GFWC of Holden Beach Volume 20, Issue 6 June 2025
Hello Summer , , , See you in September!
Member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs
The
Communique`
Kelly Imbody GFWC-HB President kevnkell@hotmail.com
Dog Days of Summer
Text
Kelly Imbody, GFWC-HB President
We’re just a few days away from the Summer Solstice, which will occur on June 20th this year providing over 15 hours of daylight. Beginning on the 21st, the days will progressively get shorter…no! Say it ain’t so!!!!! Summer here in NC brings slow, hot, lazy days…the Dog Days of Summer. Slow and lazy do not describe GFWC-HB clubwomen however! Yes, we are taking the summer off because we don’t have club meetings, but most of us continue to plan and work throughout the summer, mulling over ideas and possible projects. A small contingent attended the GFWC International Convention in Atlanta, GA in early June. I’m sure they will return with some good ideas and fun stories. The Summer Social committee is working to finalize plans, so stay tuned for more information. The Bylaws and Standing Rules committee will meet to review and/or amend our bylaws and standing rules. Many of us will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets in July hoping to add to our club’s coffers. We should all be thinking about Gala 2026…how ‘bout Co-chairing the event, chairing one of the Gala committees or, brainstorming new ideas to incorporate into the Gala to make it even better? LEADS is an opportunity to gain experience more about GFWC and hone your leadership skills. Consider LEADS this year. We have a busy club year coming up what with the Boys and Girls Home Day, the GFWC International Day of Service, District 7 Fall Meeting, SER (Southeast Region) meeting, CCWC (Corporate Champions for Women and Children) and the NC Fall Conference. And don’t forget about the CSP/Advancement Plans/Special Projects that are in the works!! So, you see, the Dog Days of Summer really don’t apply to us. Do take the time this summer to relax and regroup with friends and family. Enjoy your summer and see you in September!!!.
GFWC of Holden Beach
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Message from our President Kelly - page 2
Calendar - page 4
Message from President-elect Debbie - page 5
Message from 1st VP - Kandace - page 6
May Meeting - pages 7-8
Club Information - pages 9-10
Summer Birthdays - page 11
Arts & Culture CSP - page 12
Civic Engagement and Outreach CSP - page 13
Look for your page here...
Environment CSP - pages 14-15
ESO Corner - page 16
Save Your Quarters - page 17
GFWC-HB Tea Party - page 18
GFWC Day at BGH - page 19
GFWC Convention Wrap up - pages 20-21
National Day of Service - page 22
WHRC - page 23
Summer - page 24
To see any photo larger, Just CLICK on it!
Click on any Title to go directly to that page.
Click on at the bottom of each page to return here!
CCWC & GFWC-NC Fall Meeting
Raleigh, NC
Nov. 7-8
Mark your Calender...
Club Fundraiser
Club Meeting
July 6
Boys & Girls Home See page 20
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Environment CSP
Le Volte Restaurant Ocean Isle Beach 4-7 pm See page 5
Roanoke, VA
Illuminate to Eliminate Domestic and Sexual Violence See page 21
Oct. 23-26
Oct. 21
SER
GFWC Day of Service
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Civic Engagement CSP
Holden Beach Summer Concert Bridgeview Park 5:45
Sept. 27
Summer Social
Sept. 16
GFWC-NC Day 2025
Sept. 13
August 17
Debbie Yorio, President-elect
As in the past, ALL are welcome… spouses, significant others, friends, family and potential members. Looking forward to seeing everyone there for some prime time socializing!!
Please RSVP to me or Linda Sturgill with your payment by Friday, August 8th. If you are writing a check, please make it out to GFWC-HB.
Le Volte Restaurant Ocean Isle Beach
Our GFWC Holden Beach Summer Social
Mark your calendars and save the date!
Sunday, August 17th from 4-7 pm
We will have a private room, Heavy Appetizers, Cash Bar and a beautiful view for only $30 per person!
Kandace Hill, 1st VP
I’ll be around each and every night Come up with projects, don’t forget to write. And I’ll see you in September See you when the summertime is through If you are saying goodbye and go traveling Summer vacation may be taking you away. Have a good time but remember. That reporting is important too, SO, I’ll see you in September At the end of summer, I’m looking forward to.
Sing to the tune of “See you in September” By Artist: The Happenings Released: 1966
Did you miss our May meeting?
Judi, Cheryl, Kelly, Pam, Jere, Kandace, Robin, Carol Ann, Julie, Nancy, Maureen, Linda, & Debbie
continued on next page
Perfect Attendance Award
Steve Leifer, our speaker for the evening hosted by the Past Presidents Committee talked about Lucy Stone, an abolitionist and Women's Rights Reformer. Steve convinced us that she was an important woman in history and the driving force behind women's rights and suffrage. Lucy was: The 1st woman in Massachusetts to get a college degree 1st woman to lecture on women's rights 1st woman for a marriage of equals (she did not change her name when married} 1st woman to be cremated in Massachusetts 1st woman to refuse to pay taxes because she did not have voice or representation She started a Woman's Journal in 1870 and much more Lucy Stone’s life was a testament to the power of conviction and the enduring impact of a single individual determined to make a difference.
Peggy Schiavone 20 years
Carol Ann Lohman & Kandace Hill 15 years
Membership Pins
Congrats Geri
Cindy Lee 5 years
March's Gem of the Month, Jere Blackburn presented the Gem for May to Geri Bills. Geri started a grief seminar at the Chapel. Jere said she is creative, talented, artistic and exceeds in everything she does.
State ESO Awards
Last year's recipient Patti Hogan presented it to Maureen Wright
Geri, Kandace, Kelly, & Judi
Gem of the Month
BJ Stephens Diamond Award
Current President Kelly Imbody presented this award to Judi Stankowich, Linda Sturgill & Holy Coleman for their for unwavering support.
Ann Landis President's Award
President Kelly Imbody also recognized Jan Allen for winning Outstanding Club Woman of the Year for the State.
HELP US AT THIS FUNDRAISER FOR THE CLUB...
GFWC-HB Club President Kelly Imbody, along with Nancy McDevitt, Education CSP Co-Chair went to a NBHS Awards Ceremony for our Scholarship winner Ethan Trexler and presented him with an additional check for College expenses from our Happy Dollars.
Club information
Holden Beach Concert
Sunday, July 6th 5:45 pm Bridgeview Park
A portion of Hope Harbor Home dollars was earmarked to go towards their capital campaign in sponsorship of the playroom.
Checks Presented
Selling 50/50 tickets
On Wednesday, June 4th, GFWC-HB Club President Kelly Imbody, along with Gala Co-Chairmen Robin Langley and Julie Lopez, proudly presented checks to Providence Home and Harbor Home as a result of the 17th Annual "Blooming for a Cause" Charity Gala.
Congrats to all our winners September - Holly Coleman October - Michele Skultety November - Marie-Pierre Fetcher December - Dee Lail January - Amanda Rollins, who passed it on to the next persons: Debbie Yorio & Pam Foertsch February - Bennie Hall March - Kandace Hill April - Judi Stankowich May - Donna Geise Thanks to everyone who participated.
Oops, another Hip surgery. We wish Holly a Speedy recovery.
Get Well Wishes
I Spy Club
2025-2026 GFWC-HB PROGRAM ASSIGNMENTS The CSP/Advancement Plan Committee/Special Programs Committee presenting the club program will be responsible for set up/tear down of meeting room and refreshments for the meeting. SEPT -- Environment CSP OCT -- Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP/Legislation & Public Policy Advancement Plan NOV -- Education & Libraries CSP DEC -- Christmas Party JAN -- Arts & Culture CSP FEB -- State President’s Special Project MAR -- GALA APR -- Executive Com./Leadership Advancement Plan MAY -- Past Presidents Committee
Congratulations to Ah'Yanna Jackson at WBHS who received our Band Scholarship from our club members. She served as the drum major this past year and was not only a committed and talented leader, but also a positive, caring individual who uplifted those around her with her kindness and ever-present smile. She consistently went above and beyond for the band and her fellow students.
July 1 - Nancy McDevitt July 3 - Judy Stankowich July 25 - Kandace Hill July 25 - Lisa Holmes July 27 - Teresa Teachey
June
Gladiolus and Poppy
Delphinium and Water Lily
July
Delphinium and water lilies are the July birth flowers. The water lily symbolizes innocence, purity, fertility and peace. Delphiniums, also known as larkspur, represent cheerfulness, goodwill, joy and beauty.
Summer Birthdays
Honeysuckle and Rose
Gladiolus were traditionally used for medicinal needs. Poppies symbolize hope and remembrance, hence why they are worn to commemorate and respect the fallen soldiers in all Armed Forces.
June 6 - Michele Skultety June 10 - Debbie Ballard June 11 - Robin Langley June 16 - Julie Wolfe June 24 - Paige Blackwelder
Aug 9 - Carol Gardner Aug 19 - Ann Landis Aug 20 - Pam Foertsch Aug 21 - Marie Pierre-Fletcher Aug 24 - Diana Tabankin Aug 25 - Cheryl Marciani
Both roses and honeysuckle are the June birth flowers. Roses carry many meanings depending on the color you choose, including deep love, romance, courage, purity, joy and beauty. Honeysuckle works hand in hand with roses, as they represent pure happiness, everlasting love and affection..
August
On May 30th, Sharon Pope who is leading the “Color Your Library” project and Ellen Hollis met with the librarians at the Rourk Library in Shallotte. We are excited to share some updates regarding our participation in their "Color Your Library" children's project on July 31st. The librarians requested that we deliver the chalk ahead of the event. They were absolutely thrilled with the large quantity of chalk we collected. Volunteers from the Arts & Culture CSP will be at the event on the morning of July 31st. On the day of the event, we will be supporting the children in various ways; helping with craft projects, distributing popsicles, and ensuring their safety as they create their sidewalk artwork. Following the event, we're planning a casual lunch locally. Thanks to everyone in our club for your donations. Also, you may want to visit the library sometime after the event to see the children’s artwork. The outside sidewalk drawings will be there until they wash away!
Arts & Culture CSP
Ellen Hollis, Chairman
The mission of GFWC-NC President, Karen Throckmorton is an awareness of the arts "Find your beat, join the rhythm." The goal is to acknowledge the importance of the arts in our communities and in education. This year each GFWC-HB CSP created a “peace pole” to share that vision with the community. The Civic Engagement and Outreach Committee chose to design a patriotic pole honoring First Responders, Military. Police, and other service personnel emphasizing the importance to our community. The post was placed at the Tri Beach Fire Department on the island. Mayor Alan Holden led the dedication and the unveiling; President Throckmorton also explained her mission and a poem by Clubwoman Kandace was read. Local fire members, police officers, community members and 18 GFWC-HB members attended.
Lisa Holmes, Chairman
A Tribute to Everyday Heroes The call rings out, and they arise, To face the danger, meet the cries. Urgency beckons, no time to delay, Duty calls—they’re on their way. A truck speeds forth, an ambulance too, Their hearts are steadfast, their dedication true. To lend a hand, to guard, to save, Heroes emerge, steadfast and brave. Throughout Holden Beach, their courage shines, In every rescue, their worth aligns. This tribute post stands, a heartfelt cheer, For those who protect, year by year. Kandace Hill
Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP
Environment CSP
submitted by BJ Stephens
When you are enjoying the beach, simple acts such as placing your trash in the proper receptacles and using boardwalks instead of walking across the sensitive dune systems can help keep the beach healthy. Reduce, reuse, and recycle the things you take to the beach. Pack food and beverages in reusable containers whenever possible. This helps minimize the amount of trash brought to the beach and the potential for it to end up in the ocean. Take a “LEAVE NO TRACE” approach to prevent and minimize harm to the beach during your next beach outing. Your actions will help everyone enjoy the beach while reducing the impact that you leave. Do Not feed birds or Wildlife. Birds and other wildlife become accustomed to being fed by humans. Feeding wildlife can cause them to spend more time on the beach and leave more waste behind. Bird waste, as well as waste from other wildlife, can increase the harmful microorganisms in the beach sand and in the water. Finally, participating in a beach clean-up event is an easy way to make a difference in our environment. Contact your local Parks & Rec Dept for more information about beach clean ups or organize one on your own. Happy Summer from the Environment Committee!!!!
Pam Foertsch & Cindy Lee Co-Chairmen
Pam nd Cindy took a framed flyer to Hobbs reality explaining the Beach toy box for the Children to use,
Environment Beach Toy Box
In Mid May the Environment CSP moved their toy box to the beach walkway by the pier. They filled it with lots of beach toys and took time for a photo.
Look inside Toy Box
The husbands used their muscles to move it to the Beach. Thanks goes to Scott Lee, Bill Foertsch, and Kent Crawford.
We will be refilling this box all summer. Any donations are appreciated.
ESO Corner
Broken Country -Clare Leslie Hall The farmer is dead…and all anyone wants to know is who killed him. ”Broken Country," a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick has it all…an unforgettable tale of love, loss, and choices woven into a mystery as the story moves from present to past and back. Beth and her husband Frank are living a life that has seen its share of sadness, but they are supporting each other as they mourn the loss of a son. To complicate their lives, Gabriel, Beth's teenage love, returns to the neighboring farm with his young son who is of the same age as her son would have been. From this point the story twists and turns and the well-developed characters and lyrical prose that describes the English countryside pulls the reader into the plot that makes this book difficult to put down. Look for love, heartbreak, anger and sadness as you delve into the chapters of this book. Will you guess the secrets, the choices and how they impact the characters of the story?
Join ESO today! Contact Judi Stankowich for details judistankowich@gmail.com
submitted by Holly Coleman
Did you know that 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"! Can you see where we're going with this? In support of the President's Special Project, "Find your beat, join the rhythm," we are going to collect quarters all year. And what will we do with all these quarters? Well, I am glad you asked! 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.” And just like the mural contest, post pictures! Tag them with the hash tag #GFWCNCRhythmofchange. As we collect our quarters throughout the year, we will march to the beat of our fore bearers and continue forward with the rhythm of change!
submitted by Kandace Hill
Save your Quarters
On Wednesday, May 21st, 24 club members wore their fancy clothes and hats and went to a good old fashioned High Tea, Choices were made from 70+ teas, soup, a selection of tea sandwiches and delicious desserts.
Calabash Tea Room
GFWC Day 2025
I asked each club member who attended the GFWC Convention to write their personal opinion of the convention, The best part they enjoyed or what impressed them the most. Here are their replies . . . -- Linda
I roomed with Cindy Hewett. Cindy has a bum knee, and I was recovering from Bronchitis. We didn't move very fast nor were the life of the party! I helped set up the convention meeting space, helped with state photographs, and manned the marketplace table. I learned a lot about behind the scenes. We had an Elvis impersonator at the Georgia State Night dinner. The ladies went nuts. I was ready to go to my room. The Flag ceremony is always impressive. The food sounded good from the description, but in actuality it was terrible! All of us North Carolina gals went out to dinner Sunday at a Mexican cantina. The food was excellent, and the company was great fun! --Jan
The Atlanta Convention was really informative and fun. The Speakers were so good. Wish you could have been there. I thought the best speaker was Anna Laymon who spoke about the Women’s Suffrage Memorial on the Washington D.C. Mall. There is no Memorial to Women on the Mall. She is raising money to put a statue on the Mall to represent Women’s Suffrage. We were all inspired and can’t wait to help. The workshops were great fun and very interesting and helpful. I attended the Leadership and the Legislative workshops. Ann Landis led the Leadership Workshop and of course it was great. Maybe she will give the workshop to our club. Wish you could have been with us. Think about attending the next Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona. --XO, Carol Ann
GFWC Convention Wrap up
So many great speakers, workshops and time with Federation sisters but one of the most impressive that will be talked about for ages and a beautiful memory was the final night banquet - A Red Affair: Pulse of a Woman Gala featuring Dr. Benjamin Citrin, founder and President of Citrin Cardiology who spoke about his own near death cardiac experience and discussed the signs, prevention ideas and testing for women with cardiac issues. To close the event, we all were treated to the Red Hot Runway, featuring some of our leaders walking the runway while their own personal heart issues were described. It was profound to see and hear that these women, including GFWC President Suellen Brazil, would not be with us anymore if they did not listen to their own bodies and get the treatment needed. -- Judi
Carol Ann also said I was the best roommate ever...I got up early. Got dressed and left. She did not see me all day long. Yes....I was working everyday!
Attending the GFWC Woman’s Club Convention in Atlanta was an inspiring and energizing experience! It’s a time to connect with fellow members, celebrate achievements, and gain fresh ideas to bring back to our club. From engaging workshops to motivational speakers and meaningful service highlights, this convention is a chance to grow as a leader, share in sisterhood, and renew our commitment to making a difference in our community. Make plans to join us in Scottsdale Arizona when Wendy Carriker, our own NC clubwoman, will be installed as GFWC International President. Don't miss a chance to be part of something BIG!!! --Ann
The best opportunity to experience the impact of GFWC firsthand comes once a year, at the annual GFWC International Convention. The moment the opening ceremony begins, you can feel the breadth of the Federation, and the full force of its 63,000 members. Flags from every state delegation and the international affiliates in attendance are presented by their leaders in the processional. The Flag Ceremony is always a highlight. Participating in it for the first time is a memory I will always cherish! ` -Regards, Karen
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Kandace Hill - kehill57@gmail.com Jan Allen - jaa8352@gmail.com Judi Stankowich - judistankowich@gmail.com
GFWC INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE COOPERATIVE PROJECT
Overall Committee Co-Chairmen:
Clubs participating:
National Day of Service 2025
GFWC of Holden Beach Southport WC GFWC North Myrtle Beach WC GFWC Cape Fear GFWC South Brunswick Islands GFWC Shallotte Juniors GFWC Shallotte Juniorettes
Part I: Collect light bulbs for Providence Home and Hope Harbor Home. North Myrtle Beach WC will donate to location in Horry County. Light bulbs are used a lot at these buildings and are very rarely donated. Easy collection item. If you can, put the collection information in your community newsletter with a designated collection point. Part II: Arrangements are being made to have a presentation at BCC on Teen Dating Violence and Intimate Partner Violence. Our Juniorettes will be encouraged to attend and bring their friends. Jan Allen has contacted Teresa Nelson and is securing the arrangements. All members may invite young adults to attend. Further details to follow. Slogan– originally was planned to be Shine a Light on Domestic Violence but it was used this past reporting year by a GFWC-NC club who won an award at the 2025 GFWC-NC Convention. We have switched it to Illuminate to Eliminate Domestic and Sexual Violence. We will use the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as a logo - we will use the stripes to show the amount of collections. September 27th - mark your calendar now!!
submitted by Judi Stankowich
Founded in 1984, the GFWC Women’s History and Resource Center (WHRC) 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. The WHRC collections encompass GFWC’s institutional archives, including convention records, files related to our programs and leadership, and “Clubwoman” magazine (and its predecessors). We hold a robust photograph and audio-visual collection, as well as GFWC ephemera, memorabilia, and the art and artifacts that furnish our historic Headquarters building. We also maintain a reference library collection focused on women’s history, the woman’s club movement, and the history of volunteerism. Who are the Pioneer Workers of the GFWC? Click on this picture for the answer.
WHRC
September encourages us to embrace change—to reflect on the joys of summer while opening our arms to the possibilities of the months ahead. It is a time for fresh starts, for setting intentions and reigniting passions that may have been set aside during the lazy days of summer.
There is something magical about the long, languid days of summer. Whether you find yourself wandering through the dappled shade of a forest trail, lounging by a sparkling pool, or marveling at the delicate artistry of a sunset, summer offers endless opportunities for connection—with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself.
See you in September
Summertime
Summertime . . . It is a season that invites us to slow down, to bask in the present, and to savor life's simple pleasures.