International Club Members Finally Get Together

Rupa Mathur

On May 6, 2021, a small group of members were able to meet each other in person at Rupa Mathur’s home. The attendees had all been vaccinated. In 2020, we had only two meetings during the early part of the year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were so happy to see each other in person and be able to interact. As usual, we shared a variety of delicious appetizers and desserts brought by members. We talked about our experiences and hardship we have felt during the period of isolation, but now feel so relieved that we will be able to hold our regular meetings and see others in person again. We had held a few Zoom meetings in 2020 and 2021, but they were not popular amongst the members.

Alfred Van Gool, who has been the president of the club, notified the members that a new president will need to be appointed as he had held the post for more than two years. Our elections are generally held every two years. We are very happy that Kathy Smart from Iceland has agreed to be the president of the club beginning June 2021. The other officers of the club include Fred van Naerseen as treasurer, Eileen Whitakker as sunshine person, and Rupa Mathur and Lisa Guyer in charge of publicity. It was agreed by the officers that the members will not be charged any membership dues for this year. We look forward to continuing to meet in person. Diane and Fred van Naerseen have agreed to host our June meeting. We are looking forward to seeing each other in person again.