Kelly Imbody GFWC-HB President kevnkell@hotmail.com
The
Volume 21, Issue 1 January 2026
GFWC of Holden Beach Arts Festival
Communique
Member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs
message from president kelly
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GFWC of Holden Beach
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Welcome to 2026! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Our January meeting is Tuesday, January 20th. Our new members will be inducted by our very own GFWC NC State President, Karen Throckmorton! Please plan on attending and support these wonderful women. We will also be electing the Nominating Committee to build the slate for the 2026-2028 club year. So, our meeting will be a little light on business but heavy on our club Arts and Literature Festival. Come early to browse the artist’s works! I hope that many of you will submit your creations! Our Arts and Literature Festival will not only feature the creations of our club women, but area students will contribute as well. A big Thank You in advance to the Arts and Culture Community Service Program (CSP) and School Liaison, Holly Coleman. I will be the first to admit that I am not “artsy”. Those who know me well will attest to that! I have, however, discovered something that challenges me to tap into the creative part of me hidden deep inside. You will be introduced to this art form at the District 7 Spring Meeting and Arts Festival that we (yes, WE!) are hosting on the 21st of February. The meeting will be at the Brunswick Plantation Brunswick House. The Sallie Southall Cotten District scholarship representative will be announced at this meeting and the art and literature submissions from students and club women receiving a 1st place ribbon at this meeting will move on to the State Arts and Literature Festival in Mebane on Saturday, March 7th. So, those of you who feel you’ve nothing worthy of submission to our Arts Festival think again! Here’s a primer on how to tap your hidden creativity… Start with a Creative Ritual: Begin each day or work session with a creative exercise unrelated to your main work. This can help trigger your brain into creative mode and loosen up your inner perfectionist. Practice Daily: Treat creativity as a skill that can be learned. Dedicate time each day to engage in creative activities, even if it's just for a few minutes. Embrace the Process: Understand that the creative process is not about perfection but about exploring and learning. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and take risks. Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to seek feedback from others. It can help you see things from a different perspective and improve your work. Learn from Others: Read books, watch videos, or listen to podcasts that inspire you and help you learn from the experiences of others. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can build your imagination, boost your innovative thinking and unleash your inner creative genius! Remember, creativity is a skill that can be developed with practice and dedication.
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table of contents
Message from our President Kelly - page 2
Calendar - page 4
Message from President-elect Debbie - page 5
Message from 1st VP Kandace - page 6
Message from Membership VP Amanda - page 7
Club Christmas Party Photos - page 8
January Meeting - page 9
Club Information - page 10
Arts & Culture CSP - page 11
Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP - page 12
Environment CSP - page 13
Education & Libraries CSP - page 14
Charity Gala - page 15
District News - pages 16-17
President's Special Project - page 18
ESO & Heifer International - page 19
Save the Dates - page 20
WHRC - page 21
Legislative Actions - page 22
New Year - page 22
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Club Meeting
Feb 17
Apr 24-25
our club calendar
GFWC-HB Charity Gala
GFWC-NC State Convention
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Arts & Culture CSP CLUB ARTS FESTIVAL
Durham, NC
Apr 21
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Gala Committee
Mebane, NC
Apr 11
JAN 20
Mar 17
GFWC-NC Arts Festival
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by GFWC-NC President's Special Project
Mar 7
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Executive Committee/ Leadership Advancement Plan
St. James Event Center 10:30 am - 2:30 pm Tickets $65.00
Brunswick Plantation hosted by GFWC-HB
Feb 21
District Arts Festival
It is time to select nominees for the 2025 GFWC-NC Individual Awards! What does that mean? It means that this is your opportunity to nominate our own hardworking club women to be considered for these awards at the State level. By now you have received the 2025 ballot sheet with information on the criteria for each award. This is a fillable Word document you can open in Word, Enable Editing, and fill in the appropriate award blanks with your choices. Please take time to familiarize yourself with the information provided. You may not nominate the same member for more than one award. Please print a copy of the ballot and bring it to the January general meeting on January 20 to drop in the ballot box that will be provided. You can also email it to Kelly Imbody at kevnkell@hotmail.com or mail it to her at 3523 Concordia Ave. SW, Supply, NC 28462. The deadline for ballots to be received is NO LATER THAN JANUARY 30th!! If you have any questions about any of this, please contact me at 704.641.7687 or email me at djyorio@gmail.com. Also coming in January… the Leadership Survey that you can indicate your willingness to serve for upcoming 2026-2028 term. This, too, is a fillable document. Please indicate your interest in serving GFWC-HB in a leadership position.
message from president-elect debbie
As the new year begins, we continuously seek innovative project ideas to expand our influence. Whether it be this year or next, your CSP always has opportunities through the affiliate organizations GFWC partners with. In alignment with this month's emphasis on the arts, the following are several suggestions for meaningful contributions and community engagement.
Waiting Room Fun Bags Fill a sealed, zippered plastic bag with fun things a child or teen can do as they wait to visit the doctor. Make bags age-specific but generic enough for a boy or a girl. Include things such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, paper, coloring books, and stickers. Items may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attention Vilma Carnahan and Volunteer Services, 595 North Parkway, Memphis, TN 38105. Sponsor a Local Read to Feed® Program. For over 20 years, readers of all ages have been ending hunger by simply reading books. Now, with Heifer’s Read to Feed app, the more you read, the more you feed! Origami Bird Project • The migration process of the swallow has close parallels to our work at Hope for Justice. Write words of hope, on each bird to be delivered to a survivor on their path to healing. Mail finished birds to PO Box 208365, Nashville, TN 37228, with a note from which club they are being sent and contact information. Each affiliate has guides for these projects and more on the GFWC.org website under the affiliates tab in the digital library. Start off the new year with an artful way of making a difference one child, reader, or survivor at a time. Cheers to 2026!
message from first vp kandace
message from membership vp amanda
At our January meeting we will welcome our newest members during our new member initiation led by Karen Throckmorton, GFWC-NC President. At 5:30, prior to our meeting there will be New Member Orientation. This orientation is a great time for new members to go through the club handbook, familiarize themselves with everything GFWC of Holden Beach and ask lots of questions! We will finish at 6:15 so everyone has time to see all the Art’s Festival entries from our talented members~!!! A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Members: Karen Kennedy Denise Mirandola Colleen McDaniel Jenny Stoner Patti O’Connor Anne Ring Christal Page Bobbie Rostetter Connie Trotter
Winners of our unique shirt contest!
Pattie the Christmas Tree and Rosemarie the Holiday Wreath
40 ladies attended our annual Christmas party
sorry you missed our club christmas party
We will induct the following new members:
January 20th
Come and admire all the crafts at the GFWC-HB Arts Festival Did you submit artwork? There is still time!
6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting
see you at our january meeting
Karen Kennedy Denise Mirandola Colleen McDaniel Jenny Stoner Patti O’Connor Anne Ring Christal Page Bobbie Rostetter Connie Trotter
more information for you
3 books donated to Bolivia Elementary School on behalf of the Environment CSP, Holden Beach Women's Club. Left to right, Laura Cleary, Principal, Pam Foertsch, Sally Lewis, Media Specialist. ,
Delores Lail -- January 8 Bennie Hall -- January 10 Cindy Lee -- January 18
January, named after Janus, the Roman god of doors and gates, symbolizes transitions and new starts. Did you know that in ancient Rome, Janus was depicted with two faces—one looking to the past, the other to the future—perfectly echoing the spirit of New Year’s resolutions? In modern times, January is filled with traditions such as “Dry January,” a campaign that encourages people around the world to abstain from alcohol for the month. Another fascinating detail: January is National Soup Month in the United States. What better way to chase away the winter chill than with a steaming bowl of comfort?
Several of our members went to DC and attended the GFWC Holiday Open House. They had a wonderful time. While they were there, they gave our donation to the WHRC.
“Before a child talks, they sing. Before they write, they draw. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is fundamental to human expression.” -Phylicia Rashad
This year our club is fortunate to be hosting the GFWC-NC District 7 Arts and Crafts Festival. The festival’s location is right in our own backyard - Brunswick Plantation Country Club and Golf Resort. Be part of something amazing. Lend a hand and support our club. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
CLUB ARTS FESTIVAL Tuesday, January 20, 2026 ·GFWC-Holden Beach January’s Club Meeting Holden Beach Chapel
Event
Date
Location
GFWC-NC District Arts Festival
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Brunswick Plantation Country Club & Golf Resort 380 Brunswick NW Drive Calabash, NC 28467
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Mebane Arts & Community Center Mebane, NC
submitted by Michele Skultety
The arts and literature festival contests give members an opportunity to explore their creativity in photography, literature, poetry and crafts. The Arts & Culture CSP Committee will be at the chapel from 11 am – 12 pm on the morning of Tuesday, January 20th to accept your submissions. Or you can reach out to committee members Maureen Wright or Holly Coleman -hollyc311@gmail.com before hand to get them your submission. Judging starts at 12 pm.
arts & culture csp
As members of the Civic Engagement CSP we find that arts and culture can play a powerful role in promoting civic engagement. It starts with fostering connections through conversations and sharing similar interests within our communities. There are endless opportunities to do this through visual arts, theater, music, literature and cultural traditions where people have the freedom to express their creativity, beliefs and passions that may otherwise go unheard. This creative expression and unity help to make social and political issues more inviting with broader perspectives and more accessible in civic life.
submitted by Deloris Lail
Cultural spaces such as libraries, museums, community centers and public performances often serve as gathering places where people from diverse backgrounds can unite. In these settings, people are exposed to perspectives different from their own, breaking down barriers and encouraging empathy and mutual understanding. This can lead to greater awareness of local or even national issues and spark conversations encouraging individuals to become more involved in their communities. Art also serves as a catalyst for social change and action. Historically, artists have responded to times of injustice, transformation and conflict, allowing their work and perspectives to question the status quo and inspire action. Spoken viewpoints, murals, songs of protest and public art installations often reflect community voices and can rally citizens around causes such as voting, equity and public accountability. Additionally, participation in arts and cultural activities build skills essential to civic engagement, including collaboration, communication and critical thinking. When people experience art together, they develop a sense of ownership and inclusion in their community. This sense of connection strengthens community participation and reinforces the idea that civic life is not just about institutions, but about people actively shaping the world they share for greater good!
Lisa Holmes & Robin Langley Co-Chairman
civic engagement & outreach csp
Every small action adds up. By making these practical changes in the New Year, you can help protect our environment for current and future generations. Start with one or two changes and gradually build new habits. Together, we can make a difference!
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Reduce Waste: Make a conscious effort to buy only what you need. Reuse Items: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastics. Conserve Energy Switch to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances. Unplug electronics when not in use to avoid "phantom" energy loss. Support Sustainable Transportation Carpool or use ride-sharing services to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Choose fuel-efficient or electric vehicles if you plan to purchase a car. Conserve Water Take shorter showers and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Collect rainwater for gardening or other outdoor uses. Protect Local Wildlife and Nature Plant native trees, flowers, and shrubs to support local ecosystems. Participate in or organize community clean-up events in parks, rivers, or beaches. Educate and Advocate Share information about environmental issues with friends and family. Support policies and organizations that prioritize sustainability.
The start of a New Year is a great opportunity to reflect on our habits and make positive changes. One of the most meaningful resolutions we can make is to help protect and restore our environment. Here are practical and achievable ways you can contribute to a healthier planet in 2026.
environment csp
Pam Foertsch & Cindy Lee Co-Chairman
submitted by Linda Sturgill
26
New Year Resolutions for a Greener Environment
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: A GREENER 2026 STARTS WITH YOU
Nancy McDevitt & Kandace Hill Co-Chairman
education & libraries csp
submitted by Kandace Hill
Edith Lovejoy Pierce wrote “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity, and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”
Quotes highlight books as magic gateways to other lives, endless conversations, and essential tools for knowledge, empathy, and freedom, with authors like Dr. Seuss, Pat Conroy, and George R.R. Martin and more emphasizing how reading expands the mind, offers escape, and builds understanding, making it a portable adventure and a lifelong source of wisdom. These are the thoughts behind the garden post the Education & Libraries Community Service Program created for the Club’s President’s special project in coordination of the GFWC -NC President’s Special Project to show the importance of the arts. Committee members submitted their favorite literary quotes and worked together to integrate these selections, along with select book covers and decorative elements, onto the post. Once installed in Halstead Park, the display will serve as an engaging prompt for passersby to consider reading, reflect personally, and find inspiration.
The Kickoff Meeting for our 18th annual “Blooming for a Cause” Charity Gala was held on Monday, December 1st at the Holden Beach Chapel. All Club Women were invited and attendance was great! Three members received prizes for answering questions related to the purpose and history of the Gala. Over the past 17 years, Gala funds have provided donations of approximately $370,000 to very deserving Brunswick County organizations, including Hope Harbor Home, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and abuse, and Providence Home, the only emergency youth shelter in the County. Raising funds to provide support for these agencies is consistent with our Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention. Gala Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs walked us through the entire Gala process, starting with the preparation that begins behind the scenes and continuing through the tasks of each committee. From form preparation, invitations and solicitation/sponsorship to set-up, decorations and check-in, to the silent auction, wine and 50/50 raffles, to the bead game and fashion show, to check out and thank-you notes (and everything in between!) there are many opportunities for each Club Member to find a good fit and contribute to the continuing success of this special event! Please reach out to Julie Lopez at 704-451-4001 for more information.
The Gala will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Homer E. Wright Event Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Rd., St. James, NC, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
"blooming for a cause" charity gala
Julie Lopez Chairman
See map on the next page
Hope this helps you understand where our district is located and you come up with a good name to identify us.
district news
The counties in our new district are: Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret Craven, Columbus, Duplin Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, & Pamlico
We will be hosting the District Meeting and Arts Festival to be held at Brunswick Plantation Country Club & Golf Resort. You don't want to miss this, it is a great way to learn more about GFWC. Your help is needed, see Kelly if you can help that day.
Wishing everyone a joyful and successful year ahead as we commemorate the 250th anniversary and work together toward our goals.
As we welcome the year 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, I am excited as we continue our initiative of collecting quarters through March. Progress on the Women’s Suffrage Monument We are pleased to announce that a site has now been selected for the monument. The chosen location is adjacent to a lake at 19th & Constitution and offers a view of the iconic Washington Monument. Six members of our club visited the site last month while in DC. While the groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for the coming years, we encourage everyone to keep collecting quarters to help support this significant project. President’s Special Project Update Our President’s Special Project has now raised over $20,000. These funds will be distributed to the designated project recipients chosen by clubs across the state. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back and make a meaningful contribution to communities throughout North Carolina. Does your CSP have a project that fits this category? If it contributes to the arts in our community, then the answer is YES! Remember to reach out to Kelly if you want yours to be considered.
To wrap up my report on a lighthearted note, here’s a quick trivia question: Did you know that the first U.S. quarter was minted in 1796 and featured a design by Robert Scot of Lady Liberty?
president's special project
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL, a GFWC Affiliate, offers a way for ESO members to make the reading we do turn into flocks of chicks sent to third world countries. Heifer works with smallholder farmers – especially women farmers – to improve their families’ food security and increase their incomes. For every 2000 minutes read – anything, not just books –a family receives a flock of chicks. You do not have to be a member of ESO. If you wish to participate, send a list of reading amounts to judistankowich@gmail.com. As of December 31, 2025, I have logged 61,300 minutes, which equals 306 flocks sent. This really couldn’t be any easier. Give me an estimate of how many hours a day you read and we will get you started. To learn more about ESO, contact me for information. Both projects are a free benefits of belonging to GFWC.
submitted by Judi Stankowich
Do you read a lot? then join ESO and get rewarded and help feed others!
eso & heifer international
save the dates
Reminder that 2026 is an Installation Year, meaning all those in attendance will take part in the ceremonial proceedings for the transfer of leadership from Madam President Suellen B. Brazil to President-elect Wendy Carriker. Next year, GFWC celebrates two Administrations in one event. Join your GFWC sisters in thanking the 2024-2026 Administration for their leadership and welcome the 2026-2028 Administration. This is definitely the must-attend event of the year! Registration will begin in early 2026.
2026 GFWC Annual Convention June 26-29 Scottsdale, Arizona
This is Karen Throckmorton's last weekend as state President. Let's attend and support her in her final moments as GFWC-NC President. Watch for more information.
gfwc and gfwc-nc convention news
2026 GFWC-NC Annual Convention April 24-25, 2026 Durham, North Carolina
WOMEN’S HISTORY AND RESOURCE CENTER (WHRC), located at GFWC Headquarters, Washington, DC, founded in 1984, collects, preserves, interprets, and promotes the history of GFWC. The WHRC documents the social and political contributions of GFWC clubwomen from 1890 to the present through the GFWC archives and related special collections. Our holdings are available for research by clubwomen, academics, and the general public, both in person and online. This painting is just one of the magnificent paintings racing the walls at GFWC Headquarters.
A Pair of Blue Eyes, 1911 Lilla Cabot Perry (1849-1933).The girl in the painting may be her daughter Alice. The painting was framed by Karrig Rohanc Shop, Inc. of Boston in 1915. Small plaque at bottom center of frame reads "A Pair of Blue Eyes / by Lila [sic] Cabot Perry / Gift from Art Division, 1920-24 / And the artist". The painting was exhibited at the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts 11th annual exhibition in 1921; Worcester Art Museum in 1919; and National Museum of Women in the Arts in 1993. A commemorative poster was printed (joint project between GFWC and NMWA) in 1994, in honor of the 10th anniversary of the WHRC. Information in the 1924 Seventeenth Biennial Convention book (pg 427) indicates that this painting was purchased by the Arts Division with proceeds ("surplus") from the Art Extension Service: "This year, because of changing administration, it is planned to use the surplus, after ample allowance for upkeep of the present exhibit,... for the presentation to Headquarters of a painting, that we may thus exemplify one of our own recommendations, ownership of work of art, the 'Buy a Painting' slogan."
women history & resource center
legislative actions
did you know?? you can help!
Want to know how... Contact Judi Stankowich for help.
TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS RELIEF ACT OF 2025 Urge the Senate to pass the bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, H.R. 4323, recently passed unanimously by the House of Representatives, which can enable survivors to expunge certain convictions for crimes committed as a result of their victimization. IMPROVE MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH Urge Congress to pass the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1197, S. 1562) and the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1909, S. 2621) to reduce preterm birth rates and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity! STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, DATING VIOLENCE AND STALKING Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault should not be turned away because of a lack of local resources. Urge Congress to increase funding in its FY 2026 appropriations bills for services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through programs authorized in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Family Violence Prevention Services Act (FVPSA), and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). SUPPORT FOR GLOBAL IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM IN FY 2026 The FY 2026 federal appropriations process is beginning. Millions of children missed routine immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have already seen a rise in the number of measles and polio outbreaks around the globe, and in the United States. Recent global health and security crises have shown that now is a critical moment to strengthen immunizations and protect health systems. PROTECT KIDS ONLINE The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA, S. 1748) has been. Similar legislation passed the Senate last year with an overwhelming vote of 91-3 but was not enacted by the end of the year. KOSA establishes a legally relevant “duty of care” for social media companies, requiring platforms to alter design features such as algorithms that harm children. To take part in the impactful advocacy of GFWC, sign up for the Legislative Action Center, a powerful tool to alert you to GFWC’s public issues and advocacy efforts. Track bills, contact your local representative and take action on issues germane to GFWC Resolutions.
The dawn of a New Year brings hope, excitement, and new opportunities for the GFWC of Holden Beach and the community. With a legacy of service and a future full of promise, the club stands ready to embrace the challenges and celebrations of the year ahead. Here’s to a fulfilling and impactful New Year together!
GFWC of Holden Beach and a New Year
Reflections and Anticipations for the Holden Beach Women’s Club as the Calendar Turns
Honoring the Past Year The past year has been filled with memorable events, community service projects, and social gatherings that have strengthened bonds among members and made a meaningful impact on Holden Beach. From organizing our Charity Gala to supporting local schools and environmental initiatives, the GFWC of Holden Beach has demonstrated its commitment to making a difference.
Welcoming the New Year As the calendar turns, the GFWC of Holden Beach eagerly anticipates new beginnings. The New Year offers a chance to renew goals, welcome new members, and dream bigger for the community. Plans are already underway for upcoming events, outreach efforts, and educational programs that will continue the club’s legacy of service and camaraderie.