Martha’s Kitchen
Martha’s Kitchen feeds needy people living on or near Pleasure Island a hot meal twice a week. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening folks who need a hot meal gather at First Baptist Church in Carolina Beach. There is no cost or obligation for this meal and all are welcomed to attend. This meal doesn’t just happen. It requires the efforts of the whole community to feed the clientele at Martha’s Kitchen. Island Women started volunteering for Martha’s Kitchen in January of 2016, serving the First Tuesday meal every month. Now we serve First Tuesday and Third Thursday, and our team is 40 members strong. Contact Sue LoBalbo (suelobalbo@gmail.com) for more information on serving and to volunteer to pick up food at Harris Teeter. Contact Laurel Gerhat (lcgerhat@gmail.com) to volunteer to pick up food at Food Lion.
Sea Turtle Nest Watch
Every year we are honored to be assigned a Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest by the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project. Our nest parents, who are also members of PISTP and our members stand vigilant over our nest throughout the season. Keeping an eye on it during incubation, preparing for the hatch, and then inventorying the nest after its hatch. This is always a special time for our members. Contact Gail Smyth (gailsmyth@gmail.com) for more information.
Island Beautification Projects
Since its start in 2006, Island Women has been proud to put their support behind such projects as the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Makeover, tending to the Carolina Beach Marina, Carolina Beach Boardwalk and the Kure Beach Town Hall landscaped areas. Island Women, in partnership with the Town of Carolina Beach was able to secure a DOT grant of $50,000 towards landscape improvement work done in 2009/2010 along Lake Park Blvd, just south of town center by the lake. Contact Lynn Wast (lynnwast205@aol.com) for more information.
Recycling and Environmental Initiatives
One of the earliest battle cries of Island Women was “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.” as we lobbied for recycling bins on the island and at island events. We volunteered at events to educate attendees to the importance of recycling. In addition, we worked annually with other local organizations in support of the annual NC Beach Sweep, in addition to holding our own beach sweeps during the summer.
StoryWalkTM
In 2014, Island Women’s Literacy Committee partnered with the Town of Carolina Beach and the Cape Fear Literacy Council to implement a new StoryWalkTM at the Carolina Beach Lake. This was one of the very first initiatives of our Literacy Committee. Today, you can find members of the Literacy Committee tutoring at the local elementary schools in reading and mathematics. Contact Mary Nolan (mnoln@hotmail.com) or Mary Anne Russo (maryanne.russo@gmail.com) for more information.
PR link: http://www.islandgazette.net/news-10/index.php/lifestyle/life-on-the-island/item/672-lake-hosts-story-walk-ribbon-cutting
Little Free Libraries (LFL)
In 2015 an idea was borne through Island Women to bring Little Free Libraries to Pleasure Island. In partnership with Island Men, we were successful in installing four libraries – two in Kure Beach, and two in Carolina Beach. Books are free for use and return or feel free to donate a book, in exchange for a good read. Today, we have another location at the Carolina Beach Recreational Center. Contact Mary Nolan (mnoln@hotmail.com) or Mary Anne Russo (maryanne.russo@gmail.com) for more information.
For more information on the duties of the LFL committee, please see the governing document in the Club documents pull down in the Member area of the website.
PR link: http://www.islandgazette.net/news-10/index.php/lifestyle/life-on-the-island/item/2816-little-free-libraries-at-kure-beach
Christmas by the Sea
In 2010 Island Women was approached by the Mayor of Carolina Beach to help with the decorations for the Gazebo at the 2nd Annual Christmas by the Sea, now an annual seasonal event. Island Women have continued to be responsible for the Gazebo decorations. Contact Lynn Wast (lynnwast205@aol.com) for more information.
Partnerships within our community
Island Women takes a collection at every monthly meeting for food and supplies for the Carolina Beach Elementary School students in need. We’ve also held fundraising events to help families/individuals in need, and in support of the local HELP Center.
Events and Festivals
Pleasure Island is host to a wealth of events and festivals throughout the year. Just some of the events we participate in are: the Steve Haydu LoTide Run, Heart of Hope Walk, Island Day, the Carolina Beach Bike Rodeo, Christmas by the Sea, and the Island of Lights Christmas Parade. Island Women was one of the original sponsors for the first Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival. Since 2013, Island Women has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the best rowing teams in a friendly competition here in our local waters.
Beach Bound Project
Island Women funded the purchase of 9 beach wheelchairs so that people of limited mobility can enjoy the beach too! Please contact the Carolina Beach Recreation center at 910-458-2977 to reserve a wheelchair. In 2017, the IW added 5 Sand Riders to our collection.