Dear Members,
We are heading towards one of the busiest months of the year, and the end of 2023. I think it is the most magical month—filled with hope, joy, and wonder during the holiday season. Time to seriously record and watch the Hallmark movies at my house!
December signals the end of one year and the beginning of another—a fresh start and time to reassess and make goals. My term as President of Encore is coming to an end and the planning, freshness, and excitement of Encore 2024 is about to begin.
It has been an honor to be your president the past two years, but I look forward to giving up the duties that come with the office. It’s a time for me to reflect on Encore 2023 and think about what we have accomplished related to my theme for the year…opportunities for friendship, kindness, and generosity. So many of our activities have been built on these opportunities.
When I developed my 2023 theme, I knew that kindness and generosity went hand-in- hand. You have shown those qualities in so many ways…
Kindness & Generosity
You…
- Quickly cleared the Giving Tree of tags to buy gifts for children served by Guardian ad Litem
- Generously supported our scholarship fund raisers and many local charities through monthly raffles and donations.
- Gave your time to…
- Volunteer to host an event,
- Donate gift cards, baskets, and bundles,
- Cleaned up after events,
- Brought food and refreshments,
- Served on planning committees, and
- Graciously volunteered for board positions.
I’m proud to be part of an organization that is so boldly generous.
Friendship
We have had many new special events and strong interest in our activities. There have been waiting lists, but the chairs have found ways to accommodate more members in various ways. I have met so many of you and consider you friends within Encore and now when I run into members—on the street, or Publix, or shopping, or dining out—there’s a smile, recognition, a wave and often, time to chat. I’m grateful for the friendliness of our members.
Don’t miss the events below as we finish out 2023.
I hope you can fit them into your holiday plans!
December Meeting/Brunch
Our December Meeting/Brunch will be December 7 at the Estero Country Club at the Vines.
- Registration & Social—10:30 AM
- Entertainment—Sisters of Song
- Brunch—11:00 AM
...Payment due by November 30.
Most recurring events have ended for 2023, but we still have openings for our…
- Annual Holiday Party—December 3
- Floral Arranging Workshop—December 6
- Gift Swap and Dinner—December 10
I wish you a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. It will be so special in my family this year because my youngest grandchild, Hannah, will be 1 year old, and we’ll see it through the eyes of a tiny child, once more. My other grandchildren are 17 and 19!
We’re taking a family trip to Disney in mid-December with the baby, too! I’m spending New Year’s with my cousins at my mountain lake cottage in Maryland, and I’m hoping for snow. I’m grateful to have these experiences to look forward to!
Best wishes to all of you and to the 2024 Board! I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings!
Fondly,
Linda