The
GFWC of Holden Beach
Member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs
Communique
Volume 20, Issue 5 May 2025
All About the Gala
Kelly Imbody GFWC-HB President kevnkell@hotmail.com
GFWC-HB
Kelly Imbody, GFWC-HB President
Let’s make # 18 (yes, 18) the best yet!
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Traditionally, May Day was the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice! As with many early holidays, May Day was rooted in agriculture. Springtime festivities filled with song and dance celebrated as the sown fields starting to sprout. Cattle were driven to pasture, special bonfires were lit, and the doors of houses and livestock were decorated with yellow May flowers. May Day has a long history and tradition in England, some of which eventually came to America. Children would dance around the maypole, holding onto colorful ribbons. People would “bring in the May” by gathering wildflowers and green branches, weaving floral hoops and hair garlands, and crowning a May king and queen. Most of these “traditions” have gone by the wayside, but May still brings change and celebration. This past winter was wet and chilly. It seemed like Spring would never get here. But soon, the azaleas bloomed, daffodils poked up through the pine straw, red bud and dogwood trees burst forth in their scribbly canopies featuring magenta and pale-yellow flowers. It’s a pity that all of nature’s colors don’t last. There is however a tradition that has lasted, and its “flowers” bloom every year. That tradition is our Blooming for a Cause Charity Gala. Our members outdid themselves this year, bringing in funds that will support our beneficiaries Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home as well as some other local recipients. Every club woman stepped up to the challenge that this year’s Gala presented, and you ROCKED IT!!! Many of us heard very positive comments from our guests regarding every aspect of the event. Gala Co-chairs Robin and Julie along with the various Gala committee chairmen made some changes and they were all a HUGE success! But we can’t stop there! We have some ideas that were tabled due to lack of prep time, we will “tweak” some of the things that we tried to make the event even more successful. We must start now! Think about how you can help make the Gala even better. Volunteer to Chair a Gala committee, be an active and engaged member of whatever committee you serve on. Put forth your ideas!
Text
Click on any Page Number to go directly to that page.
Message from our President Kelly - page 2
Calendar - page 4
Message from President-elect Debbie - page 5
Membership Message - page 6
Club News - page 7
May Meeting - page 8
April Meeting - page 9
Education & Libraries CSP - page 10
Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP - page 11
Environment CSP - page 12
to see any photo larger, just click on it!
Gala Wrap-up - page 13
More Gala - pages 14-17
ESO Corner - page 18
GFWC-NC Convention Update - page 19
Message from GFWC-NC President Karen - page 20
Legislative Action - page 21
GFWC Signature Program - page 22
Community News - page 23
Shop Here - page 24
May Flowers - page 25
Look for your page here...
Click on at the bottom of each page to return to this page
July 6 -
Oak & Anchor, Lockwood Clubhouse Past President Committee 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting
Mark your Calendar with these events
Club Fundraiser
Boys & Girls Home, NC
November 7 - CCWC
September 16 - Club Meeting
Watch email for details
Raleigh NC
October 23 -26 GFWC SER
May 20 - Club Meeting
June 6-9 - GFWC Convention
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting
September 13 - GFWC-NC Day 2025
Atlanta, GA
Holden Beach Summer Concert Bridgeviewr Park 5:45
Raleigh NC 5-7 pm
November 8 - GFWC-NC Fall Meeting
October 21 - Club Meeting
GFWC-HB EVENTS
September 27 - GFWC Day of Service
August 17 - Summer Social
Debbie Yorio, President-elect
Our annual Summer Social is on Sunday, August 17th from 4-7 PM! The committee for the planning of this event will meet on Tuesday, May 27th at 2:00 pm at my house. If anyone would like to join us… feel free! Keep your eyes open for more detailed information coming soon about the location, cost, and how to RSVP! As usual…spouses, friends, potential members and significant others are invited and welcomed.
When we think of Spring, we think of planting seeds and new beginnings ~ just like starting over again! But aren't we lucky that the planting has already been done for us? In 2007 a wonderful group of women led by Ann Landis founded GFWC of Holden Beach and now it is our responsibility to nurture our club and watch it grow! The seeds of this club were planted by great women and through the years these founding members, and many others along the way have watered and fed our club to be the strong GFWC of Holden Beach that it is today. We grow through the seeds of new members and the nourishment that we all give through love to each other and service to our community. Our five newest members from this year have jumped in and already become a vital part of their CSPs, the Gala and behind the scenes work of our club. As we settle back to take a couple of months off to enjoy summer, let's remember to continue to spread the word of the great work we do to make our community a better place for residents and visitors, our commitment to each other and invite other women to come be a part of GFWC of Holden Beach. Let's Keep Growing!!
Amanda Rollins, Membership VP
Get well soon!
GFWC Day 2025
Reminder. . .
May Birthdays
The May birth flowers are lily of the valley and hawthorn. Lilies are associated with the meanings of hope, return to happiness, sweetness and humility. Hawthorns represent hope, happiness and faith.
Last month, several of the I SPY Club members and Judi Stankowich found the I spy Logo on page 11 & 17. Will you find it this month?
BJ--Undergoing surgery is never easy, but we know that you are in the best hands and receiving excellent care. Hugs
Club Information
The Past Presidents Committee is collecting NEW Christmas cards with envelopes to send to our military overseas. Bring your Christmas cards to any past president or a club meeting.
I spy with my little eye
This will be held at the Boys and Girls Home at Lake Waccamaw, NC. Watch emails from Kelly with more details.
HINT: This is the last one for the year, so look for more then 1. It's not on any clothing, bag, or this page!
Who will be the first to find our state president, Karen's logo. You must find the one that is less then 1/2" in size. You will be recognized at our next meeting. So read every page, then email Linda Sturgill and tell her where you found it.
Karen Throckmorton - May 7 Carolyn Sweat - May 9 Jan Allen - May 10 Helen Stead - May 29
6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting
Don't miss our last meeting before summer break. Join us at club chatter with a glass of wine.
Abolitionist and Women's Rights Reformer
Hosted by Past Presidents Committee May 20, 2025 Lockwood Folly Oak & Anchor
Holden Beach homeowner Steve Leifer practiced law for 40 years before his retirement, most recently serving as a Department Chair for the international law firm of Baker Botts LLP. He is an amateur historian, focusing on the 19th century women's rights movement. He has co-authored a screenplay about Lucy Stone which is being entered in various screenplay competitions.
Steve Leifer
Don't miss the May Meeting!
Lucy Stone
May Speaker
Hosted by the Education & Libraries CSP
The Education and Libraries CSP invited Kelly, Manager from Rourk Library in Shallotte to talk about their "Stay Sharp Kits". These kits are great for people with dementia. They are designed for interaction to engage individuals in activities that stimulate the mind. They come in a variety of subjects, such as gardening, cooking, etc. Each kit contains at least 3 activities to do with your loved one. They can be reserved online and are available to check out for about 3 weeks. Karen who is an advocate of the "Friends of the Library" (FOL) spoke to how FOL plays a pivotal role to support and enhance the library services for the community with fundraising. This helps the Library with various of improvements such as their proposed garden area.
Where you at the April Meeting?
Nancy McDevitt & Marie-Pierre Fletcher Co-Chairmen
Education and Libraries CSP
Next month parents and students will be facing the end of the school year. We as members of GFWC-HB are facing the end of our regular general meetings until September 2025. Endings often invite reflection. Looking back to our August 2024 Education and Libraries Community Service Program planning meeting we set a goal to support the Brunswick County Schools during the 2024-2025 school year and to support Rourk Library. We supported Cedar Grove Middle School with both their 6th Grade Book Bistro and their Winter Reading Challenge. We returned to Bolivia Elementary School during Read Across America month by celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss with the kindergarten students and teachers. 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 the District 7 competition where he placed as runner up in the Sallie Southall Cotton Scholarship. The Education and Libraries Community Service Program awarded a check to the Rourk Library Branch of the Brunswick County Library system to purchase a new Stay Sharp Kit used by individuals, who are experiencing memory loss and cognitive issues, and their caregivers. 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.
Highlights of our year. . .
Lisa Holmes, Chairman
Celebrate. . .
Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP
The saying ‘April showers bring May flowers’ brings to mind all the new blooms in our gardens. Try expanding that to Civic Engagement opportunities. First is Mother’s Day; if your mother is still with you, be sure to honor her. You can use the day to honor other special women – send some of those new blooms to someone who does not have family close. Stop by and just visit. Teacher appreciation also falls in May. Instead of the traditional apple, send a fresh bouquet. Or maybe volunteer to read to a class or help chaperon a field trip. School lunch workers deserve treats too. Nurses’ Appreciation Day brings another opportunity for community involvement. Volunteers are needed for the local blood drive or retirement community. Often the nurses are overworked and underappreciated. Usually, one call can provide multiple suggestions of how to be of service. Our military, police and first responders are all critical to our country, but often underappreciated. May is Military Appreciation Month – a great time to show how important these men and women are to our community. Maybe you could help a local veteran work in his yard and help his garden bloom with May flowers. Or, send a batch of cookies to the local EMS facility. Service and involvement opportunities abound. The dedication of CSP garden pole is May 20 at the Tri-Beach Fire Department on Holden Beach at 2:00. Our group combined President Throckmorton’s project "Find your beat, join the rhythm," with an opportunity to honor the public servants in our community.
Environment CSP
International Day for Biological Diversity
In 1993, the United Nations proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Biodiversity is the variety of species in a habitat, and it is important to maintain all of the species because they work together to help ecosystems withstand crises like disease, drought, and infestations. The International Day for Biological Diversity focuses on our need to support efforts to conserve biodiversity, such as protecting habitats, restoring ecosystems, and controlling invasive species. We are all aware of the damage that plastic waste causes to habitats, particularly as they make their way along streams and wetlands to the ocean. Plastic water bottles quickly come to mind, but Mylar and latex balloons produce the same damage. Seeing the sky filled with colorful, helium-filled balloons can be breathtaking, but once the beautiful moment is over, and the balloons eventually return to earth, they become litter on beaches, in rivers, lakes, and other natural areas. Studies have found that Mylar and latex are a significant threat to wildlife, livestock, and pets. Injuries and even death can occur to wildlife from eating balloon fragments and getting tangled in long ribbons or strings. In North Carolina, Senate Bill 20 was introduced on January 29 to prohibit certain mass balloon releases. If passed, North Carolina will join a handful of states that are addressing this critical biodiversity issue. Since most states have not addressed the issue, it is falling to municipalities to adopt restrictions or prohibitions for balloon releases.
Cindy Lee & Pam Foertsch Co-Chairmen Submitted by Lynn Crawford
Robin Langley & Julie Lopez Co-Chairmen
Co-Chairmen of Gala Julie Lopez & Robin Langley Along with GFWC-HB President Kelly Imbody
17th Annual Charity Gala
GFWC-HB President Kelly receiving Grant from BEMC
The GFWC of Holden Beach 17th Annual “Blooming for a Cause” Gala took place on Saturday, April 12th. Numbers are being finalized but it looks like the event was a huge SUCCESS! Thank you all who solicited, sponsored, donated, set up, cleaned up and contributed in any way, large and small, to make this event a success! We appreciate each one of you for all your hard work and dedication.“Thank You” to all of you for the work you do on GFWC-HB’s behalf!
Gala Wrap up
More about the Gala on the next several pages
50/50 raffle tables
Wine raffle winner
Wine raffle table
Thank you Robin and Julie for another successful Gala!
Gala Pictures
Check in tables
What a wonderful Day!
Karmen
Ann with Warren & Teresa
Bead sales and game
Auction tables
Beautiful Centerpieces
Folding Napkin Bunnies
Beautiful Room!
Written by Kandace Hill, 1st VP
Juliet--Fashion show emcee
See Models on next page
To celebrate the fashions this year, our fabulous committee chair Michele Skultety proposed a delightful idea: celebrating the Federation by making leaders in our club the models! Past & current presidents of the club, and state, current members with a leadership position along with our GFWC-NC President, enthusiastically visited Island Breeze, the boutique whose clothes were modeled, to pick out their stunning outfits. Whether a “diva,” “queen,” or “duchess,” dresses, capris, and jumpsuits were tried, eliminated, and finally, the perfect fit was found. On the day of the Gala, models gathered in a sparkling mirrored room to prepare for their walk on the runway. Hair was brushed, lipstick applied with precision, and dazzling jewelry adorned. A dashing escort in a black tuxedo gracefully walked each lady to the runway stairs. As our lively emcee, Juliet Casper, GFWC Treasurer, introduced each model, sharing their inspiring federation journey and describing in detail their fashionable attire, they strolled with flair, posed like pros, pivoted with elegance, and smiled brightly. The atmosphere was joyful making the event a truly unforgettable and fun celebration for everyone involved.
Federation Fashionistas
Model Escorts Brian, Kevin, Chris
Our Federation Models
Look at our beautiful, definitely not shy models!
Donna
Kandace
Ann
Julie
Jan
Karen
Jeri
Kelly
Judi
Fabulous Federation Fashions
Submitted by Patti Hogan
email Judi judistankowski@gmail.com
HEAR YE ! HEAR YE ! !
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
ESO Corner
My favorite Genre, Historical Fiction: The Briar Club kept me enthralled through the entire book, which is told with the background of McCarthyism, the changing role of women in post WWII, anxieties over the atomic bomb and a downright phenomenal speech by Margaret Chase Smith, criticizing McCarthy's tactics and warning against the erosion of civil liberties. The book takes place during the McCarthy era in the 1950s. Several women live in the Briarwood boarding house. The story is told by each of the house mates, detailing their individual lives but weaving in all the other's lives as well as what is going on in the world at that time. I laughed and I cried and was amazed at how I couldn't wait to get back to read the next chapter about the strong friendships in addition to the secrets of these women. One of the boarders, Grace March pulls the women together with her weekly attic-room dinner parties and helps them work thru issues; yet she has a secret all her own the others can't figure out. I highly recommend this book.
BIG ESO NEWS Book reports are no longer needed. All you have to do is list the title, author and category to become a member. If you are a reader, contact Judi and she will get you started.
CLICK HERE!
GFWC OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. 123rd Annual Convention April 25-26, 2025 Raleigh, North Carolina
GFWC-NC Convention Update
GFWC of Holden Beach was well represented at this year’s convention, held at the Crabtree Mariott Hotel, presided, of course, by our own, GFWC-NC President Karen Throckmorton. In addition to Karen, members in attendance included Kelly Imbody GFWC of Holden Beach President who served as a Conference Teller, Judi Stankowich, GFWC-NC Parliamentarian, Kandace Hill, GFWC-NC President’s Special Project Chairman, Ann Landis, GFWC-NC Leadership Chairman, Donna Geise, GFWC-NC Education and Libraries CSP Chairman, Diana Tabankin, Fundraising Committee Co-Chairman, Julie Wolfe, GFWC-NC Legislation & Public Policy Chairman, Jan Allen, GFWC-SER Treasurer, Holly Coleman, GFWC-NC Corresponding Secretary and Peggy Schiavone. WOW! With 11 members in attendance, our club definitely is populated with leaders! Speaking of leaders, Diana Tabankin represented us well at the LEADS Training. We were honored with recognition of many Top Ten projects and won the GFWC-NC Women’s History and Resource Outstanding Club Award. The honor that brought tears and cheers was the Outstanding Club Woman Award presented to our own Jan Allen during the “Night of the Stars” Banquet. While Jan was nominated by the Cape Fear Woman’s Club which she founded, she is still one of our own! The Business Session included a presentation on the District Transition from 9 to 5 districts which will be effective with the 2026-2028 Administration. Holden Beach will continue to be included with the current District 7 clubs with the addition of some of 6 counties north of our area, none of which currently have clubs. Also, bylaws, the majority of which were related to the change in the district organization were considered and adopted. This year’s convention ended with the “Art in the Park Social” held in the hotel convention center due to a monsoon rain. While it drove us inside, the rain did not damper the fun as we enjoyed heavy appetizers and drinks with our fellow club women from across the state. Mark April 24-26, 2026, on your calendars for the 124th GFWC-NC Convention as we plan to celebrate Karen’s remarkable success as President!
Submitted by Holly Coleman
Message from GFWC-NC President Karen
2026 marks 250 years since the founding of the USA? Yes, it is the Quarter Millennial…. And right in the middle of the word "QuARTer" is the word "ART"! In support of the President's Special Project, "Find your beat, join the rhythm," we are going to collect quarters all year, until March 1st, 2026. Club presidents will receive the money bag for gathering quarters at each meeting. Since a sculpture is art and a monument is a type of sculpture, we will donate the funds raised to the Women's Suffrage Monument in Washington DC. The funds will be presented to Wendy Carriker, who will be the incoming GFWC International President at the 2026 convention. GFWC is a proud member of the Founders Circle and is recognized for its visionary support of the Women's Suffrage National Monument in Washington DC. As it states on the website for the Women’s Suffrage National Monument “By building this monument, together, we will ensure that future generations of women and girls forever see themselves reflected in American history.” Post pictures! Tag them with the hash tag #GFWCNCRhythmforchange As we collect our quarters throughout the year, we will march to the beat of our forebearers and continue forward with the rhythm of change!
Gather your Quarters!
Our collective perseverance and unwavering commitment have led to remarkable achievements. Over the past year, we have witnessed significant strides in addressing pressing issues that affect our community and beyond. Our voices, united in a common cause, have sparked change and brought hope to many. One of the most notable triumphs has been our advocacy for the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act. This landmark legislation reflects our dedication to safeguarding individuals' rights and protecting them from the exploitation that has proliferated in the digital age. Together, we have tirelessly championed the rights of the vulnerable and worked towards creating a safer digital space for all. From News and Notes, May 1, 2025 WAY TO GO! Thanks to our GFWC Clubwomen for joining the Legislative Action Center and taking action. Congress has passed the "TAKE IT DOWN" Act, which is going to the President for his signature! Because of you, victims of sexually explicit images posted on social media will be able to fight back against their perpetrators. The Act criminalizes the publication of these images, both authentic and computer-generated, requires social media platforms to remove these images, and provides law enforcement the tools needed to hold these perpetrators accountable. Never underestimate the power of our collective voices!
SUCCESS FROM THE LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER!
Legislative Action
Judi Stankowich & Donna Geise Co-Chairmen Written by Donna Geise
Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention
Submitted by Judi Stankowich
Signature Program:
At the recent GFWC-NC Annual Convention, NC State Representative Monika Johnson-Hostler, past Executive Director of the NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault, spoke about some current information: Volunteers are more important than ever because 300 workers were cut recently. NCCASA provides nursing services at hospitals because the wait time when reporting an assault can be 6-8 hours in a waiting room. They also provide free legal services to NC college students. There are 68 free rape crisis centers in NC. 102 shelters in NC. One in four women are impacted by age 18. We should build art into our domestic violence events because participating in art heals. Consider adult coloring books as a donation. Contacting legislators is the most powerful way to make our voices heard. She stressed how important women like us are. We are women who make a real commitment to our communities. Silence is the worst thing. When we see something is wrong, we need to act. Call the police or 911. Our voice is the most important tool in the fight against domestic violence. She said that women need to accept and harness our power by working together. We have just completed another successful Annual Gala and will be providing much needed funds for Hope Harbor Home and Providence Home. Think of the number of women and children who have been impacted because we decided to work together to make a difference.
Steve Prokop, a resident of Shallotte and the Assistant GM/Part time PA Announcer/Mascot of the brand-new Shallotte baseball team is announcing the NEW Shallotte Shallywags! The team, named after Shallotte’s, newly named alligator mascot (nicknamed "Shally"), combines the fierce spirit of an alligator with the adventurous nature of a pirate. This unique and family-friendly mascot is sure to create a fun atmosphere for fans of all ages! The Shallotte Shallywags will begin their inaugural season on June 4th at 7:00 PM, with home games played at West Brunswick High School, the best facility in the league! The games provide an inexpensive, exciting, high-quality baseball experience for the whole family right here in Shallotte—no need to drive to Myrtle Beach for a minor league game! The Shallotte Shallywags are made up of talented college players from nearby schools around the country, and supported by the wonderful city of Shallotte and the local businesses that make this community so special. Your support means everything to us! Visit our official page here for more information or tickets: or check out their social media pages. See you at the ballpark soon! PLAY BALL !
DID YOU KNOW?
Community News
The Starfish Project helps exploited women and girls experience freedom, establish independence and develop careers. 100% of the profit from the jewelry sales goes back into the Starfish Project to help women, and with your purchase of the jewelry using the GFWC link, 25% of the proceeds from any Starfish Project products purchased through this dedicated link will go to GFWC’s Success for Survivors Scholarship! View Starfish and order your next favorite piece of jewelry today and help a survivor of human trafficking succeed!
Our website will be closing down!!
Enjoy your shopping
TO GO SHOPPING - CLICK here
Our club benefits from every purchase of premium nuts, snacks, and confections. These funds go towards our fundraising goals. Share the tastiest treats from Terri Lynn. These products can’t be found in stores, and there’s something for everyone! 20% of every product sold on this fundraising website benefits GFWC of Holden Beach & the community programs we support. Orders ship FREE directly to your door anywhere in the U.S. when items ordered total $30 or more! Otherwise, your order ships to you for a flat rate of only $5. Please order early. It may take up to 3 weeks to receive your products!
Starfish Project
You can access the Marketplace from the GFWC website or click the link. Inside you will find the products you use and love and a new, easy to navigate layout. Note that this is a new system, and all users will need to create a new account before using Marketplace for the first time.
GFWC Marketplace
Headbands of Hope was started by Jess Ekstrom, a UCSU student after interning with the Make A Wish Foundation. Children struggling with cancer wear headbands after losing their hair to chemotherapy. She realized no one was providing headbands specifically for these children. For every headband purchased, Headbands of Hope donates a headband to a child fighting cancer.
Headbands of Hope
Terri Lynn
Order by May 23rd!!
"April showers bring May flowers" is more than just a weather-related adage; it is a timeless reminder of the potential for growth and renewal in the face of adversity. As we navigate the inevitable challenges of life, we can take solace in the knowledge that brighter, more vibrant days are often just around the corner. By embracing the lessons of nature, we can cultivate resilience, optimism, and an appreciation for the cyclical beauty of the world around us.
April Showers bring May Flowers