Newsletter April 2020

Sisterhood Through Social Distancing

A message from WPF President, Adrienne Jandler

Eight short weeks ago, I was enjoying WPF’s book club discussion at Ronnie Grabon’s house. The first selection of the year was The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia, which was set in Mexico during the influenza pandemic of 1918 (The Spanish Flu). The descriptions of living through that were startling, vividly detailed, and one of the topics of conversation. We never could have imagined that just a few weeks later, we would be experiencing a pandemic ourselves, along with the rest of the world.

I’ve thought back to that night many times in the past few weeks, especially as I’ve tried to make sense of our unfolding situation. As the characters in the book described, we’re also making adjustments and isolating ourselves with our families. Like them, we’re not sure how long this will last and wonder what we may lose. But that is where the similarities end.

Unlike the characters in the book, we have the benefit of technology to keep us connected; it provides many the ability to continue working from home. We have a much better understanding of epidemiology, and greater knowledge of how viruses spread. Our supply chain and the logistics behind it are far more refined; while we have shortages, stores’ supplies are continuing to be replenished. Sanitation standards and awareness are far greater, and the public has numerous resources for educating themselves on how to help prevent the spread.

I’m encouraged by this, as well as by what I see around me. The people of our nation who were so severely divided just weeks ago have quickly joined together. Citizens from every walk of life are stepping up to do what they can with what they have to help others. I see the ingenuity of fellow business owners devising solutions to keep things going with the quick shift to curbside service, mobile ordering and apps, and delivery services. I am inspired by the courageous efforts of our healthcare workers on the front lines as well as the continuing work of those in critical essential infrastructure roles.

I see just how contagious generosity is through examples every day in the news and on social media: teenagers helping their older neighbors get groceries, mobilized efforts to provide meals to children (and their families) who need them but are no longer receiving meals at school, outside “window” visits to nursing home residents, people continuing to pay for services like house cleaners, massage therapists, dog walkers, and others who are unable to continue service due to mandates but who can’t work from home. And yes, there is fear and uncertainty, but more than that I see the resilience and determination to get through this together.

As leaders in our businesses, community, and families, we have an added responsibility which I see as an opportunity. We’re tasked with devising strategies for the health of our stakeholders, the continuation of our businesses, and lending support and assistance to others where we are able. A role we can and will fulfill.

WPF is here for you, and we are adjusting on a month-to-month basis. The Board is continuing to meet as scheduled via Zoom; we have canceled the April meeting and all physical events this month. We will continue to observe CDC guidelines and local mandates; meetings will resume once cleared to do so. Until then, we will use email, the WPF website, and the WPF Facebook group page to communicate news and virtual events with the membership. In addition, we are providing SIG chairs with access to a WPF Zoom account so that those who want to coordinate online meet-ups can do so. We’re also doing what we can to support the community, which this past month included a donation to Backpack Beginnings. You can read more about this on the next page.

As we go through this together, I hope you will turn to your WPF sisters for advice, support, an ear, some inspiration—and yes, maybe a shared glass or two of wine via Zoom. I also encourage you to send me your stories, your ideas, your struggles, and inspiration. We’ll come up with a way to share them with the group.

I look forward to seeing all of you again in person, at Starmount, once this is behind us. Until then, stay safe, in faith, and in good health.