.”

Impressive follow-up speakers included Hollywood producer/writer Allison Intrieri, daughter of Marcia Malone; award-winning casting director Jamibeth Margolis, daughter of Ida Margolis; and higher education specialist Carolyn Sorkin, PhD, daughter of Nancy Kahn. WCA Member Ellen Katz regaled us with “Mamma Mia” and Board Member Dina Shein educated us about the Jews of Bukhara.

Local political guru Sandy Parker helped us understand Florida government and the August primaries. Therapist and educator Dianne Durante showed us how to choose joy in challenging times. And, journalist Todd Franko spoke on Report for America, an organization supporting local journalism.

Andrew Douglas, PhD, Senior Director of the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, discussed “What Happened to Hollywood,” and author Helene Berger shared her family’s journey in “Choosing Joy: Alzheimer’s: A Book of Hope.” Pam Mitchell celebrated women’s suffrage through her presentation, “Failure is Impossible.” We enjoyed many more outstanding speakers throughout the summer.

The 2020-2021 season began in September, with presentations by local news anchor Rachel Pierce and financial advisor Adria Starkey. October highlights will include Middle East expert Steven Derfler and author Karna Bodman, who parlayed her White House experience into a literary career. And this is just a sampling of our speakers! Check the weekly e-blast to see who has been added to our lineup.

Susan Koeppel is always looking for engaging speakers, so please share your suggestions with her. (Many of our speakers are recommended by WCA members.) In addition to our own WCA programs, our weekly eblast lists a host of other offerings available through Zoom.

To Zoom or not to Zoom? There should be no question! Definitely Zoom, as WCA continues to educate and entertain us while further strengthening your connection to our WCA “Community of Friendship.”