June 3, 2020
THE PALM AIRE WOMEN’S CLUB HAS "ZOOMED" INTO ACTION.
Unfortunately, the coronavirus struck our country and our community. All the carefully made plans came to a screeching halt. With its arrival, the April Scholarship Luncheon had to be cancelled. Members missed meeting the outstanding scholarship recipients. They were unable to personally wish them success in their college careers.
The May Charity luncheon also fell victim to the pandemic. Members have always enjoyed the presentation of PAWC Charity grants to the 7 very worthy nonprofit organizations, enabling them to see how their hard work and fundraising supports and impacts the community. Checks totaling $6,500 will be still be mailed to Baby Basics of Sarasota County, Dollar Dynasty, Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County, Mothers Helping Mothers, Second Chance, Last Opportunity and The Suncoast Institute on Chemical Dependency with our congratulations.
The April Board Meeting was another victim of the virus. Enter the tech revolution of ZOOM to the rescue. The PAWC started conducting virtual meetings thanks to Debi Frock, who helped the Board learn this new method. The meeting was conducted from homes via computer and worked quite well. The success was noted by all.
Another dilemma cropped up; the election of officers mandated to be held at our April Luncheon. Enter another tech solution - voting by email, thanks to Judi Bouchard and Michelle Crabtree. Our membership responded and voted via computer to elect the 2020/2021 officers: President, Carolann Garafola, Vice President, Mary Beth Rempp, Recording Secretary, Susan Romine, Corresponding Secretary, Kim Lege and Treasurer, Ivonne Cardona.
Since the new board was elected, the next problem to be addressed was the traditional installation ceremony. Again, Debi Frock and ZOOM came to the rescue. The new board was installed in a "zoomed" candlelit ceremony on May 8. Many members showed off their computer skills as they watched the ceremony unfold. Congratulations and best wishes to the new board.
Although the 2019/2020 season did not go as planned, our new Vice President, Mary Beth Rempp is busily planning for the 2020/2021 season. She is planning for a return to normalcy, working on exciting and interesting programs. Hopefully, large gatherings will no longer be a problem and members can safely meet in support of each other and the community. Mary Beth and our elected officers are working to determine possible solutions to the issue of large gatherings. They will approach the situation with the same determination, dedication, and enthusiasm the PAWC is known for. They are doing their best to keep everyone safe in the age of Covid-19.
Remember, PAWC membership is open year-round and is not limited to Palm Aire Country Club members. For more information please see the PAWC website www.palm-airewomensclub.org or contact the new membership chair, Susan Pulver at susan.pulver@verizon.net. Please send your $40 membership check to PAWC / CO Susan Pulver, 5305 Creekside Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243. This check funds our scholarships and helps continue the 20-year PAWC tradition.
Please remember to check your emails for further notices about the PAWC and its activities, including our new virtual “ZOOM” Mix and Mingles. But most importantly, we need all our members to keep safe and stay healthy. We are looking forward to seeing you in the near future. As always, your continued support will be essential.
Michelle Crabtree installs Carolann Garafola as the new President of the Palm Aire Women's Club..
PAWC members watch via ZOOM as the 2020/2021 board is installed in a candlelit ceremony.