Federation Star - November 2019

6A Federation Star November 2019
JEWISH FEDERATION
WOMEN’S CULTURAL ALLIANCE www.WCANaples.org / 215-820-6697
“Speed Dating” through WCA
By Karyn Conrath, one of WCA’s many enthusiastic members
After a year in Naples, having I wanted to get myself involved in lots
moved from Boca Raton, and of group activities. Ultimately, I am
just when I had given up on more of a loner. I get energy from inside
finding even one friend, I was fortunate myself. But I went anyway. (I struck a
enough to meet WCA Board Member pose!)
Dina Shein at a lecture at Temple Shalom.
That was four years ago. If you lovely and welcoming. Some convinced
The first few women I met were
know Dina, I’m sure you can imagine me to attend a WCA North book group. I
how she must have taken me under her remember sitting in one member’s home
wing. I’m not a group kinda’ gal, so I and meeting four or five fascinating
was hesitant to put myself “out there.” ladies. Before the book discussion began,
we talked rapidly, trying to garner
Dina dragged me to a coffee klatch at
her home. It did not sound like my “cup information as fast as we could in order
of tea” (even though it was coffee), but to see if we were a good fit. And yes, this
I acquiesced.
was the beginning of my experience in
At that time, having second thoughts “Speed Dating!”
about our decision to move to the west I listened attentively to these women
and I began to feel a special affinity
coast of Florida – away from extended
family and good friends – I felt a bit for certain people – a sort of good vibe
tentative being around so many new that touched me sweetly enough to begin
faces. Believe it or not (for those who to make plans for another time, another
know me), I was unsure about whether meeting. So I joined the Women’s Cul-
tural Alliance and officially attended
my first WCA event: a tea at Bramble’s
English Tea Room. With hat in hand
and a little beaded bag on my arm, I
was lucky enough to be seated next to
three women who were open, funny and
charming – three of many! One was also
brand new to the area and we hit it off
brilliantly. In fact, she and I are now the
closest of friends.
and meaningful. We are missing our
families and old, dear friends with our
shared histories from “back home.” And
we are hoping to have a social life in
these new surroundings. How does one
do all that? WCA is one answer.
So for those of you who are new to
the area, new to WCA, or simply standing
back and waiting for others to find
you, give yourself the opportunity to
Volunteers do not necessarily have
the time, they just have the heart.
~ Elizabeth Andrew
Don’t Miss
WCA’s 2020 Community
Volunteer Expo
Thursday, January 16, 2020 * 1 to 4 pm
Community Room at the Naples Daily News
1100 Immokalee Road
WCA members and their guests will have
an opportunity to meet representatives
from more than 20 local agencies who rely
on volunteers to carry out their mission.
Attend the Expo and find out about agencies that:
* Help to alleviate loneliness among seniors in
our local community
* Make a difference in the education of children
* Support efforts to care for abused and
abandoned animals
* and more ...
Women’s
Cultural
Alliance
Find out the ways that YOU
can make a difference!
Give back to your community ...
VOLUNTEER!
See the WCA eblast for registration information.
Stay connected at
www.jewishnaples.org
WOMEN’S
CULTURAL
ALLIANCE
W CA
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.
2019-20
Women’s Cultural Alliance
2019-2020 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
If you checked NO, just LEGIBLY print your name, fill in payment info, sign Event Waiver below, and mail to WCA/JFGN.
Print Name
Email (very important)
Local Street Address
Spouse/Partner Name
FL Community
City State Zip
Florida Phone
Northern Address
Some “Speed Dating” friends of Karyn Conrath’s (in pink), keeping their date
to be at her husband Richard’s book launch
After that event, I was hooked. I
embarked on a series of lunch dates.
We’d have a “cuppa” and a salad at local
restaurants as we learned about one
another. I felt like I was speed dating! I
had many opportunities to hear about the
interior life of each woman. And I got
to know new places in the area and find
lots of things to do as well as develop
new acquaintances and friendships.
It was astounding how many bright,
articulate, curious and lovely women
there are in my new hometown. I was
pleasantly surprised and thankful to be
in such good company. In fact, because
of my enthusiasm for the organization,
another new WCA friend, Jane Shaw,
and I created and now co-facilitate
WCA’s Women’s Global Issues group.
Some of us are newbies to this new
Florida way of life. And many are retired
or working less and finding it difficult to
make new relationships that are strong
Cell Phone
No. Phone
City State Zip
In Southwest Florida Full-time Part-time from
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):____$ 90.00
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.
I will be paying by credit card. Card Number
meet women who are an intricate part
of making WCA happen. And I promise,
ladies, “Speed Dating” through WCA is
exciting and fruitful. (Now that we are
older and wiser, speed dating simply
does not have to be with a guy!) We
are sisters. We are friends. We are all
a part of a bigger picture. Jump in and
take a chance. You’ll be rewarded with
adventures and lots of new people to add
to your ever-evolving lives!
Karyn Conrath, a freelance writer and
former managing editor of two publications,
has been a member of WCA for
five years. She is currently working on a
young adult fi ction series. Most people
do not know that she and her mystery
writer husband, Richard, are gypsies.
They move every few years and have
lived in numerous states, dozens of cities
in Florida, and overseas. Many believe
the two are in the Witness Protection
Program.
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
For more information contact Membership Director, Hope Abels at hopeabels@yahoo.com
to