Marco Island Woman’s Club – Embracing New Beginnings

“The greatest gift in life and the greatest healing therapy is friendship.” Those are the words of Pam Spering, a member of the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) who has experienced that friendship in an incredibly special way. Her message inspired MIWC with a theme of new beginnings.

The club recently met for its first official luncheon meeting of the 2023-24 season at Naples Lakes Country Club, a new venue for the club as the Marco Island Yacht Club undergoes renovations. Members enjoyed a delicious meal served with welcoming hospitality from the Naples Lakes staff. It was a day to reunite in friendship, sign up for special interest groups, and embrace new opportunities of volunteerism. 

MIWC President Sharyn Kampmeyer dedicated the luncheon to Betty Cioffi, a beloved longtime member who passed away in September. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a heartfelt musical rendition of God Bless America led by Shirley Thayer. But it was the invocation written and delivered by Pam Spering that would fill our hearts with the true spirit of MIWC.

Spering’s world was rattled last March when her husband Ron was seriously injured in a car accident. Marco Islanders know the Spering’s from their home holiday decorating display that has raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Since the accident, Ron has undergone several surgeries, some from the injuries he sustained and another involving a heart valve replacement. Pam thanked her many friends for their kindness and support during this time, saying, “I personally don’t know what I would have done through so many days in 2023, if I hadn’t had my girlfriends. Thank you for your endless friendship, my ladies!” That friendship included cards, dog care, meals, companionship on car rides to the hospital in Cape Coral, gas money, meals, books, gifts, errands, flowers, and prayers. With emotion and gratitude, she said, “This is the beginning of a new day, a new calendar year for MIWC. You have been given this day by God to use it as you will. Try not to waste it. Use it for the good, and there are so many opportunities within our club to help. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day in your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In its place is something you left behind. Let it be something good. Make a new friend and get involved.”

Pam shared her good news that Ron is healing. A little progress each day has led to big results. In Ron’s words, “Christmas is coming!” Their holiday display will shine once more, beginning Thanksgiving night thanks to help from some Marco Island elves! Pam gave us resounding advice, saying “When you cry, learn, persevere, and move forward. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.” 

And with that, we moved forward to plant new seeds of happiness, literally! Guest speaker Yvette Benarroch shared her knowledge and love of the tropical flora that thrives in this amazing paradise we call home. Benarroch, a Marco Island resident, is the co-owner of Affordable Landscaping Service & Design, LLC. She shared her creative ideas in horticultural design for our yards, lanais, and even indoors. For those of us who are challenged in the green thumb department, she answered our questions of “Sunlight or shade?” and “Which grass is best?” For the record, she likes St. Augustine grass and admits that even she has a tough time growing orchids, which made some of us feel much better! Her expert presentation will encourage many to enhance their homes with the growth and beauty of the plant kingdom. Benarroch is a woman of many talents. She is a US Air Force veteran who served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and is also a proud wife and mom. She enjoys a sense of new beginnings each day. We look forward to welcoming her to MIWC in the near future as a new member.

We would love to welcome YOU to MIWC. Be a friend, make a friend, and embrace the miracle of new beginnings. Membership is available to all women who live (own or rent) on Marco Island. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at Naples Lakes Country Club, located just a hop, skip, and a jump off the island at 4784 Naples Lakes Blvd., Naples. For more information, please visit https://marcowomansclub.com.