What a year! We had our last luncheon in March, then lockdown. I was still enjoying the “vacation” when Kristin Wenger roused me, and us, to stage a virtual event for May. Since then we have attempted to fill the pandemic void—a lack of opportunities to interact with other women.
Looking back on our accomplishments, we’ve learned how to produce a Zoom event, with all the technology involved with Zoom itself, and also with the website. As consumers of Zoom events, we have learned how to bridge the space between us, feeling bolstered by our shared energy, and enjoying our connection on Zoom more. Holly George-Warren, Ellen Goldman, Maxanne Resnick, Danielle Woerner, Mary Ann Hayes and Susan Diamond, Dare Thompson, and all the artists of our Virtual Studio Tour stepped up to present professional-quality, informative, and enjoyable events for us, binding us with the shared experience. Our freeform Holiday Happy Hour was a delight.
Another accomplishment was establishing our YouTube channel, where edited versions (thanks to Judy Kerman) of our events are available to all interested. Visit our channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGj8paYGYoXs4OFhqSsvZCw or search Ulster County Women’s Network on YouTube to see what you’ve missed.
Looking forward to 2021, we have several events planned for the first quarter, with more in the works: the post-pandemic business world, Chinese brush painting, vegan cooking. Planning is underway for our first face-to-face event. Please think about what you’d like to do. It will be a joyous occasion once we feel safe to gather.
As always, I encourage everyone to pay their dues for another 365 days. We’ve changed our accounting system to roll-over accounting, instead of annual, so you get a full year with your $25 fee. (These funds pay for our website, Zoom, and designer fees.) Please be sure to take advantage of our other website benefits, including posting your own events on UCWN.org, completing your profile and adding a headshot. This virtual Member Directory is accessible by other UCWN members; this is one of the ways we network, especially when meeting in person is risky.
Of course, we’re always looking for Dynamic Duos to stage events, or for anyone to suggest an event even if you cannot help. Please contact Kristin Wenger, our coordinator, with any ideas. Also, consider becoming a business partner, offering other members a perk. Contact Rachel Jackson to get set up. If you’d like to learn digital marketing or project planning, or just want to work with some fabulous women, then ask me, Leslie, about joining our Advisory Committee. We need your ideas!
My thanks to all on the Advisory Committee: Kristin, Judy, Gloria, Sheila, and Rachel. From the Advisory Committee to you: thank you for an enlightening 2020. Thank you for this opportunity to serve into 2021. Happy New Year! We are here for you!
Leslie Snow
President UCWN