Message from the President

Dear Esteemed Members and WCCG Friends,

I hope this email finds you all in good health and high spirits. Today, I wanted to take a moment to send my heartfelt love and get well wishes to our past President, Christina Holbrook WCCG. As many of you know, Christina underwent surgery in April 2022 to remove a brain tumor, which was later determined to be a glioblastoma. Recently, a small nodule was detected in an MRI scan, and Christina's incredible team at UC Health (University of Colorado) Anschutz promptly rushed her into surgery on June 26. I am happy to share that she is currently cancer free. No matter where we are in the world, we are a family, and I know that our support and prayers will continue to uplift Christina during her recovery.

In the spirit of unity, engagement, and impact in our community, I am delighted to announce that we have opened our doors to the GEM girls. Archives Diana Ramos took the lead, organizing a fantastic tea party and tour of our beautiful clubhouse. I would like to extend my special thanks to Flavia Rodriguez and Vivian Greer-Digon from The Women’s Park Manager Roxcy O’Neal Bolton Women’s History Gallery, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department for their support in making this event a success.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the following individuals who played a crucial role in making our events and initiatives possible: - Diana Ramos (Archives) for putting together the delightful tea party at the Blue Pheasant Cafe - Jeanie Heller - Charity Johnson - Judy Orr - Nancy Boggio - Doris Quinones (Diana Ramos' mom).

Furthermore, I am pleased to share that we recently hosted the Coconut Grove Art Festival yearly board meeting, and I want to extend a special thank you to Travis for his invaluable assistance on that day.

I am also excited to announce that the newly appointed Grants chairperson for The Villagers, Inc., Paula Volpe, has scheduled an appointment for Cynthia Shelley and Sonya Delong to receive the grant for the bathroom work. This appointment will take place on July 23rd, and we will be sharing photos of the progress.

Lastly, I have made the decision to join the Coconut Grove Ecumenical Network, following in the footsteps of Sandy Riley and Irene Munroe before me. I believe that maintaining and nurturing this relationship is of utmost importance.



On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the summer photographs of our members' vacations! It brings me great joy to share in your happiness and create lasting memories together. Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Illine Davila

President

Woman's Club of Coconut Grove

2024 Calendar

July

Electronic Recycling Day

Saturday, July 20th

Regatta Park

August

Back to the Hood Youth Empowerment

 Friday, August 2nd

Elizabeth Virrick Park Coconut Grove (10am)

BINGO

Thursday, August 29th

Clubhouse (doors open- 6:30pm)

Summer Schedule

Member Meetings resume on September 12th (2nd Thursday)

Contact your committee chairs for summer meeting schedules

Free E-Waste Drive-Thru Event This Saturday!

Join us this Saturday, January 20th, at Regatta Park from 9am to 2pm for a community e-waste drive-thru event hosted by the City of Miami Department of Solid Waste in partnership with E-SCRAP electronics recycler. Help protect our planet by responsibly recycling your unwanted electronics, including TVs, monitors, computers, tablets, light bulbs, and batteries.

Regatta Park, known for its eco-friendly design, will ensure a smooth drop-off experience with a convenient roundabout driveway. Simply drive up, drop off your electronics, and be on your way!

Missing WCCG events? This is a great opportunity to volunteer with the WCCG Environment Committee. Contact Priscilla at rhewp@bellsouth.net to sign up for this or another activity that can make a difference in our world.

Support our Club and the planet by dropping off your unneeded electronics and keep e-waste out of our landfills!

For additional information on e-cycling, contact gjenkins@miamigov.com or visit www.miamizerowaste.com. Stay connected on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @miamizerowaste for updates.

18th Back to the Hood

Youth Empowerment Event!

It's that time again! Start collecting backpacks for the Back to the Hood Youth Empowerment event scheduled for Friday, August 2nd, at 10am at Elizabeth Virrick Park in Coconut Grove.

This youth empowerment event provides a great opportunity for the WCCG to support kids that really could use a kick start for the new school year. Backpacks purchased for the kids can be delivered to the clubhouse prior to the event.

Contact Illineadavila@gmail.com Illine Davila or 'White Tiger and Dragon Martial Arts' whitetigermia@gmail.com Carol White for more information. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Celebrating Unity and Engagement with the GEM Girls

We are delighted to announce that we have welcomed the GEM girls with a lovely tea party and tour of our Clubhouse. This exciting initiative, emphasizing unity, engagement, and community impact, was thoughtfully organized by our dedicated member, Diana Ramos.

The event was a true success, and we are incredibly grateful for the support we received from the following individuals:

• Flavia Rodriguez and Vivian Greer-Digon, The Women’s Park Manager Roxcy O’Neal Bolton Women’s History Gallery, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, for their invaluable support.
• Jeanie Heller
• Charity Johnson
• Judy Orr
• Nancy Boggio
• Doris Quinones (Diana Ramos' mom)

Thank you to everyone who played a crucial role in making this event a memorable experience. Your dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated.

Save the Date!

Florida Tropical Training Week



We are a week away from your National Weather Service (NWS) Florida Tropical Training Week, July 29 through August 1, 2024, that will offer daily virtual tropical training sessions geared toward educating the general public on understanding tropical weather. Each day of training will focus on a specific topic, four sessions will be offered each day; two midday and two in the evening. 

The goals are to reach and teach the public on not just NWS and National Hurricane Center (NHC) products, but HOW to properly interpret this information and WHEN and HOW to properly respond, from pre-season preparedness to the post-tropical impact recovery stage.

Florida Department of Emergency Management, FEMA and Ready.gov tools and resources will be showcased. Although there will be a focus on Florida, most of the material applies to all who live in the path of tropical cyclones. Anyone, from any state, can attend.

Club Member Yearbook

The physical WCCG member yearbook is currently in the process of being put together. If you have any changes in contact information (address, phone number or email address) please email your changes to Diana Ramos at mrsramos@hotmail.com.

Update:

Lynn Bretsnyder Women's Centre

TerraWatu is in the homestretch of finishing the new Lynn Bretsnyder Women's Centre in Mkonoo, Tanzania. This clean and secure space will serve as a foundation for the community, providing a place for producing handicrafts, gathering to plan family support, and fostering future growth.

TerraWatu is collaborating with a local design company in Arusha to furnish the great hall, workshop area, volunteer rooms, offices, kitchen, and retail space with sturdy and attractive items made by local artisans. Landscaping and security fencing are also in the works, with a goal of completion by August.

An official grand opening of the Lynn Bretsnyder Women's Centre is scheduled for October. Once complete and operating at full capacity, this new Women's Centre will be the main driver of women's economic empowerment in the area.

To learn more or to make a contribution to this amazing project that honors deceased member, Lynn Bretsnyder, visit TerraWatu Women's Centre website.

Travel plans this summer?

Share your favorite vacation shots with your fellow members by sending a photo (or several photos to be picked from) with a brief description of your location and who is in the photo(s) to Illine at illineadavila@gmail.com. Your photo(s) will be posted on WCCG social media (IG/Facebook) and may appear in a newsletter. Happy trails.