Kelly Imbody GFWC-HB President 2024-2026 kevnkell@hotmail.com
Member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs
GFWC of Holden Beach
June 2026
Debbie Yorio GFWC-HB President 2026-2028 djyorio@gmail.com
Volume 21, Issue 6
The Communique
Kelly Imbody
GFWC-HB
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Welcome to my first Communique article! It is an honor to follow Kelly, whose hard work and dedication led the club so well over the past two years. I hope to continue that success. The new 2026-2028 Executive Board is meeting June 16 to make the transition as smoothly as possible. I also want to restate my thoughts and vision for the 2026–2028 term from the May meeting for members who could not attend. For the next two years, our logo will be a bee. Like a hive, our club thrives through care, communication, and protection. A healthy hive is a safe community and reflects how communities should address violence—as a shared responsibility, not a private issue. Our Signature Project is Domestic Abuse, and one aspect I care deeply about is BULLYING. Bullying affects every school and community. Prevention and awareness are the best ways to fight it. No one should feel unsafe, isolated, or diminished for being themselves. Recognizing it is the first step to stopping it and prevention begins with the culture we create. We can set clear expectations for respect, practice kindness, and resolve conflict without cruelty. We must also watch our own behavior—especially how we speak about people who are different and whether we include or exclude others. This is how GFWC of Holden Beach members are and should continue to BEE! Busy bees reflect our energy and dedication through our projects. Let’s continue working together as an industrious hive to stop bullying. I look forward to the projects ahead and to ideas from “our hive”!
Debbie Yorio
The 2024-2025 club year started out with 10 club women making the trip to Chicago to attend the GFWC International Convention. Chicago did not disappoint! The Communique received First Place nationally for best newsletter! In addition to all the information and fun we had at Convention, the city was also hosting NASCAR and the Rolling Stones! Our dinner at the Billy Goat Tavern was a highlight to be sure! My intent as President was to lighten the mood a bit at meetings and to keep things moving along while still being productive. Our time is valuable, not to be wasted. I made every attempt to wrap up meetings by 8 pm and usually, but not always succeeded. We changed the meeting set up just a bit by having just the President, Secretary and Parliamentarian seated at the head table. We increased our social time from 15 to 30 minutes. Diana Tabankin was our 2024 LEADS representative. Several of us attended the GFWC-NC Convention in Raleigh. We sold raffle tickets at the Holden Beach Concert featuring the TAMS in July making $238.00 that was put towards a WBHS band scholarship. We dressed up and passed out art supplies as a nod to the State President’s Special Project “Find Your Beat, Join the Rhythm” at the Holden Beach Trunk or Treat on Halloween. We also sponsored and decorated a tree for the Museum of Coastal Carolina Festival of Trees in December. Again, a nod to the arts…the tree was decorated with ornaments pertaining to the Arts. Amanda Rollins was nominated as our Club Woman with Heart representative. Judi Stankowich was nominated as our representative for the Juanita Bryant Citizenship and Patriotism award, and Kandace Hill was nominated for Club Woman of the Year. Our VP of Membership, Amanda Rollins organized monthly social outings which were well attended, enabled all develop deeper friendships and were fun as well! Through her efforts and the support of the membership, our roster grew! Each CSP created Federation Poles reflective of what the CSP represents. This art project was initiated to support the State President’s Special Project. We participated in and attended the State Arts Festival in Mebane, NC with several club women receiving ribbons for their creations and we also heard about the re-district's efforts underway. Our 17th Annual Blooming for a Cause Charity Gala was Co-chaired by Julie Lopez and Robin Langley and was a huge success. We were able to give our beneficiaries Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home $13,000.00 each. Stankowich received the Ann Landis President’s Award and Maureen Wright received the BJ Stephens Diamond Award. The 2025-2026 club year started off after a nice Summer Social at Le Volte on Ocean Isle Beach. Several members attended the GFWC International Convention in Atlanta, GA. Our handbook was revised and made more functional. Julie Lopez volunteered to Chair the Gala again! We again sponsored and decorated a tree for the Museum of Coastal Carolina Festival of Trees. We were charged with hosting the District 7 Spring Arts Festival in March. Over 80 women from District 7 clubs attended the festival, which was held at the Brunswick House in Brunswick Plantation, Calabash. Under Julie Lopez’s leadership the 2026 Gala was the highest grossing Gala yet. Julie introduced a sponsor level for the bar among other adjustments to an already VERY successful event. This year we were able to donate $15,000.00 to our beneficiaries. Many of us attended the GFWC-NC Convention in Raleigh in the spring. Once again Amanda, Judi and Kandace were nominated as our representatives for Club Woman with Heart; Citizenship & Patriotism; and Club Woman of the Year respectively. They must be doing something right! We brought home many awards from the GFWC-NC Convention in Durham and Kandace Hill received the Club Woman of the Year Award and our club gifted Linda Sturgill with an Honorary Life Membership. Benny Hill submitted the winning entry for our District in the District naming contest…Coastal Southeastern District. We organized a community wide shower for the Tri Beach Fire Department to stock their new Station #1. Over $2,400.00 in items were donated to the department. The entire membership was awarded the Ann Landis President’s Award and Carol Ann Lohman received the BJ Stephens Diamond Award. Several members attended the Thomas Academy graduation ceremony at the Boys and Girls Home in Lake Waccamaw. WHAT A WONDERFUL 2 YEARS...THANK YOU!
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KELLY 2024-2026 GFWC-HB President
Forever in our hearts!
Two Years of Memories . . .
Message from our Presidents
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Kelly's Memories
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You can find it here!
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Message from President Kelly & Debbie - page 2-4
Calendar - page 6
Message from Kandace - page 7
Message from Amanda - page 8
Club Fundraiser - page 9
Summer Social - page 10
May Meeting Highlights - page 11
Awards & Celebrations - page 12
Program Schedule - page 13
Look at Us - page 14-15
Summer Birthdays - page 16
GFWC-NC Summer Meeting - page 17
Arts & Culture CSP - pages 18-19
Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP - page 20-21
Environment CSP - page 22-23
Education & Libraries CSP - page 24-25
LAC Summary - page 26
Parliamentary Procedure - page 27
Two Years of FUN - page 28
EDITOR'S NOTE: Did you know that you could catch up with any past Communiques by going to our website: gwfchb.org and click on the about us tab and look under Communique. You will find the current month's edition and a link to every edition for the past year.
To see any photo larger, Just CLICK on it!
June
See page 9
Selling 50/50 Tickets at the Holden Beach Concert
See page 10
July
5
See page 17
26-29
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP/Legislation & Public Policy Advancement Plan
Club Summer Social
Calabash NC
GFWC-HB Fundraiser
25
GFWC Convention
Club Meeting
GFWC-NC Summer meeting
Scottsdale, AR
15
Calendar of Events
Aug
16
Lockwood Folly 6-8 pm $30 pp
Sep
Over the past two years, our CSPs have continued to shine, generously sharing their time, talents, and hearts to make a meaningful difference in our community, across the state, and beyond. From garden posts that celebrate each CSP’s purpose now brighten the island, to books and funds donated to the local library, a lending beach toy box, computers for children, dressed up and handed out artsy items for the towns trunk or treat, story time with young readers, art supplies for schools, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, supported the new firehouse, our club has touched lives in countless thoughtful and inspiring ways. We were also proud to support GFWC -NC President’s Special Project through contributions to the Arts, Hearts and Minds Society and the Hope Harbor Homes T-shirt project. Our donation of $593.00 to the quARTers project for the National Suffrage Monument in Washington, DC, was a wonderful achievement and exceeded expectations. It has been a true honor and joy to serve as 1st VP for such a remarkable and dedicated club of women.
Message from Kandace
Two Years of Our Club Living the Volunteer Spirit
What an amazing two years it has been! Having the opportunity to be a part of our dedicated Executive Board under Kelly's (always positive!) leadership has been challenging and a great opportunity for personal growth. However the most fun aspect of being Membership VP has been watching the growth of OUR wonderful club! Fourteen new members who are active in their CSPs and engaged in club activities; stepping up to assume roles on the Executive Board and getting ready to lead CSPs in our new administrative cycle is fulfilling to watch. We are a dynamic and growing club and we will only continue on that path! One meeting I said (and I truly believe!) that Membership has been so easy because each of you is a magnet. You are smart, creative, gracious and service minded magnets who attract other women with those same qualities to be a part of GFWC of Holden Beach. You pull in wonderful women in our community and we develop lasting friendships as we care for each other and our community. I give my sincere thanks to every single member for the support you give to our club and for your service!
Membership ...The Final Chapter
Message from Amanda
Tam’s Concert – 50/50 Raffle – Flag Distribution
The GFWC of Holden Beach is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help at the Tam’s Concert on Sunday, July 5, 2026 During the event, the club will host a 50/50 raffle, with 25% of the proceeds supporting the organization, and will also distribute 500 American Flags to concert attendees. Because this is the first concert at the new venue, a large crowd is expected, making volunteer support especially important. Members are needed to assist with raffle ticket sales and flag distribution, particularly during the busiest arrival window between 6:00 and 6:30 PM. Ticket sales will begin at 5:45 PM and continue throughout the concert, with the winning ticket drawn at approximately 7:45 PM. If you are able to help, please contact Sandy McInturf at 614-580-2195 by June 30. Your time and support will help create a welcoming, patriotic event for the community while benefiting the club’s ongoing work.
Club Fundraiser
Summer Social
This such a fun time just to be together, socialize and meet new friends or significant others. JOIN US
RSVP by July 30th Checks payable to GFWC-HB
May Meeting Highlights
Presidential Pinning Debbie Yorio Kelly Imbody
Hosted by the Past Presidents Committee
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Executive Board President - Debbie Yorio President-elect - Kandace Hill 1st Vice President - Amanda Rollins Membership VP - Nancy McDevitt Secretary - Sandy McInturf Treasurer - Delores Lail Installing Officer - 2024-2026 GFWC-NC President Karen Throckmorton
Awards & Celebrations
Anniversary Pins Announced at the State Convention for 15 years are Donna Geise and Pattie Hogan Also for 65 Years - Bennie Hall
BJ Stephens Award Last year's winner Maureen Wright presented it to Carol Ann Lohman
What a fun Celebration!
Ann Landis President's Award President Kelly presented it to the entire Club
Gem of the Month April Gem of the Month Kandace Hill presented the Gem for May to Amanda Rollins
To see the entire list of officers and CSP committees, click on this link
with GFWC-HB
The CSP/Advancement Plan Committee or Special Programs Committee presenting the club program is responsible for meeting room setup, tear down, and refreshments. SEPT — Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP/Legislation & Public Policy Advancement Plan OCT — Environment CSP NOV — Education & Libraries CSP DEC — Christmas Party JAN — Arts & Culture CSP (Club Arts Festival) FEB — Health & Wellness MAR — GALA APR — Executive Committee/Leadership Advancement Plan MAY — Past Presidents Committee
Program Schedule and Committees
Bee All You Want to Bee
Presented a check to Tri beach Fire Department for their Gym
Replenished stones around our time capsule at Bridgeview Park
Look what we have done!
Presented three children books about suffrage to the BC book mobile
Presented a check to Hope Harbor Home for $1000 for the President Special Project
Presented a check to Hope Harbor Home for $15,000 from our Gala Proceeds
Boys & Girls Home Graduation Celebration
Presented a check to Providence Home for $15,000 from our Gala Proceeds
June Birthdays
6 Michele Skultety 10 Debbi Ballard 11 Robin Langley 16 Julie Wolfe 24 Paige Blackwelder
July Birthdays
1 Nancy McDevitt 3 Judi Stankowich 25 Kandace Hill 25 Lisa Holmes 27 Teresa Teachey
August Birthdays
Summer Birthdays
9 Carol Gardner 12 Sandy McInturf 19 Ann Landis 20 Pam Foertsch 21 Marie Pierre-Fletcher 24 Diana Tabankin 25 Cheryl Marciani
Click here for the registration form...
Want to learn about: The 2026-2028 ADMINISTRATION GOALS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS Engaging Plenary Session - This will help to inspire and equip you with new information and skills on Membership and Technology Volunteer Showcase - get inspired and learn about GFWC's Unity Projects Networking Opportunities - expand your volunteer network Hands on Project - participate in the No-Sew Blanket Project
Click here for the Information...
GFWC-NC Summer Meeting
July 25th — The Brunswick House Calabash, NC
Register today for the GFWC-NC Summer Meeting!
The GFWC-HB Arts and Culture (CSP) Committee aims to spark an appreciation for and a participation in the arts – including dance, drama, music, literature, and handcrafts – to foster personal creativity, strengthen community identity, and bridge social gaps. It encourages members to support local artists, boost arts education, and preserve cultural heritage. ROCK ON The Federation Day project was the creation of a time capsule. Location: Bridgeview Park, HB. Club members collaborated to paint and embellish over 75 stones that were placed around the plaque. Music is the Voice of Our Soul The Arts and Culture (CSP) Committee decided to make a Federation pole that would focus on the arts, specifically music. Location: The Boat Garden on Jordan Blvd, HB, across from Mermaids. Drumroll, please… The Beat goes On Project One club member generously shared her expertise with our members and introduced the djembe (pronounced yem-bay) drum, a traditional West African instrument. After the demonstration, members were invited to practice these rhythms together. This activity achieved the principle of Unity in Diversity and while one member can achieve something, together GFWC-HB can change the tempo of the world. Color The Library Color the Library was a project conceived by the Rourk Library to provide a “canvas” for the children to express themselves artistically. GFWC-HB was happy to help! We donated chalk for the project and treated the children with popsicles afterwards. The children had fun and used their imagination while giving the library patrons the opportunity to view the art displayed throughout the library. The Arts and Literature Festival Season The Arts and Culture (CSP) ends its season every year with The Arts and Literature Festival. Local elementary and high school students are invited to participate in the festival as well as its membership. Participants are able to showcase their talents in literature, visual arts, crafts and photography categories. Then entries are eligible for the judging process across local, district, state and national levels.
Submitted by Michele Skultety
Arts & Culture CSP
Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP
Submitted by Kelly Imbody
GFWC has been supporting the Brunswick County Homeless Coalition (BCHC) by making soup, bread and desserts for the past 6 years. This is BCHC’s only fundraiser and GFWC-HB has been instrumental in its success. This endeavor is spearheaded by the Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP and has been championed by Patti Hogan. Many club women volunteer every year to make tasty and hearty soups in this only fundraiser for BCHC. Meals are served usually on a drive thru basis to patrons and all proceeds go to BCHC. The Civic Engagement CSP designed and decorated a Federation Pole featuring a patriotic theme to place in front of Station 2 on Holden Beach. Its purpose was to recognize and show appreciation for our First Responders and Veterans. Mayor Alan Holden dedicated the pole and GFWC-NC President Karen Throckmorton attended the ceremony. All club women were asked to wear pink to the October club meetings in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We invited retired Lieutenant Paul Banach to speak to us regarding Situational Awareness. His extensive experience in force training, defensive tactics and public safety provided us with vital information enabling us to be safer in various circumstances. Some members of the CSP surprised our local First Responders with treats showing their appreciation for their service on First Responders Day. We wrapped up the 2026 club year by sponsoring the Tri Beach Fire Station housewarming project that saw wonderful participation from the area businesses and residents. The new Station 1 was outfitted with kitchen, bath and sleeping quarter items. The Grand Opening was on May 8th with many club women helping to assist.
Submitted by Carolina Sweat additional information from Cindy & Pam Co-Chairman
Other initiatives, like “Gone to the Dogs and Cats,” were wonderfully multi‑faceted. Members donated books to local schools, hosted speakers on search‑and‑rescue procedures, and even participated in hands‑on demonstrations. We also collected and delivered food to multiple animal shelters across the region, supporting the well-being of pets and wildlife alike.
Over our two‑year term, the Environment CSP embraced nine meaningful projects — some small and symbolic, others multi‑layered and far‑reaching — all united by our commitment to protecting and celebrating the coastal environment we call home. One of our simplest but most heartfelt projects was the installation of our garden post at Bridgeview Park on Holden Beach. Though modest in scale, it stands as a cheerful reminder of our club’s presence and care for our community spaces.
Our program on non‑invasive plants was equally robust. We welcomed an expert speaker, distributed non‑invasive seed packets, and enjoyed an educational tour of the Green Swamp Preserve — a place rich with native species and ecological wonder.
Two of our most meaningful ongoing commitments continue to be our support of Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter and our Beach Toy Library.
Environment CSP
Living at the coast offers spectacular encounters with nature — plants, wildlife, and weather — and constant reminders of the delicate ecosystems that surround us. Our CSP remains dedicated to understanding these systems, protecting them, and inspiring others to do the same.
Throughout our term, we’ve continued to shine a light on both the beauty and the challenges of coastal living. We’ve toured the Green Swamp, home to the protected Venus Flytrap; we’ve watched wildlife up close; we’ve learned about native and invasive plants through engaging programs and videos; and we’ve embraced the simple truth that one of the best ways to preserve our environment is to “plant a tree.”
And the best part? We’re just getting started. Watch for plans taking shape for the coming year !
Our Beach Toy Library — a simple idea with big community impact — remains a joyful, ongoing project. By collecting and restocking gently used beach toys, we help families enjoy Holden Beach while reducing waste. This project was proudly recognized by the State as one of the top 10 most creative projects of the year.
Through Sea Biscuit, members have participated in numerous rescue and release efforts, including the unforgettable experience of returning rehabilitated pelicans to their natural habitat. Two of our members have served as long‑time volunteers, deepening our connection to this vital organization.
The Education and Libraries Community Service Program has had a busy year! Looking back… We returned to Bolivia Elementary School during Read Across America Month by celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss with the kindergarten students and teachers. Ayla Austermiller, a high school senior from North Brunswick High School, won the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Holden Beach Memorial Scholarship and then went on to win the district competition in the Sallie Southall Cotton Scholarship. We donated old, unused computer equipment to the non-profit Computers 4 Kids program in Brunswick County. We delivered art supplies collected at the district 7 Spring Meeting to Bolivia and Supply elementary schools. We created our garden pole using a theme of favorite quotes from best loved books submitted by members. The pole was installed in Halstead Park. We celebrated Get Caught Reading! Month by sharing photos of individuals reading which we posted to our GFWC-HB Facebook page. We supported the Rourk Library Branch of the Brunswick County Library system by donating items to the library’s Stay and Play program and purchased an 8x8 personalized engraved brick that will be placed in the outdoor Rourk Library Learning Garden. As a reminder, the Education & Libraries CSP maintains the Little Free Library which was placed in Sailfish Park on Holden Beach by the Club in 2023. Don’t forget to stop by if you are looking for a book to read or in the alternative if you have books to donate you can place them in the Little Free Library.
Education & Libraries CSP
Submitted by Nancy McDevitt
Join the Action - make your voice count.
Submitted by Judi Stankowich
TOOK
Legislative Action Summary
Records for the GFWC Legislative Action Center are kept based on the fiscal year due to reporting dates. From January 2026 - May 20, 2026, GFWC sent out 25 Alerts. Our members acted on those alerts 163 times. Each time a member acted, multiple legislators received an email, resulting in 481 emails sent. These Alerts were posted on Facebook at least once each time an Alert was received. Legislators responded to multiple members on 15 of these Alerts. If you are not enrolled in the GFWC Legislative Action Center, it takes less than 5 minutes to do. Acting on an Alert sends an email to each of your personal legislators voicing your opinion with the backing of the entire GFWC membership. With our repeated actions, legislators in this area are now well aware of who we are and respect the power we have as a group of informed, dedicated women.
At our last meeting of the year, our members stepped up and spoke out by voicing their opinions on an idea presented to the club. It was parliamentary procedure working. After a brief explanation of how the process works, everyone had a chance to voice her opinion in a calm, fair, and respectful manner. There was a motion, an amendment, a second amendment, and a third amendment before the vote that adopted the motion as amended. The result – the project will go ahead but the changes made the original idea even better. Never be afraid to voice an idea or to be honest about what you think of any motion. Maybe you know something that needs to be raised because it affects the idea. Or you know a detail that will make it easier to accomplish. Or you are just not in favor for a reason that should be said. One other detail, for a motion to be discussed, there must be at least one other member who wants to discuss it. That is why it requires a second. It does not mean that the member is in favor of the motion; just that she wants to hear it discussed. If a committee brings forward a motion; there is no need for a second because a group wants it to be discussed. One final point, the beauty of discussion is that a member might think one way when she first hears the idea, but after listening to the discussion with the opinions and information shared, she may decide it is the right idea after all and vice versa.
Parliamentary Procedure on Display!!
Two years of laughter sprinkled with care, Projects popping up everywhere. Beach breezes, bright ideas, hearts in full swing— GFWC‑HB can make service sing. We donated, we planted, we cheered, we grew, Turned tiny sparks into something new. With glitter, grit, and a dash of flair, We proved that kindness rules the air.
Two Years of Fun & Good Deeds