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May 2020 Vol 4 Issue 8

President's Message

I’m hoping that this message finds you and your families well. As we journey through this global historic episode, please know that we’re in this together and that your colleagues in BWA will assist you if you reach out.

Since we won’t be able to greet each other in person, allow me to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. Each one of us, whether biological parents or not, is shaping the next generation of young women through our scholarship program. Until we can do so together, please celebrate your special contribution to that effort this Mother’s Day.

Each of us may be facing challenges. You may have had to lay off employees or suffered a loss of income in your household. We all know someone who is more fragile today than they were a month ago. Take a moment to reintroduce yourself to our social media pages on Facebook and LinkedIn. Until we can meet in person, we can share challenges and opportunities with BWA members through these platforms. If you have suggestions for job sharing or mentoring let me know. The HR Department of the Arsht Center is offering free career counseling, resume writing, interview skills training for locals. Perhaps your company or another you know is addressing a need during the COVID epidemic. Let us know and we’ll share.

We’re approaching scholarship award time. As our county recovers over the next year, some women will have to make the choice between college tuition for themselves and feeding their families. Our scholarship funds will be stretched to the limit. One of our members has generously offered to contribute the shortfall we may experience in having sufficient income this year to fund five scholarships. If you or someone you know is able to contribute to our scholarship fund reach out to a board member at your convenience.

Be well!

Pat

Meeting Information

We are working on going virtual!
Watch your inbox for more details coming soon.

Member News

FROM DOROTHY KLEIN – BROWARD PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION

On Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m., National Book Award finalist Julia Phillips, will speak at a Virtual Happy Hour, an event brought to you by the Broward Public Library Foundation. Ms. Phillips has written one of the most popular debut novels on the market entitled Disappearing Earth. To join the Virtual Happy Hour from the comfort of your own home follow the directions below.

Registration is limited to 100 people, at a cost of $25. Visit www.bplfoundation.org/Julia-phillips-virtual to RSVP. Once registered, guests will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link to the event. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit expanded programming at Broward County Library branches when they re-open..

FROM SUZANNE HIGGINS – HENDERSON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Currently, I am still reporting to work as mental health is at the forefront of the coronavirus pandemic. Anxiety, depression and those who already live with a mental health condition are at an all-time high. Our therapists and case-managers work using telehealth platforms, Facetime and just regular phone calls. They were never more needed.

FROM MAUREEN DINNEN – BOARD SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR

The Broward Women's Alliance has 14 applicants this year for the five scholarships of $1000 each. The applicants are all qualified and competitive. The deadline for application was extended to April 27, and the Scholarship Committee will be meeting, most likely electronically, on May 21. We are fortunate to have such outstanding candidates.

FROM BARBARA VAN VOAST – OUR NEW NORMAL

In this time of Covid-19, and keeping social distance, from Milan we have heard opera sung on street balconies, here in the USA Bingo games with the numbers called on a bullhorn, people clapping at 7 p.m. on New York home balconies to acknowledge first responders, and The Music of the Night, played by Andrew Lloyd Webber on his piano at home in London, while in quarantine, accompanied by musicians playing from their homes in a thrilling Zoom mini-concert..

So, should it be any surprise, that Barbara Van Voast has initiated with her neighbors a Happy Hour in the evening at a pre-agreed time. Would it also surprise you that Barbara’s Caribbean Teddy Bear dressed as a pirate and with a parrot on his shoulder, should join a group of neighbors on lawn chairs at the end of their driveways while each one has an adult beverage or two together -- but A P A R T. Happy Hour is accompanied by Jamaican Limbo and jump-up music also provided by Barbara. Lest you think I am making this all up, I heard the music over the telephone and it is for real.

Each one of us is coping with this unusual and challenging time. It is Barbara’s wish that we keep our sanity, our support for each other, and our sense of humor, and start the equivalent of our own Happy Hours!

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR – DEBBI HARTMAN

I know that most of our BWA membership is somehow involved in working in the community to mitigate the effects of this pandemic while, at the same time sheltering in place. I also know that many of you give your time to, or are senior executives for other non-profits in the county. Most of us have had to postpone events either to dates certain, or to a season of the year.

I am asking that you send those changes to me so that I may update our other members how and when we may participate. Thank you.