"LET THE SUNSHINE OF AUGUST INSPIRE YOU TO SHINE YOUR BRIGHTEST" |
 SAVE THE DATE October We will carpool to Boca Grande for a tour of the historic Gasparilla Inn, along with lunch and a culinary tour. 30 people is their maximum. Date will be announced soon. Watch for the email announcing open registration for the Gasparilla Inn event! December
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We have two new members: Karyn Smith and Janice Menker. Let's give them a warm welcome at the September Luncheon.
Our Member Anniversaries for August were acknowledged at the July Luncheon. They are: Susan Anderson and Nancy Menard | UPCOMING LUNCHEON Just click on the luncheon to register r
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE |
Dear Welcome Club Members, Happy Summer! I hope this message finds you all enjoying the warm weather, whether it's relaxing in the cool comfort of your air conditioning, taking a refreshing dip in the pool, or exploring cooler destinations on your travels. Please note that there will not be a luncheon in August. However, I encourage you to check our website frequently for upcoming events and activities that you can participate in. Wishing you all a wonderful summer filled with joy and relaxation! Pamela Modisett, President Welcome Club of Sarasota / Manatee |
**Welcome Club Newsletter Update: Seating Preferences Poll Results** |
Dear Members, We recently conducted a poll to gather your opinions on seating arrangements for our luncheons: open seating versus assigned seating or a combination of both throughout the year. We received a response from 82 of the current membership of 224, yielding a 36.6% response rate. Thank you to everyone who did participate; your feedback is invaluable in shaping our future events. **Poll Results:** - **Open Seating:** 35.3% of members who responded (29) expressed a preference for open seating, highlighting the social benefits and the opportunity to mingle with different members at each luncheon. Many of you mentioned that this setup fosters a more relaxed atmosphere and encourages new friendships. - **Assigned Seating:** 12.2% of members who responded (10) favored assigned seating, citing the desire for more structured interactions and the comfort of sitting with familiar faces. Some members noted that this arrangement could enhance the dining experience by facilitating deeper conversations. - **Combination of Assigned and Open Seating:** A significant 52.5% of the members who responded (43) favored a mix of both open and assigned seating throughout the year. This option was appealing to many as it allows for the flexibility to enjoy the best of both worlds—structured seating arrangements at select luncheons to foster deeper connections, while also providing opportunities for casual interaction and spontaneity at other gatherings. Members appreciated the idea of alternating formats, as it would keep the experience fresh and engaging, allowing for both new encounters and the comfort of familiarity. **Next Steps:** In light of your feedback, the Executive Board, Committee Chairpersons and Committee Coordinators will consider a hybrid approach for future luncheons. This could involve alternating between open and assigned seating to accommodate both preferences. We’re committed to creating a welcoming environment that enhances your experience. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to implementing your suggestions. Stay tuned for upcoming events and further discussions on how we can make each luncheon enjoyable for all members. Click the link to read the Member's Comments from the Poll: Member Comments Warm regards, |
FUN MEMBER MOMENTS
| Sign up for a Special Interest Group (SIG) and have some FUN like the Singles Outing in May. Check Out the List on the Website. There are many Groups to Choose From . It is a Great Way to Meet the Members! | Your SIG Group Pictures Could be Here! Send your group photos to Kristin to publish in the Newsletter so everyone knows how great your group is! Pictures should be taken horizontally and saved as a Large size. Email only, no text, to wcnews@welcomeclubsm.com or Kristin at kristin.triolo@gmail.com Book Club, Cooking Group, Dining Groups, Games of Cards and Mah Jongg and More. Inquiring Welcome Club Members want to know what is happening! Please share. |
The Beach Sisters always have lunch together at the beach outings. You can order lunch at the Siesta Key or Lido Key Food Stands and take it to the beach or eat it at the seating areas just off the beach. Nokomis and Venice beach outings include lunch at Sharkey's at the Pier in Venice or Pop's Sunset Grill in Nokomis before the beach outing.
The August Beach Outing is at Sharkey's at the Pier, 1600 Harbor Dr South, Venice and Venice Beach
on August 27th at 11:00 AM.
Open to All Members. Please Signup Online.
NO Picture for July. A thunderstorm quickly cut the beach time so no time for pictures. Here are pictures of the monthly outings until our bathing beauties can be photographed again!
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Luncheon Divas Got Together at Deep Lagoon in Lakewood Ranch on July 28th
for their Monthly Lunch
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The August Savor and Socialize Dinner was at Brine Seafood and Raw Bar in Gulf Gate on August 11th
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Roll Models Cooking Group Met at Joellyn Nelson's Condo in downtown Sarasota for Dinner
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Dining with Friends Met at The Ringling Museum Restaurant in August
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The Travel'N Gals Met at Beth Trenchery's Home to Plan Future Trips and Socialize on July 24th |
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The Friday Lunch Bunch Met at Waterside Brewing in Waterside on August 1st |
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Member Awards and Acknowledgements Congratulations to All Our Members for Their Great Accomplishments! |
We have an Author in our Group! Mariana Corrado has written a romance comedy: Valerie's Midlife Reimagined. It is available at Amazon. The link is: https://a.co/d/4kuLux9 or enter the title and the author to order.  |
Marg Williamson's Watercolor "A Painterly Sky" will be juried at the Florida Watercolor Society's 54th Annual Exhibit at the Orlando Museum of Art.
| Susan Anderson was named the Outstanding Senior Volunteer for her dedication and commitment to Emma E. Booker Elementary School. |
