12
Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
October 2020
WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE
www.WCANaples.org / 215.820.6697
To Zoom or not to Zoom? For WCA, there was no question!
By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator
S
ix 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. Jamibeth Margolis talking about the In mid-March, due to COVIDstatus of Broadway 19, all events and programs suddenly ground to a halt. Yet not even this The WCA Speakers Series unprecedented pandemic could deter One of WCA’s signature programs, WCA from meeting its goal of bringing the WCA Speakers Series has continulike-minded women together through ally offered our membership educational programming that offers something for and entertaining programs across a everyone. WCA’s leadership understood broad spectrum of topics, including the necessity for change. (Change with a the arts, health, current events and capital C!) We jumped in full force and the environment. quickly took advantage of this new comSusan Koeppel, Speaker Series Coordimunication technology called “Zoom.” nator, commented, “This spring, we faced By April, several WCA programs were a significant challenge as we considered being offered virtually. With Federathe impact the pandemic would have on tion’s help, WCA secured three Zoom this hallmark program. How might we accounts, so three virtual programs could adapt? We made lemonade from lemons. occur simultaneously. . . the program became virtual!” The learning curve was quick—well, Susan explained that now that WCA is more so for some than for others—but using Zoom, she can invite speakers from soon, many of us became full-fledged throughout the country—they no longer Zoomers! And what are some of the benhave to be in Southwest Florida. And she efits of using this newly honed skill? From can accommodate a larger audience as it is the comfort of any room in your home, no longer necessary to limit the number of you can listen to fascinating speakers participants to available chairs: no more and discuss plays, books and even New waiting lists! Yorker articles. You can show off your WCA snowbirds are now able to creative stitchery projects and share your “Zoom into” the Speaker Series from memoirs. We can even enjoy a cup of throughout the country and Canada. coffee or a meal together from anywhere In addition, Zoom has provided us the in the world! opportunity to share and join programs In extolling the virtues of holding of interest offered by MCA (Men’s her book discussions through Zoom, Cultural Alliance). Sue Bookbinder, liaison for WCA’s Con“Our membership has enthusiastitemporary Fiction group, commented, cally embraced the virtual format with “Most women really seem to like meeting record participation and commitment," through Zoom. They don’t have to travel Susan added. to the session, they can call in from their With the technical assistance of Elaine northern homes and they don’t even have Soffer, Robin Mintz and Ann Cowen, to wear shoes!” and through the “magic of Zoom,” our (I, for one, have been known to throw virtual speaker series debuted in May. a pretty top over my comfy old sweats.) To ensure an auspicious kickoff, Susan Simply run a comb through your hair, tapped into the wealth of WCA "family" maybe slap on some lipstick, and voila, talent. Tony award-winning producer Eva everyone is ready to Zoom! Price, daughter of Judith Price, brought Thanks to Zoom, many of our most us up to date with “What’s Happening popular interest groups—including sevon Broadway.” eral book groups, Let’s Knit and Stitch, Impressive follow-up speakers included Ted Talks, the New Yorker, Modern PlayHollywood producer/writer Allison wrights and Single Girlfriends, to name a Intrieri, daughter of Marcia Malone; few—are meeting regularly and fulfilling award-winning casting director Jamibeth an important need in our lives. Barbara Margolis, daughter of Ida Margolis; Karp, a WCA Board Member and longand higher education specialist Carolyn time co-facilitator of Let’s Knit and Stitch, Sorkin, PhD, daughter of Nancy Kahn. commented, “Since COVID-19 began, WCA Member Ellen Katz regaled us WCA has been a lifeline. I am really busy.” with “Mamma Mia” and Board Member In future articles, you will have a Dina Shein educated us about the Jews chance to read about the impact that of Bukhara. Zoom is having on WCA North and Local political guru Sandy Parker WCA South as well as on many of WCA’s helped us understand Florida government interest groups. Read on to catch up on and the August primaries. Therapist and what is happening with our Speaker Series educator Dianne Durante showed us how and some of the advantages resulting from to choose joy in challenging times. And, using Zoom. journalist Todd Franko spoke on Report
Pamela Mitchell sharing the history of women’s suffrage 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.”
WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE
Women’s Cultural Alliance
2020-2021 MEMBERSHIP FORM
The membership year is from September 1 until August 31 of the next year. Dues received after March 1 will be applied to the next season. Please check one: NEW RENEWAL (PLEASE fill out the form completely and PRINT CLEARLY!) Is there a change in your information from last year? YES NO
W C A
If you checked NO, just LEGIBLY print your name, fill in payment info, sign Event Waiver below, and mail to WCA/JFGN.
Print Name Spouse/Partner Name Email (very important) Local Street Address FL Community City State Florida Phone Cell Phone Northern Address No. Phone City State Zip In Southwest Florida Full-time Part-time from to
Zip
NAME BADGES: New Members receive a one-time name badge as a welcome gift from WCA/JFGN. Returning Members: If you need a new or replacement name badge, please increase your fee by $8.
Print your name as you want it to appear on the badge MEMBERSHIP DUES: $90 (US Funds only, Minimum for the year; includes membership to the JFGN):____ $ I am also including a voluntary donation to the Federation in the amount of: _ $ I am including $8 for a replacement Name Badge: __ $ Total enclosed or authorized: __ $ I will be paying by check. Please make your check payable to JFGN/WCA.
90.00
I will be paying by credit card. Card Number Expiration Date
Name on Card
CVV
Mail this SIGNED form (with your check or credit card number) to: WCA/Jewish Federation of Greater Naples 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples, FL 34109 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.
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 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 Alliance, 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.
Signature ________________________________________________Date ____________ *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.
For more information contact Membership Director Harriett Kleinman at hmkleinman@gmail.com 2020-21
