I had so hoped and prayed that by this fall we would be in a position to resume our monthly meetings and enjoy the pleasure of face to face social interactions. Sadly, due to the recent increases in the rate of Covid-19 in our community and state, our General Meetings are at this time cancelled, at least through the first of the year.

Your BIWC Board of Directors met this week to discuss options for restructuring our programs and alternate ways to meet the needs of our members. I am happy to announce that BIWC HAS NOT GONE AWAY!!! Our September newsletter (which won’t come out until after the September 1st Board Meeting) will announce the formats that our programs will be taking, (yes, there will be programs in some form), restructuring of dues and alternate ways to provide support to our ongoing charities (Helpline House and YWCA). Additionally, we will announce which activity groups will be continuing as virtual events, and which are able to actually meet in person (golf group) and still respect the social distancing guidelines. I encourage you to communicate with your activity leaders if you have thoughts or opinions on how to best go forward in terms of your specific group.

In the face of living in a pandemic and not being able to see many family members and friends, including my daughters and mother, I nonetheless feel grateful for many blessings, large and small. We live on a beautiful island with a climate that affords us ample opportunities to enjoy nature. We live in a state that while initially was hit hard by this virus, has managed to keep us relatively safe, compared to many other areas of the country. And I am grateful for being part of this organization, this web of women with brains, humor and compassion in spades. If I am feeling low, I know I only need to pick up the phone!

Stay safe, keep in touch and stay tuned for further updates.

Cheers,

Loretta