When we started our year last summer, little did we guess that we would all be facing an international pandemic that would not only disrupt our group, but the world at large. 

During our shutdown, we have learned to adapt in a variety of ways. Several sections have kept in touch. For example, the Movie Section is watching “The Two Popes” on Netflix and will discuss the film electronically, the Visual Arts Forum discovered that there is a virtual tour of the “Rooted Trees in Contemporary Art” exhibit at the Palo Alto Art Center https://canopy.org/rooted-exhibit-2020; Great Decisions found the electronic version of the series is available at this time free of charge on YouTube; the Book Group enjoyed the joys of Emily Dickinson Book Club: A writer ponders Emily Dickinson’s most pivotal moments. 

On a personal note, we became experts on a variety of electronic tools such as Bridgebase and Realmahjongg and we learned how to use Zoom video and audio conferencing. 

Of course we were hopeful that things would quiet down quickly, but at this point it feels as if it is best to cancel the rest of our activities through June, including the Spring Tea/Fashion Show and the Open Board meeting. If it looks as if we can hold either of these activities we will do so. In the event we cannot hold the Open Board meeting in June, we will vote by e-mail for the By-Laws change and the slate of officers for 2020-21. 

Stay healthy, 

Ronna Widrow and Linda Kraemer

Co-Presidents