Federation Star - May 2019

6 Federation Star May 2019
JEWISH FEDERATION
WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE www.WomensCulturalAlliance.com / 215-820-6697
The joy of learning, the joy of friendship:
What WCA has brought to me
By Barbara Karp, WCA Advisor
I
met
a new WCA member last week
who had no idea of why sometimes
people were mentioning WCA
once being part of Brandeis. Let me
explain for those who would like to
know. WCA’s first incantation was that
of a chapter of Brandeis University
Women’s Committee (BUNWC). We
followed the syllabus that the mother
organization had dictated. All programs
had to be either educational or fundraising.
When BUNWC decided to raise
dues nationally and elevate fundraising
goals for our group, some of us were not
happy with that directive. We wanted to
continue to enjoy our
groups but wanted NO
fundraising mandates.
We thought we had
only two options: stay
with BUNWC or disband
altogether. One
of our members was on
the board of the Jewish
Federation of Collier
County (now Jewish
Federation of Greater
Naples) and came up
with a third option:
becoming part of Federation
in some way. A
presentation was made
to the Federation board, it was accepted,
and so, the birth of WCA. At that time,
we were about 300 in membership and
were hoping that at least 100 would
follow. And just look at us now! More
than 1,500 women have the opportunity
to pursue their interests.
Having been part of the transition
team from Brandeis to WCA has enabled
me to be part of the phenomenal
growth of this unique organization. My
position at that time was chairman of
the nominating committee. Our numbers
were small enough to nominate different
Barbara Karp shows her latest creation
to other members of Let’s Knit and Stitch
officers every year. Then I went on to
become the secretary. When my specific
board positions were over, I felt a need
to stay with WCA to offer whatever
I could to make it even better. As a
“holdover” from days gone by, I view
the organization with a broader range,
another viewpoint, observation or even
scrutiny, than from having one specific
function. My title is now Advisor.
I was the first to chair the very
popular Ladies Who Lunch. My suggestion
of having lottery seating as a must
has become a tradition that gives me a
sense of accomplishment. Ladies Who
Lunch has resulted in
countless friendships.
At the time, we were
thrilled to have 18,
yes,18 members at our
first luncheon. How
times have changed!
Today, being cochairperson
of the
popular Let’s Knit
and Stitch Group has
brought untold rewards
as well; close friendships
have developed
and grown. Our meetings
are held once a
month and continue
throughout the year. We meet for lunch
first (of course) and then proceed with
our knitting and stitching. I have seen
so many beautiful yarmulkes and tallit
bags being needlepointed. They make
for perfect bar and bat mitzvah gifts
from grandparent to grandchild. Family
and friends are frequent recipients of
the knitted toys for toddlers, a variety
of clothes for grandchildren. Most important,
of course, is the creativity of
trying new stitches and new ideas for
items of our own. At every meeting we
enjoy wearing and showing what we
have accomplished for
all to see, creating our
own little fashion show.
Some quilters have now
joined our merry band.
We have so much fun that
there have been many
requests to hold meetings
more than once a
month. I must confess,
that because of all of
the other remarkable,
exceptional activities
that WCA offers that I
and others participate in,
meeting more than once
every month is not possible.
I continue to be involved in groups
that interest me: The New Yorker; Great
Books; Sharing Shakespeare; Modern
Playwrights; and Foreign/Independent,
Current and Documentary Films. The
Speaker Series adds even more to my
enjoyment of learning. The Foodies
group gave me the opportunity to share
my recipe in the cookie exchange. I
enjoy the TASTINGS in homes and
lunches at restaurants. My latest focus
is the Memoirs Writing class that WCA
offers, giving me the opportunity to
improve my writing skills, enhance my
learning curve and leave a legacy for
my children.
As a WCA Advisor, I have worked
on creating and updating the bylaws
with Advisor Lea Bendes, Program
Director Patti Boochever and President
Elaine Soffer. The same team is diligently
working on polishing up our policies.
WCA has allowed me to grow in
Diane Carel and Patricia Trumps act out a scene
at Sharing Shakespeare
doing what I love most: learning, expanding
my knowledge, exposing me to
the new, and reminding me of the old.
People I have met and friends I have
made add to the wonderful life that we
have in Naples. My attitude has always
been to give back when you receive.
That is what I try to do every day in life
as well as in WCA.
Barbara Karp was born and raised in
New York and then lived in Montgomery
County, Maryland, for 50 years. She
and her husband Arnold were Naples
snowbirds for only two years before
moving here full-time. She has now lived
in Naples for 15 years. Barbara was a
Commissioner of the Court, determining
probable cause for arrest and issuing
summons or arrest documents. After
retiring, she became a Creative Memories
consultant. Barbara commented, “I
feel so fortunate that now the Paradise
that is called Naples is my playground.”
The popular New Yorker group
Barbara Karp (bottom right) participated in the 2018 WCA Salon
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I would like to VOLUNTEER my services/expertise and would be willing to chair or co-chair an activity on the
Expiration Date Name on Card CVV
following topic or topics.
Mail this SIGNED form (with your check or credit card number) to:
WCA / Jewish Federation of Greater Naples
2500 EVENT Vanderbilt PARTICIPATION Beach WAIVER. Rd., Ste. By signing 2201, below, I accept Naples, the terms FL of this 34109 waiver.
As a participant in a WCA event,* I , acting for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin agree as follows: That I
waive all rights, claims, cause of action, of any kind whatsoever that I or my heirs, legal representatives may claim to have against
I would like either to The VOLUNTEER Jewish Federation my of services/expertise Greater Naples, and or the and Women’s would Cultural be willing Alliance, to their chair members, or co-chair agents, servants, activity and oron
following
employees,
topic or topics.
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 pickleball, tennis, kayaking and biking require an enhanced waiver to be signed. Contact your activities director for more information.
For EVENT more information PARTICIPATION contact Membership WAIVER. Director, By signing Hope below, Abels I accept at hopeabels@yahoo.com
the terms of this waiver.
As a participant in a WCA event,* I , acting for myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin agree as follow
2018-2019
Women’s Cultural Alliance
2018-2019 MEMBERSHIP FORM
Women’s Cultural Alliance
2018-2019 MEMBERSHIP FORM
The membership year is from September 1 until August 31 of the next year.
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.
Dues received after March 1 will be applied to the next season.
Please check Please one: check one: NEW NEW RENEWAL (PLEASE fill out out the the form form completely completely and PRINT and CLEARLY!) PRINT CLE
Is there Is a there change a change in your in your information from last last year? year? YES YES NO NO
If you checked If you NO, checked just NO, print just your print name, your name, fill in fill in payment info, sign sign Event Event Waiver Waiver below, below, and mail and to WCA mail / to JFGN. WCA / J
Print Name
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Northern In Address Southwest Florida Full-time Part-time from No. Phone to
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NAME BADGES: New Members receive a one-time name badge as a welcome gift from WCA/JFGN.
In Southwest Returning Florida Members: Full-time If you need a new Part-time or replacement from name badge, please increase to your fee by $ 8.
Print your name as you want it to appear on the badge
NAME BADGES: New Members receive a one-time name badge as a welcome gift from WCA/
Returning Members: MEMBERSHIP If you DUES: need $ 90 a (US new Funds or only, replacement Minimum for the year; name includes badge, membership please to the JFGN) increase $ 90.00 your fe
I am also including a voluntary donation to the Federation in the amount of: $
Print your name as you want it to appear Total enclosed on the or badge authorized: $
I will be paying by check. Please make your check payable to WCA/JFGN
MEMBERSHIP I will be paying DUES: by credit 90 (US card. Funds Card only, Number Minimum for the year; includes membership to the JFGN) $ 9
I am also Expiration including Date a voluntary Name donation Card to the Federation in the amount CVV of: $
Mail this SIGNED Total form enclosed (with your or check authorized: or credit card number) to:
$
I will be paying by check. Please WCA make / Jewish your Federation check payable of Greater to WCA/JFGN
Naples
2500 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 2201, Naples, FL 34109
I will be paying by credit card. Card Number