On June 12th the old board and new board met to exchange files and spend time together. We continued into a regular board meeting, all held at the home of Carolynn Cooper. It was wonderful to welcome new members Eileen Higgins, Suzanne Sullivan, Niv Persaud, Jamie Deeter, Meg Heyer, and Debby Kelly to the board. Taking a board position as a new member can be intimidating, but it is a wonderful way to get involved with ARCS Atlanta and make new friends. We also welcomed back members who had stepped back from the board to take on other responsibilities. These former board members include Sherry Lundeen, Molly Eskew, Suzy Wasserman, Cathey Millichap, Linda Kay McGowan, and Ronnie Martin.
Since the board meeting followed the National All ARCS Conference in Chicago, Carolynn brought back some ideas for the combined group to consider. A few chapters have been offering current and former scholars free or greatly reduced membership. This initiative has not increased membership by large numbers but seems successful as a way to stay connected with scholars who remained in the area after completing their PhD. The Oregon chapter wanted their scholars to understand how much the members appreciate them and the work they are doing. One member enjoyed baking sourdough bread during the pandemic and now brings a homemade loaf of bread for each scholar when they get together. They also started a furniture bank for their scholars. Many of their members are downsizing and leaving large homes so now have furniture they no longer use. They post these items on the website to help scholars who are just starting out furnish their apartments or homes. Their members are delighted to know their much-loved items are being appreciated by a new generation.
