Island Women General Membership Meeting Minutes
June 17th, 2024
6:00 – 6:30 pm Social Time
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm General Meeting
American Legion Carolina Beach, NC
BOD present - Mary Kaye, Eileen, Laurel, Teresa. Absent – Julie, Kay, Wanda
Number of additional members present - 28
Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. Mary Kaye read a thank you note from the Food Bank.
- Motion to approve May 2024 General Meeting Minutes made by Lesley Sloan. Seconded by Kerri Collins. All yeas to approve.
- Presentation of $1000 Donation Check to American Legion Commander, Ed Pomeroy. Ed mentioned hoping to use it to get the fryer fixed.
- Introduction of New Members – Debbie Scott/June Martin Danae was a guest. Kathy Becker just rejoined.
4. Celebrations and Recognition.
- Seabreeze Historical Marker Ceremony Volunteers
It was a historical moment. One of the most humbling, interesting, fun, touching events Mary Kaye has attended. Mary Kaye said she was proud of the Island Women. There is a monument there (by the old Pelican building just over the bridge). Three members that worked the event stood to be recognized. It was chilling. Several families that attended were there as children.
5. Financials – Terry Merrick No major events to report on for fundraising. The May giving budget vote was approved for all charities in the vote, and the checks have been written. 53 voting members cast their votes. All reports are on the website. There will be a $2000 Check presentation at a Safe place at 9 a.m. Meet Mary Kaye there. Mary Kaye will present a $1000 check to Good Shepherd at 811 Martin St on Thursday at 10a.m. Carousel House wants to come and talk to us. They would like us to tour their facility. Discussed Federal Help Center and what they do on the island. .
6. Old Business
- Committee Reports/Events
- Communications – Laurel Gerhat
We are introducing a new format for the newsletter. Leaders will see a monthly request from Laurel for an update for their committee. Thank you to Haley Ellis for sending out the eblast for the past three years and to Debbie for picking up the newsletter! We will feature members and committees monthly. We will also feature organizations that we donate to.
- IW Cookbook – Debbe Geiger
We sold 76 cookbooks so far. We purchased 200 total.
- BINGO – Cathy Chester
Bingo had 195 people in attendance last week. We turned away some people as there were not enough the tables. So, we just purchased five more tables. We are purchasing a new banner for IW to be hung at the boardwalk. No Bingo July 3rd.
- SHE Committee – Tammy Neeb/Vickie Jagger
The next event is $5 for Book Art at clubhouse. Robin Pleta is running this event. Sign up online. July’s event will be a combined summer birthday celebration and a summer soiree at Neapolitan. The event will go live around July 1. Estimated cost is $45. Time is tbd. Those attending will sample summer wines, eat pastries and make summer bouquets. The committee is looking for ideas on things to do. Submit them in the box at the back of the room or contact Tammy or Vicki. We are looking at doing a historical tour in the fall. We will be bringing back an old SHE committee event in the fall. Please note that if you are cancelling for an event, that we there may be cancellation fees.
- Martha’s Kitchen – Mary Kaye for Pat Krum
Things are moving and shaking. Every Thursday night, there is a hot meal provided. The average number of people served is 110-135. Mary Kaye and Pat have written grants to apply for a new stove, freezer, faucet, refrigerator. The committee is trying to figure out how to serve more people and get back to twice per week meals. If you haven’t had the opportunity to volunteer, try it out. We will serve twice a month in a five-week month. Pat is having a meeting
Trader Joe’s was brought up as a possible place to get food.
There is a food ministry at the beach - every Monday and Friday at 10 a.m. She gets produce from Biggers market and others. She brings them to the beach assembly church. Cape Fear Church does this too. Mel said looking for help from Island Women.
Events
- Missed Pleasure Island – Eileen Clute
It is a fashion show put on by men - evening gowns and bathing suits. We partner with Island Men. This event brings in a significant amount of money. Mel and Karen have been running the show for years. They will mentor new people. There is a great committee that has supported them. There can be more than two people heading this up. We work the front end of the event - ticket sales and raffle baskets. Mel can help with introductions to past sponsors for donations for the baskets. They are expecting us to solicit donations from them. There will be a kickoff with the committee in August.
- Kure Beach Market – Eileen Clute
The first market that we will be present at is 8 a.m. -1 p.m. at ocean front tomorrow. Mary and Jackie and Terry and Shelley are volunteering tomorrow. Need help from 11-1. Bags, cookbooks, games, flocking and new members will be promoted. We are there July 16th and one time in August.
- Dragon Boat/ Trash to Treasures – Mary Kaye for Wanda Applebee
Trash to Treasures – this is a new opportunity for IW. The chamber used to run this event. People that needed to sell things that don’t have storage can bring their stuff to the lake. They pay for a tent. We think that it will be held in October. Mel will help with this. Asked if there will be vendors.
The dragon boat race will be held on 9/21. We will have two boats - one competitive and one non-competitive. Mel asked if IW would have a tent? Mary Kaye said she would support this.
- CB Market – Mary Kaye
The first market was two Saturdays ago. We will do four of them total. Julie and Mary Kaye and Robin worked it. We had to put the tent up at 6 a.m. We had a good day. We sold 8 cookbooks, 1 game, and 20+ bags. We met a lot of people. We had the flamingos on display to promote flocking. We also promoted Smart Art Kids. We received $55 in donations.
7. New Business
- Volunteer Opportunities for members who are trained as Social Workers or Teachers with Education without Walls – Mary Kaye
We have historically donated to this organization. The leader asked us to mention that they are looking for women with a teaching and or social worker background to volunteer with them. It’s one hour per week to supply support for a child. They need one or two to join their team. It’s a commitment for the entire school year. Mary Kaye will post this opportunity on our Facebook page. You can get credit for this towards your volunteer commitment for your IW requirement.
- Mentors for the new members.
Debbie Geiger asked for volunteer mentors.
News flash – We will plan to get together after each General Membership Meeting.
- Tonight, we will go to the Vault.
There will be no General Membership meeting in July. The BOD will meet as planned.
Raffle drawing - Eileen Clute won the Bottle of Prosecco!
- Questions/Concerns - None.
- Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made by Lesley Sloan. Seconded by Mel Lombardi. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurel Gerhat
IW Secretary