There are so many seasons to be grateful for each year, but I look forward to and just love Fall the most. Beautiful colored leaves, apple picking, pumpkin carving, bonfires, crisp cool air, walks in the colorful woods, hayrides, hoodies, boots and of course Pumpkin Spice everything! As we move toward turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, I wish each and every one of you a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. May the trials of this year lessen as we think about the blessings we have in our lives.
“If you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself. Something to repair the tears in your community. Something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That’s what I think a meaningful life is-living not for oneself, but for one’s community”. —Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
When I found this quote, I just knew this was the one I wanted to share with you for November. As the President of this or any organization, people come up to you and say what wonderful things you are doing. Over and over again I tell everyone…nope, it’s not me…it’s the wonderful people I am blessed to work with. The Woman’s Club of West Deptford has never stopped this year, Pandemic or not, we as a club have made such a great difference in our community. Thank you from everyone who has approached me…they all know it was all of you!
Let me share of few things our fantastic club ladies have done in the last month. As I referenced last month, Chris T., Linda M. and Carol M. met to work on how we could help families during the holiday season. Because of all of you, the ladies have figured out a way to help three families for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Covid-19 did not stop this club from helping those in need. Linda M is totally on top of making sure that the families will have what they need to have a perfect Thanksgiving. As of this writing, I have not heard if any turkeys have been donated, so if you can donate one, let Linda M., Chris T. or Carol M. know. They will definitely take them.
Your Executive Board has also been busy. They discuss at every board meeting different ideas to share with you and ways to help, not only our members but the community as well. Our 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President are my right hand and are constantly coming up with excellent ideas. Linda J. is not only our 1st VP but also is Co-Chair with Peggy G. on the Arts Creative Committee. Linda J. is instrumental in making cards for our teachers and veterans as well as heading CIP where we continue to help our teachers during this pandemic. This past week, because of their efforts and that of others who donated or helped prepare bags, our West Deptford Police Department were give 50 treat bags to show how much we appreciate what they do for us each and every day. Linda J. is just amazing with her ideas, and the men and women were overwhelmed with this gesture. It is because of her and those who helped that we once again showed how generous the WCWD is.
Linda J. also heads up our internal fundraisers and handles all the hours our club generates each month. Our Operating Budget grows because of the work she puts in each month.
Cynthia HB. is continually working whether she is in the mountains or here at home. She continues to come up with ways to include our members in different activities, reaches out to members to see if they need anything and always shares what we do to show new prospective members why they should join the WCWD. She also has found a place for our cards to be donated to support our Veterans as well as asking our Middle School teachers to have their students write letters. Both ladies are in constant contact with me and because of their hard work, we continue to grow as a club. I don’t say it nearly enough, but thank you ladies. You are two of the many gems that keep the rest of us polished.
Another lady who is always working in the background and does not seek attention is Denise H. She is constantly reading up on what is new in the Garden District, NJSFWC and GFWC to make sure we are up to date. Recently she just worked with her committee including Cheryl F, Louise A, Denise P, Nancy B and Sandy M to update our Club Bylaws to include electronic meetings, voting and increase our quorum number. Because of these dedicated ladies, we will have an updated version to vote on at our November meeting. Historical fact: Did you know that Cheryl F. and Denise H. helped create the first set of bylaws for the WCWD in Cheryl’s dining room? Just a little trivia.?
To all our Committee Chairs…I have received the report forms for each of our Committees and will be delivering them to you in the next couple of weeks. I want to give you time to go over what you need for the report and give you time to do your narrative. I know some of you will not be able to finish yours until the end of the year because of what your committee is doing. For example, Chris T. and Jeannette W. will be working with their Co-Chairs and committees until December 31st. I will include the letter about writing your narrative so that you will have an idea on what to do. Again…I don’t say it enough but thank you to each and every one of our Co-Chairs who head up our very active committees.
This week I’ll be sending out an email to those ladies who are listed on Tidbits and our Agenda that ask our members to collect things for different reasons: ie: Box Tops, Old Fitbits and more. I would like to update this list to make sure each of you are still collecting these items and if you have a drop off spot for anything collected. As we continue to clean out our homes while we are still social distancing, we come across items we no longer need. It is always nice to have a place to donate them; however, updating our lists will make sure you are not getting something you no longer collect.
Enjoy this first week of November and I look forward to our next Zoom meeting on November 10th.
Warmly,
April   Â