A Letter from CWC President
Cindi Bates
January 2021
Dear Members:
Hello to the wonderful women of CWC! We have made it through a pandemic spring, summer, fall, winter, and holiday season and have turned the page on a new year. 2021 brings a glimmer of the light at the end of the tunnel but what a long and painful tunnel it is. I hope you and your families are all well and continuing to cope – and even to thrive – in this new year.
CWC was certainly a bright spot for me personally in 2020 and perhaps it was for you also. Our wonderful Program Committee, chaired in 2020 by Amy Miller and Sally Weisman and now in 2021 by Amy and Laura Post, brought us so many fresh and fun virtual programs, games and conversations. Mary Zeman worked hard with the Committee to get us together outdoors where possible for fun events like the member lunch where small groups met in parks all over the Hartford area.
It wasn’t the same. But as has often been true in our pandemic lives, there have been silver linings. We tried new kinds of events, we got to know people we might not have met but for zoom, we laughed, and we supported one another. It was good.
So, what about 2021? We will keep looking to offer virtual events and conversations that are interesting, relevant, and sometimes just a chance to relax. Coming up soon is a game night (which are really fun – if you haven’t tried one yet, join us) and a conversation with non-profit leaders about the pivots they have made and challenges they face. As the weather warms in the spring, we will be looking to outdoor gatherings. And perhaps by later this year, small indoor gatherings will be possible. We will feel our way together.
Stay with us and stay connected! Your CWC dues are an investment in yourself in the form of an amazing network of professional women who offer friendship, support, and connections. Not surprisingly, we shrunk a little in 2020 so help us stay vibrant and grow by inviting prospective members to join events or sharing ideas for prospective members with Mary or the Membership Committee. Join us for events as often as you can – you won’t regret it. In 2021 we instituted charges, usually nominal, for most virtual events to cover our costs. Think of it like the cup of coffee or glass of wine you used to buy with friends (and someday will again!) – well worth it for time together.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank all of you for being a part of this great organization. Take care and I hope to see you soon.
Best,
Cindi