Was it prudence or hysterical overreaction that closed her granddaughter’s nursery school in Brooklyn and prevented Fran Greenberg, nominee for President of the Literature Club, from attending our Annual Meeting on March 11? This was a question that could still be asked, on that March afternoon, as thirteen members of the Club met and shared coronavirus stories. We were going to the movies, eating in restaurants, talking about our theater and opera tickets. Yes, there were some trips we were not going to take, some colleges that might not reopen after spring break. But I think few of us imagined that the Hastings Library would close at the end of the week, or that the following week the Met would cancel the rest of its season and Broadway go dark. Illness was still a metaphor.
President Carol Barkin conducted the business meeting, at which the minutes were accepted as corrected and the treasury reported at $10.67. The slate of candidates was presented and unanimously elected, with Fran Greenberg as President, Connie Stewart as Vice President, and Lori Walsh as Treasurer, filling out the remaining year of Connie’s term. Congratulations and thanks were given to all. They will assume their duties at the next meeting of the Club, when Carol will pass the President’s bell on to Fran, and Lori will collect $15 annual dues.
A discussion followed of the list of Literature Club topics, which seems to grow longer every year, despite our efforts at pruning. Children’s Literature was added to the list, and several members voiced their support for Humor. The Literature of Illness was suggested, but seemed too dark for a full program year.
Finally, members recommended books they have read recently, from classic novels and prize-winning new fiction to memoirs and mysteries. A list of these books was sent to members separately.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Morrow
Recording Secretary
Addendum: Shortly after this Literature Club meeting, “stay at home” guidelines were issued at the state and local levels to limit the spread of Covid-19 cases. President Fran Greenberg canceled April meetings and added meetings in May and June. Elections for our topic for next program year will be held by email. Lori Walsh asked members to mail her their dues checks or send dues electronically. Fran started a Literature Club blog and included many of the emails members sent to one another during the first weeks of the “lockdown.”
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