JEWISH FEDERATION
WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE
May 2022
Federation Star
21
www.wcanaples.org / 518.852.3440
WCA is building a community of friendship By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator
W
(credit: Nate Lane Photography)
e a l l k n ow h ow important friends are! As Rabbi Susan Nanus emphasized at our virtual Community of Friendship event in February, “Friendship is a necessity for a meaningful and happy life.” One of the greatest gifts of WCA membership is the many opportunities to meet other women. With so many new arrivals in Southwest Florida, WCA’s wide variety of interest groups, Susan Pittleman and Susan Pittelman finally met, programs and special events prothanks to WCA. Wendy Cohen and Jane Schiff reconnected at a WCA event. vide members multiple ways to to Camp Beber in Wisconsin and ended Bonita Arts connect with other women. Last summer, up at the University of Miami. Hilary Center by WCA formed a Young Women’s Division, and I met in fall 2018, when our daughsending my to help women 60 years old and younger ters ran into each other at Bed Bath & check to meet and develop friendships. Beyond. Hillary and I discovered that a We n d y Members often share surprising Naples was a common denominator for Cohen. and serendipitous stories of how WCA us. She had recently moved to Naples, She and I has facilitated connecting with old and I was dating someone from Naples. exchanged friends. Enjoy reading some of these We were both excited, as neither of us a few emails WCA “coincidences” that rekindled or knew anyone in Naples, so we made about the sparked friendships. dinner plans. Then COVID hit. Fast event. WCA President Patti Boochever told forward 2½ years … I got engaged, “On the me that when she was reviewing who was which meant spending a lot more time appointed coming to a New Member Coffee last in Naples without knowing anyone, and evening, year, she spotted the name of a former I joined WCA. Then, thanks to Shelly I drove to neighbor who had moved away years Patti Boochever (right) spotted her former member’s name, Bell, WCA started the Younger Women’s the Bonita ago. Patti explained that she had no idea Division. At the first event, a dinner in fall Arts Center, Cheryl Ginsburg (left) on the list for a WCA New Member Coffee. Cheryl Ginsburg had moved to Naples. of 2021, Hilary came up to me and said having no idea where the class was being mutual friend Davie? That Wendy The two old friends (and carpool moms) that she thinks we know each other. The held. As I roamed the center, I became Monroe? I looked closely and yes, it was quickly reconnected. rest is history!” anxious as it was well after the starting that Wendy Monroe. With huge relief, New member Patty Chodosh moved Dana added, “I have met several time. Eventually, I found the proper room I knew I was in the right place.” to Naples not knowing anyone. She women through WCA Younger Division, and, still feeling very uptight, entered I personally am indebted to WCA explained, “Prior to experiencing my first where there’s only one or two degrees the room and looked around. Everyone for helping me connect with the “Pittlewinter as a snowbird from Minnesota, of separation — kids, college, mutual was already busily working on their man clan” from Washington D.C. When it was suggested that I join the WCA. friends. I love that about the Jewish combracelets, and I knew I was very late. Shellie Specter coordinated the WCA Imagine my surprise when I received a munity! Before joining WCA, I didn’t “I stood, somewhat frozen in place. Membership Directory several years ago, message from a long-lost friend from 30 know anyone. But now, I’ve met some A woman came up to me and, with she called to tell me that there was another years ago that read, ‘I just saw the WCA wonderful women and have a terrific warm familiarity, said, ‘Hi! Jane.’ Susan Pittelman! I had known that she birthday list with your name. Could it group of friends in Naples!” I know I looked like a deer caught in had existed, but I had no idea that Susan be?’ Thanks to WCA, we have plans to Federation Board Chair Jane Schiff the highlights and she then said, ‘I’m and her husband were in Naples! We meet and rekindle our friendship. WCA has her own entertaining story! She Wendy Cohen.’ I said ‘Hi, nice to meet have gotten together many times and are not only has wonderful programs, but relayed, “I arrived in Bonita Springs you.’ She said ‘Jane, you know me, I’m thrilled to have cousins, albeit distant also brings women together in the most knowing only one person other than my Wendy Monroe.’ What went through my ones, in Naples. unusual ways.” husband. Calling Federation, I was led head was, Wendy Monroe from Maryland As one new member so aptly expressed Dana Strull shared a story about to WCA and went to a few events and Avenue Public School, which I left in at a WCA New Member Coffee, how she and Hilary Marks reconmet some lovely women. I signed up for fifth grade to go a different school? “I have finally found my groove with nected through WCA Younger Division. a WCA bracelet-making lesson at the Wendy Monroe, who I hung out with our this group.” Dana explained, “Our kids both went
“Find YOUR Groove”
in WCA’s Community of Friendship If you are not already a member, JOIN today. If you are a member, RENEW your dues now. Visit WCAnaples.org and click on MEMBERSHiP. Your membership will be good through August 2023
QUESTIONS? Contact Membership Director Harriett Kleinman at hmkleinman@gmail.com
