Woodlands Residents Enjoy President Obama’s Visit to South Florida

Barry and Michele Kanarek attend the Obama Victory Fund Dinner for President Obama

By Sharon Aron Baron

President Obama made a stop in South Florida at the Hollywood Diplomat Hotel this week, and Woodlands resident Michele Kanarek was able to see him for the third time.

The last time Kanarek saw the President was at his inauguration in 2009. This time, there were about a million fewer people and the temperatures were a lot more bearable than the cold temperatures of that January day.

President Obama at the Hollywood Diplomat Hotel

President Obama made several stops through South Florida this week while attending various fundraisers. One of them was Obama Victory Fund Dinner at the Hollywood Diplomat Hotel, which Michele and her husband Barry attended.

Michele was one of the first South Florida volunteers in 2007 before Obama was even considered the front-runner Democratic nominee. She first volunteered when she saw an online advertisement called “Broward for Obama.”

As a volunteer, Michele worked phone banks and canvassed door-to-door, getting people to register throughout the tri-county area. She also made sure people had rides to polling stations. Michele felt Obama could win from the day she first heard his keynote speech at the 2004 convention.

Michele first met  President Obama at the Bank Atlantic Center in 2007. There, she was able to meet him personally as he shook the hands of all the volunteers. The second time she saw him was on inauguration day in 2009  when she and another volunteer received tickets for the event from one of the campaign leaders.

This week was her third time seeing him, and being in the front row allowed her to shake his hand after his speech, which was exciting for her.

 

“It was as if I were reliving 2007. His speech has inspired many of my friends who attended to recommit to volunteering once again.”

Barry Kanarek was able to have his picture taken with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.

Michele and her husband Barry, a retired physician, moved to the Woodlands Country Club in 2009 after finding a home. Michele applied her expertise in computer architectural drafting and design and renovation. Barry enjoys golfing in the community, and they love the beautiful setting.

Michele plans to volunteer more this campaign season and hopes to attend more fundraisers as Florida will be a crucial deciding state in the Presidential election.