HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Most of us should be pleased that 2020 is behind us. A tiny, highly contagious, and deadly coronavirus made the year truly awful in so many ways. The pandemic upended virtually every aspect of our lives, particularly activities that involve congregating with extended family, friends, co-workers, companions, worshipers, and fellow 14 West Hamilton Street Club members. Until we are vaccinated and the state and city lift restrictions on gatherings, the Club will continue to operate as it has for most of 2020.
Despite last year’s need for social distancing, the Club continued to function as a virtual meeting place where members could enjoy discussion and fellowship that reduced the distancing. Thanks to the volunteer efforts by Sam Hopkins, Mike Franch, Dave Benn, Lois Schenck, and Bruce Barnett, and others, members had the opportunities to meet on Zoom for hosted and non-hosted lunches as well as current events, book, and short story discussions. The Speakers Committee organized many engaging presentations that attracted sizeable participation from the Club’s members. Even though there hasn’t been on-site dining at club since October, members have availed themselves by carrying out Chef Charlotte’s delicious creations. These activities will continue through 2021.
YOUR BALTIMORE
For years, Club presentations have covered a wide swath of Baltimore life, including culture, politics, history, business, government, arts, demographic trends, and local personalities. Your Club believes it has a duty to offer the members a steady stream of informative programs and interesting perspectives about the great city we call home.
Instead of continuing our previous ad hoc approach to selecting and announcing city-related topics, we have decided to initiate a series of Baltimore-focused presentations. The first will be held on January 29 at 12:30 p.m. James Harp, Maryland Opera’s managing and artistic director, will talk about “Opera in the Time of Covid” Jim is in the process of building a comprehensive and innovative opera and opera education/outreach program to serve all of Maryland. Jim has Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Peabody Conservative of Music. He is the performance accompanist for Baltimore Concert Opera, organist for the Baltimore Symphony, and organist/choice master at Baltimore's historic St. Mark's church. as well as a judge for the Metropolitan Opera auditions. Mark your calendars for this informative session.
NEW: SPECIAL GUESTS AT "NOON ZOOM" LUNCHES
Back in the days when the club had on-site lunches, members often would bring a guest to that lunch. The day before, an email was sent out with a brief description of the guest. There was more interest in these lunches, and they were better attended.
Even though we are meeting remotely these days, we are again giving you the pleasure of “Special Guests.” There should be at least one Special Guest each week. Please feel free to recruit such a guest yourself. Just call or email Sam Hopkins with the name and brief description. Please give Sam a week’s notice so that we can properly announce your guest in the “Next Week” email and the “This Week” emails. If you want to plan further ahead, we can also announce your guest in the new “Future Special Guests” section of the Monday emails. So, here is another good reason to read the emails you get from the club every Friday and Monday. Please do so.
ONCE AGAIN: HOW TO JOIN CLUB ZOOM EVENTS
This item for all the members who have never participated in a Club Zoom meeting or who need a refresher on the process. All you need is hit the link below for the meeting. You also can find it in the weekly meeting announcements.
If you prefer to access the meeting through the meeting number and password, they are:
Meeting ID: 703 130 1919
Password: 512205
If you need help, feel free to email or call Sam Hopkins: 410-935-8540
DON'T HAVE TO EAT YOUR COOKING EVERY DAY
If you are tired of your home-cooked meals and have a hankering for someone else’s, the 14 West Hamilton Street Club can accommodate you. Wednesday through Friday you can purchase one of Chef Charlotte’s complete meals and a bottle of wine. Beginning Tuesday of each week, the next day’s menu is emailed to all members. If you are interested, place your order the day before so that Chef Charlotte can prepare the appropriate number of meals. Send your order to [email protected]. You will receive a return email confirming your order.
Stay Safe!
