Happy Holidays!

I can’t believe the WAHHI year is more than half over! As you know, we’ve had some changes that have led to other changes, so let me explain.

WAHHI has two documents that govern how we operate: the constitution, which requires any changes to be voted on by the full membership; and the bylaws, which allow changes to be voted on by the board and council. When Jane moved to North Carolina, we realized the WAHHI bylaws didn’t address board vacancies. It was decided I would finish Jane’s term for 2023-24 and then serve my elected term for 2024-25. So, at the October board and council meeting we approved a bylaws change to appoint interim board members when there is a vacancy, and then the vote on interim positions would be done by the membership at the next general meeting.

At the December 7 Signature Event and meeting, the membership voted that Linda Armstrong would serve as our President-elect for the 2023-24 year and the 2024-25 year. With Linda moving to President-elect, the board appointed and the membership confirmed Cindy Kois to serve as the interim VP of Events for the 2023-24 year. Cindy is also the Golf Nine & Wine Interest Group leader and has experience managing events. Congratulations to both Linda and Cindy!

I’m so excited and honored to serve as your president for all 1,100 of you! This membership number speaks volumes as to the success of our organization.

I’d like to share a couple small fun facts that might interest you. Did you know that we are on track to provide more than 650 events this year? The 57 interest groups, chef series events, and all the other member-wide events provide literally something for everyone! It truly is incredible.

I’d like to give a little shout out to all the volunteers who work so hard to ensure we all get to go to lunch, movies and golf and connect in so many ways! Difference Makers has certainly made a difference this year, and I’d like to thank Michele Foote and Mary Beth Schmitt, project leaders, and all the neighborhood coordinators for all their work collecting presents!

Congratulations to our Chili Cook-Off cookers, who were third place winners in popular vote. Thanks to Marie Bremner, Denise Nahley and Tanyia Oakley for their leadership for this event! Love that we continue to be recognized at this event!

One upcoming event I’d like to point out is our member/guest Golf Scramble fundraiser at the Robert Trent Jones course in Palmetto Dunes on February 16, 2024. There are a few spots left, and it’s sure to be a lot of fun and one you will not want to miss.

As you might remember, Jane chose her theme to be “connections”, which I love, so…in closing, I’d like to share a quote by Brene Brown:

“Connection is why we’re here: it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”

My hope is that we all feel connected this holiday season. I wish you and your family all the happiness and good health for the coming year.

Warmly,
Debbie Gorski
WAHHI President