The Communiqué

Newsletter of the GFWC of Holden BeachP. O. Box 902, Supply, NC 28462

Volume 9, Issue 8, November 12, 2014Julie Wolfe, President Jean Newland, Editor

“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest”William Blake

A NOTE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

Greetings Ladies,

Welcome to fall! October was a busy month and we have plenty to look forward to in November, too. Thanks to the International Outreach CSP Chairman, Suzanne Gurski and her committee, Pam Burris, Jean Newland, Linda Sturgill, Gracie Annecchiarico, our October meeting was engaging, and informative. Mary-Lou Wong-Chong and her husband, George, shared their unforgettable experiences bringing fresh water access to Honduras. Your delicious refreshments and fun decorations lightened our spirits!

The October meeting also saw the election of our 2015 slate of officers and the adoption of the Amendments to our Bylaws. A huge and

grateful congratulations to our newly elected 2015 Executive Board members: Karen Throckmorton, Donna Geise, Jean Newland, Holly Coleman, Gracie Annecchiarico, Patti Hogan, and Kris Thomas. The talent among our membership as well as the commitment to GFWC of Holden Beach that you all demonstrate daily is indeed humbling. On behalf of our Club, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to those of you who have accepted these leadership positions. A special thanks to those who guided this process so skillfully, especially to the Nominating Committee, B.J. Stephens, chairman, Judy Brock and Holly Coleman.

The Festival by the Sea Bake Sale was again a huge success! Congratulations to Peg Storella and Renee Edwards for doing such a great job organizing, setting up, scheduling workers, taking down and generally making sure everything ran so smoothly. Over $700 was raised. You ladies are AMAZING!!!! Many thanks to all of you who supported them by baking and staffing the booth. A special thanks to the International Outreach CSP, whose extra efforts on behalf of Heifer International paid off nicely. Fabulous job, ladies!

Here is what you need to remember for November:

1. Our annual dues ($65.00) are due this month. Patti will be collecting at the meeting or you can mail it to her before the 30th.

2. Cast your votes for the Annual Club Awards. You should have already received your ballot, which you may complete on line and return to me directly via email, mail me a hard copy of a completed ballot or bring your completed ballot to the meeting. Your ballot must be received no later than Friday, November 21st.

3. Last year’s winners, please do not forget to bring your silver awards in their boxes to the November meeting or arrange to deliver to my house on or before Monday, November 18th.

I understand that our Arts CSP has a fun program planned for our November meeting on the 18th. Hope you all can make it!

Finally, as we look forward to next month, we are thrilled that Linda Sturgill has again volunteered to host our annual Holiday Party at her beautiful home on December 16th. This is a highlight of the year that everyone so enjoys so mark your calendars! Details to follow.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Julie

MEETING MINUTES

GFWC of Holden BeachTuesday, October 21, 2014

Holden Beach ChapelHolden Beach, NC

The regular meeting of GFWC of Holden Beach was held on Tuesday, October 21, 2014. President Julie Wolfe called the meeting to order at 6:50 pm and welcomed everyone. Chaplain Elene Busch’s opening devotion was the reading of a poem by Joseph Mazzella entitled “Little Dots of Life”.

1st Vice President Karen Throckmorton led the club in the recitation of the Club Collect and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

Suzanne Gurski, International Outreach CSP Chairman, gave information about Heifer International and their mission to provide livestock to families in third world nations. The CSP will be purchasing schools of fingerling fish with funds raised through donations and 50% of the proceeds from the Festival by the Sea Bake Sale. The goal is to raise $900 so that three schools of fish can be purchased. Suzanne introduced Mari-Lou and George Wong-Chong, who spoke of their travels to Honduras this past summer to work with AHMEN (Alabama

Honduras Medical Education Network). AHMEN is an international, interfaith-based partnership of volunteers and missionaries working to prevent disease, malnutrition, and poverty in Honduras through medical relief and education.

Pictured, left to right, are Suzanne Gurski, International Outreach CSP Chairman; George Wong-Chong; Mari-Lou Wong-Chong; and GFWC of Holden Beach President

Julie Wolfe.

President Wolfe thanked the International Outreach CSP for the program and the refreshments. She also asked that all members stand and be recognized.

International Outreach CSP Committee: left to right – Julie Wolfe, club president; Suzanne Gurski, CSP program chairman; Gracie Annecchiarico; Jean Newland; Pam

Burris.Not available for photo: Linda Sturgill and Lillian West

BUSINESS MEETING

A. Minutes

President Wolfe stated that the minutes of the September meeting were included in the Communiqué posted on the web site. There were no corrections to the minutes.

B. Action on the proposed amendments to the Bylaws

President Wolfe introduced Peggy Schiavone, Bylaws Committee Chairman. Peggy thanked President Julie Wolfe and introduced the members of the Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee: Julie Wolfe, Ann Landis, Linda Sturgill, Karen Throckmorton, and Judi Stankowich. It was stated that the Bylaws were reviewed via email throughout the summer. A committee meeting was held August 7, 2014.

President Wolfe stated that copies of the Bylaws with the proposed amendments were emailed to each member prior to the September meeting. By unanimous consent, the proposed amendments were not read individually but each member retained the right to debate any proposed amendment.

By direction of the Bylaws Committee, the chairman moved the adoption of the the proposed amendments as presented.

Motion adopted

President Wolfe thanked the committee chairman and committee members.

C. Election of Officers

President Wolfe asked for the report of the Nominating Committee. Speaking on behalf or B.J. Stephens, Chairman, Committee Member Judy Brock reported that the Nominating Committee had worked throughout the summer to compile the slate of officers as follows:

President: Karen Throckmorton1st Vice President: Donna Geise2nd Vice President: Jean NewlandMembership Vice President: Holly ColemanRecording Secretary: Gracie Annecchiarico

Corresponding Secretary: Patti HoganTreasurer: Kris Thomas

After thanking the members of the nominating committee, President Wolfe asked for nominations from the floor.

Since there were no nominations for any office, the nominations were closed. President Wolfe noted that Article VI, Section 4 of the Bylaws provides, “if there is but one nominee for an office, the vote may be taken by acclamation. Since there was but one nominee for each office, the vote was taken by acclamation and the slate as presented was elected.

Each member of the 2015 administration was asked to stand as her name was called and to remain standing. President Wolfe asked the membership to join her in congratulating and thanking the new officers. She again thanked the nominating committee and announced that installation would take place at the January meeting.

D. Creation of the Finance Committee

President Wolfe proceeded to the creation of a Finance Committee. In accordance with the Bylaws, Patti Hogan, Treasurer, will serve as chairman an members include the President Julie Wolfe, Treasurer-Elect Kris Thomas, an President-Elect Karen Throckmorton. The Executive Boar appointed Holly Coleman. Pam Burris, was nominated by Peggy Schiavone and elected to serve as the final member

E. CSP Reports

Arts: Caroline Galan reported that the Art CSP Committee is still collecting used cameras for the Cedar Grove Middle School Art classes. The membership was also reminded the club Art competition will take place in January and everyone is encouraged to submit an entry in the various categories: crafts, sewing, visual arts, pottery, etc. Doris Kelley has checked with Kelly Morris regarding the “Sip and Sketch” sessions. The dates and times for this activity are either December 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm or December 4 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Sign-up sheets were passed to the membership. The Art CSP Committee is responsible for the November meeting program and refreshments.

Conservation: Carol Ann Lohman reported that the Conservation CSP Committee is collecting used towels for animal shelters. This CSP Committee is also planning to make a donation to the town of Holden Beach to help with the cost of the Sea Oats plantings.

Public Issues: Peggy Schiavone reported that she is assisting Lynn Carlson from Hope Harbor Home with the collection of gently used professional clothing.

F. Officers Reports

Recording Secretary Donna Geise reminded the membership to submi written reports to her before or after the Business Meeting.

Corresponding Secretary Kris Thomas read a thank you card from Josie Callahan, manager of Fisher Hose at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC for the donation to Fisher House.

Treasurer, Patti Hogan, reported that the checkbook balance was $11,586.32

G. Old Business

Janet Baker, our nominee for Women of Achievement, is unable to accept our 2015 nomination. Her nomination will be deferred until 2016.

F. New Business

Gem of the Month: Caroline Galan, the September recipient, presented this award to Jean Newland. Caroline said that Jean was respected and admired by membership and exemplified the definition of a lady. President Wolfe congratulated Jean as she accepted her award.

Belk Charity Sale: Doris Kelley and Donna Geise reported that they had participated in “table time” the previous week. The sale coupons, good for a $5 discount per item purchased, were distributed to the members. Doris reminded the membership that the coupon could be used from November 1 to November 8. The sale times on November 8 are 6 am to 10 am. Doris and Donna stated that they would answer any additional questions regarding the sale.

Charity Gala: Donna Geise stated that this is our biggest fundraiser of the year and everyone’s help is needed. The “kick-off Meeting” will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2014 art 2:30 pm at the Woodmen of the World facility in Shallotte.

Festival by the Sea Bake Sale October 25 and 26: Peggy Storella and Renee Edwards are organizing this event. They need at least 2 members per time slot to help with this sale. If you cannot help, but are willing to provide baked goods, the baked goods can be brought to Peggy’s home on Friday, October 24. Contact Peggy for additional information.

District 7 Meeting Report: Jean Newland delivered an update on the Fall District 7 Meeting. Jean reported that the meeting, “Unlocking a Brighter Tomorrow”, took place on Saturday, October 11 at Shallotte Presbyterian Church. Members in attendance were Julie Wolfe, B.J. Stephens, Judi Stankowich, Jane Decker, Carol Ann Lohman, Donna Geise, Caroline Galan, Maureen Wright, and Jean Newland. GFWC-NC President Gay DeWitt Warren and GFWC-NC Junior Secretary Elizabeth Lee were also in attendance. The day’s events included club information and ideas displayed throughout the

meeting room. There were also CSP breakout sessions, a S.T.E.M. brick lab workshop, a Leadership Lunch and Learn, and a Communities in Schools (CIS) presentation.

VAWA: Judi Stankowich, Parliamentarian, explained that this acronym stands for Violence Against Women Act and was started 20 years ago by then Senator Joe Biden. The membership was given a sign and asked to write one word that described what VAWA meant to them. The membership gathered for a group picture, with signs held high, at the conclusion of the meeting.

G. Announcements

GFWC Southeastern Regional Meeting November 6-8 Belk Charity Sale November 8 Christmas Party, Linda Sturgill’s Home December 16

H. Closing Prayer

Elene Busch gave the closing prayer with words about “smiles, laughter, and love for each other”.

I. Adjournment

There being no further business, President Wolfe adjourned the meeting at 8:25 pm.

Donna Geise, Recording Secretary

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Arts Community Service Program Committee

Bennie Hall and Doris Kelley, Co-Chairs

The Art CSP is still collecting used cameras for the school photography classes and delivered another last month.

Members of the Arts CSP participated in the HB GFWC bake sale at the Holden Beach Festival by the Sea by baking goods to sell.

Preparations are underway for the HB GFWC January Art Show and members are reminded to be preparing their submissions.

The Art CSP will provide refreshments for the November meeting of HB GFWC.

Conservation Committee Service Program Committee

Carol Ann Lohman, Chairman

The Conservation Service Program is giving a donation to the Town of Holden Beach of $250.00 for the Sea Oats the town plants on our beach every year.  This money will be used next Spring to purchase the Sea Oats and the Conservation members will help with the planting.  We will also do this planting as a joint activity with the Holden Beach Beautification Club. Also, we are collecting towels for Animal Shelter in this County.  This activity will conclude in November and Conservation will deliver the towels.  We hope in this small way to help the homeless animals of Brunswick County. 

Education Community Service Program Committee Judy Brock, Chairman

The Education Committee used the remainder of its money to purchase Clorox Disinfectant Wipes for Supply Elementary School to meet an expressed need there. 

 

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS

Festival by the Sea Bake SaleOctober 25 & 26

Beautiful weather and large crowds contributed to our successful bake sale.

Pictured above, left to right, Renee Edwards, bake sale co-chairman; Carolyn Sweat; and Peg Storella, bake sale co-chairman.

GFWC of Holden Beach Officers - 2015

President: Karen Throckmorton

1st Vice President: Donna Geise

2nd Vice President: Jean Newland

Membership Vice President: Holly

Coleman

Recording Secretary: Gracie Annecchiarico

Corresponding Secretary: Patti Hogan

Treasurer: Kris Thomas

Congratulations and best wishes for a successful year!

Coming Events Calendar

November 13: 2:30 Charity Gala “kickoff” MeetingNovember 18: 5:45 Board Meeting 6:30 Social; 6:45 Club MeetingDecember 2 : 2 – 4 “Sip and Sketch”

December 4: 4 – 6 “Sip and Sketch”December 16: Christmas PartyOngoing: Collection of professional clothing

Happy Birthday

Gracie Annecchiarico, November 17 Donna Geise, November 28

Carol Ann Lohman, November 19B.J. Stephens, November 16Linda Sturgill, November 1Gayle Todd, November 12Lane Wood, November 26

STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS

SAVE THE DATES

GFWC-NC District 7 Spring Meeting and Arts FestivalFebruary 2015

Hosted by: Southport WC and Southport JWC

March 2015 – GFWC-NC Arts Festival. Campbell UniversityApril 22-25, 2015 – GFWC-NC Convention 2015, Asheville

June 11- 15, 2015 – GFWC Convention 2015, Memphis, TN.