GFWC of Holden Beach
Communique'
Member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs
December 2025 Volume 19, Issue 10
The
Linda Sturgill, Editor, linda.sturgill@gmail.com
Kelly Imbody, GFWC-HB President kevnkell@hotmail.com
As another year draws to a close, I think we all at some time or another take a moment whether consciously or not, to reflect. What would I have done differently? Regrets? Hindsight being 20/20, sure I have some regrets but not necessarily that I’d have done something differently but rather wished for a better/different outcome. We can only do what we can do with what we have. Be it time, money, people, information. I could have used my time more wisely. I think that we (women) need to take more time for ourselves. Just some self-care every day. We can’t be any good to those we hope to help if we don’t care for ourselves. So, take the time. Use your time wisely making sure to spend some on yourself. I need to get better at that. We probably all do. As the L’Oréal commercials say “you’re worth it.”
Text
Wishing you all Happy Holidays!!
page {{page}}
Message from our President Kelly
GFWC-HB wishes you a Merry Christmas
Click on at the bottom of each page to return here!
Click on any Title to go directly to that page.
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
November Meeting - page 8
Club Christmas Christmas Party - 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
ESO - page 15
ESO & Heifer - page 16
WHRC - page 17
Christmas Wishes - page 18
To see any photo larger, Just CLICK on it!
Table of Contents
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Gala Committee
Apr 11
Mar 17
Durham, NC
Club Christmas Party
Club Meeting
GFWC-NC Arts Festival
Dec 16
Apr 24-25
GFWC-NC State Convention
Jan 20
Coming Events
Mebane, NC
St. James Event Center
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by Arts & Culture CSP CLUBS ARTS FESTIVAL
Home of Linda Sturgill 6 pm See page 9 for details
GFWC-HB Charity Gala
Holden Beach Chapel 6:15 pm refreshments & Club Chatter 6:45 pm meeting hosted by GFWC-NC President's Special Project
Feb 17
Message from President-elect Debbie
The months are flying by! It will soon be time to establish a nominating committee for the creation of the 2026-2028 Executive Board. This committee will be announced at the January 2026 meeting, so please let Kelly know if you would like to assist in the nomination process or if you would like to be on the next Executive Board. Also in early January the Clubwoman Award Ballots will be emailed out. Please be thinking about who in our club you would like to nominate for the General Clubwoman of the Year Award, the Outstanding Citizen and Patriotism Award, and the Clubwoman with “Heart” Award. The criteria for each award will also be sent, as well as those who are not eligible to receive a nomination for an award as they have already won in the past. Thank you all for everything you contribute to our club, there would be no club without you!
Looking ahead…
The History of the Christmas Card
Message from First VP Kandace
Henry Cole, an influential educator and arts patron in Victorian England, enjoyed being the 1840s equivalent of an A-Lister, was a busy man. As he watched the stacks of unanswered correspondence, he fretted. In Victorian England, it was considered impolite not to answer, so he had to figure out a way to respond to all. He asked a friend to design a card that he had in his mind. He then took the illustration -- a triptych showing a family at table celebrating the holiday flanked by images of people helping the poor—and had a thousand copies made. The image was printed on a piece of stiff cardboard 5 1/8 x 3 1/4 inches in size. At the top of each was the salutation, TO: allowing Cole to personalize his responses, which included the generic greeting “A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to You.” It was the first Christmas card. The modern Christmas card industry began in 1915, when a Kansas City-based fledgling postcard printing company started by Joyce Hall, later to be joined by his brothers Rollie and William, published its first holiday card. The Hall Brothers company (which, a decade later, changed its name to Hallmark) soon adapted a card 4x6, folded once, and inserted in an envelope. In this new “book” format—which remains the industry standard—colorful Christmas cards with red-suited Santas and brilliant stars of Bethlehem, and cheerful designs, became enormously popular in the 1930s-1950s and continues to this day. Sending Joy: My Christmas Card Tradition As I open my address book to begin One of my favorite holiday traditions. Looking at the names, I let the season start Smiling, pick a card, uncap my pen and write from my heart. A grandchild’s laugh, a neighbor’s kind wave Friends from my youth, my carefree days. Family bringing holiday memories abound Remembering happy thoughts that linger ‘round. Not a post to scroll, or text on a phone pinging, But a card in a mailbox, a handwritten greeting. I hum carols off-key, much to my delight, Spreading joy one envelope at a time, on one night. These moments of laughter and festive cheer Make this ritual one of the best each year! When the last one is finished and the stamps are pressed I close the book and know I am truly blessed. Kandace 2025
Message from Membership VP Amanda
Many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart ~ Eleanor Roosevelt As our membership continues to grow, we have each put ourselves in an incredible position. We have made the decision to surround ourselves with women who all bring their our unique talents, personalities, fears and dreams. We are in an enviable position to be in this season of our lives and make amazing new friendships within a diverse group of women True friends come from all walks of life, and just like our membership, they represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. However, despite their differences, they are all united by their love and respect for each other. True friends are the people who make us feel loved, accepted, and supported. They are the ones who help us to grow and to become the best version of ourselves Friendship and GFWC membership can go hand in hand to provide us with a sense of belonging and community, and give us the support we need to navigate the challenges of life. As this holiday season approaches I hope that each of us find moments of comfort and joy in our club friendships and GFWC community.
Members of our club donated books to the Literacy Council for them to share during the Holiday season.
The November meeting was hosted by the Education & Libraries CSP. Their speaker Melissa Warren was from the Brunswick Literacy Council, she gave us some interesting facts about Literacy.
Other meeting Highlights
Did you miss our November Meeting?
Highlights from her presentation: Council was established in 1981 Reading is more than a skill, its freedom & independence In Brunswick County 17% can not read at a level to get a job Tutoring is 1 on 1 in Brunswick County The programs are free and personalized to the individual's needs
She has led the Brunswick County Literacy Council as Executive Director since 2021, combining her marketing and technical expertise to expand the organization’s reach and impact.
November
CSP & Advancement Plan Chairmen gave reports Get ready for the Club's Art festival in January Thanks to everyone who donated to the Soup-to-go fundraiser Thanks to all who donated to Fire Department Sprinkle Education CSP will be collecting Dr. Seuss books the next 2 months to give to Kindergartners Save your quarters for the Women's Suffrage Monument in Washington DC Sign up for the Heifer/ESO Feed the hungry project
th
18
an appetizer or dessert to share, A wrapped Christmas decoration valued at $15-$20 for our fun gift exchange game, be prepared to swap your gift! and BYOB.
UNIQUE
Bring . . .
This year we will have an unique Christmas shirt/sweater contest. So... put on your thinking caps and be creative and design your own shirt! Suggested themes: snowmen, reindeer, GFWC, friends, etc. Prizes awarded
at the home of Linda Sturgill 3637 Natchez Street SW, Supply in the community of SeaScape 6:00 p.m.
DIRECTIONS: 3637 Natchez Street SW, Supply in the community of SeaScape. Straight on SABBATH HOME ROAD from Holden Beach. Go through the next intersection and pass VFW, then turn right onto STONE CHIMNEY RD. You will pass the community of Lockwood Folly on LEFT. Continue to SeaScape gated community on the right, or enter Construction entrance open until 7 pm. At the front gate there is a call box on the driver side. Touch the code button enter press 878 . When gate opens, stay straight on SEASCAPE BLVD SW. Then take the second RIGHT onto BEAUREGARD AVE. When the road splits, bear to the right onto NATCHEZ and follow around to Linda's house (3637) on the left side.
It's time to party -- relax and visit with each other! December 16th
PLEASE NOTE: PLEASE USE THIS EMAIL ADDRESS FOR JUDI STANKOWICH judistankowich@gmail.com She is having problems with her ATMC email address
Club members who worked the "Soup-to-Go" for BCHC fundraiser. Many thanks to all who contributed to this event.
Club Information
The year ends in a blaze of festivities. In December, people celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other festivals of light. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere marks the longest night and the return of sunlight. In Sweden, St. Lucia’s Day, celebrated on December 13th, sees girls in white gowns and candle crowns bringing songs and saffron buns. December 31st, New Year’s Eve, is greeted with fireworks, feasts, and hopeful resolutions worldwide. Fun fact: In Spain, it’s traditional to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight—one for each chime, bringing luck for the new year.
20 Shelia King - Dec 20th 28 Bobbie Rostetter - Dec 28th
Arts & Culture CSP
Reminder that all Literature entries for the 2026 Arts Festival needs to be submitted electronically by midnight December 31st to Holly Coleman -- hollyc311@gmail.com
As the year comes to a close, December 2025 is full of dates to commemorate and celebrate. Let’s explore some of the culturally significant dates this month. These include International Volunteer Day, International Human Rights Month and World Arabic Language Day. These dates, while all significant on their own, intersect to highlight the importance of activism, multiculturalism, cultural diversity and intercultural understanding. As around the world, we conclude the year with some of the biggest cultural celebrations of December, namely, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years Eve! These special days are enjoyed by millions globally, and hold great culture significance in ways of faith, family and food. International Volunteer Day 5th December Is an international observance mandated by the UN General Assembly in 1985 to pay tribute to volunteers worldwide and to encourage governments to support volunteer efforts. Hanukkah 14th December – 22nd December It is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of Lights, celebrated with nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. Human Rights Day 10th December Celebrated the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a mile stone document that proclaims the inalienable rights of all people. World Arabic Language Day 18 December Marks the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly adopting Arabic as its sixth official language in 1973. Christmas 25 December It is a Christian festival to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time to remember the message of love, hope, and joy that Jesus brought. Traditions such as decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and having large meals with family and friends. New Year’s Eve 31 December It’s a day to say “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new. It is celebrated with noisy parties and grand feasts. People stay up late and count down the seconds until midnight watching or lighting fireworks.
submitted by Michele Skultety
The Arts & Culture CSP installed their garden post November 16, 2025. A beautiful tribute to music and the arts!The pole can be found on Jordan Blvd at the boat garden.
Page Blackwelder, Maureen Wright, Holly Coleman, Kandace Hills, Marie Pierre Fletcher, Jeri Bills and Mayor Alan Holden.
CULTURAL INFUSION
Lisa Holmes & Robin Langley Co-Chairman
Civic Engagement & Outreach CSP
submitted by Lisa Holmes
Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Those words are especially true this Christmas season. This time of the year can be overwhelming, but opportunities to engage with our community abound. Holden Beach opened the season with its tree-lighting on Dec. 4. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to connect with neighbors and friends. Check out the snowman competition on the town’s website for guidelines. A reindeer dash and Sandy Paws are other fun events explained on the website. We will certainly make multiple trips to grocery stores during the holidays. Many of them have donation boxes, and other stores have angel trees at doors. Could you possibly grab an extra can of vegetables or another bag of rice? A small gesture for us might mean a hot meal for a struggling family. Anne Frank reminded us that “we will never be poor by giving.” One of my most favorite things about the holiday season is the music. Our amazing choral group, The Sea Notes, have two performances planned - December 6 and 7, at Brunswick Community College. The Holden Beach Chapel Christmas concert is planned for December 21 at 7 pm. Everyone is invited. There are so many festivities to celebrate. Take some time for reflection and kindness. Perhaps the most precious gift you can give this holiday is time.
Environment CSP
Each year on December 2, the world pauses to recognize World Pollution Prevention Day. This is a reminder of the urgent need to address the growing environmental challenges caused by pollution. From the air we breathe to the water we drink and the soil that sustains our food, pollution affects every part of our daily lives. The General Federation Women’s Clubs has long been committed to environmental stewardship, and World Pollution Day provides an opportunity for our members to reflect on how small, consistent actions can make a big difference. Whether it is reducing single-use plastics, participating in local recycling programs, planting native trees, or supporting clean energy initiatives, each effort adds to a larger impact. This year, the GFWC Environment Committee encourages our members to focus for the whole month of December and use this day as a springboard for awareness. By raising awareness, we inspire action—not only within our clubs but also within the communities we serve. Together, we can be powerful advocates for a cleaner, healthier planet. World Pollution Prevention Day reminds us that protecting the earth today ensures a sustainable tomorrow. Try these three quick tips for reducing pollution: Skip Single-Use Plastics – Carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to cut down on waste. Be Energy Wise – Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use. Choose energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Protect Local Waterways – Properly dispose of household chemicals, paints, and medications—never pour them down the drain.
submitted by Ann Landis
World Pollution Day – A Call to Awareness and Action
Pam Foertsch & Cindy Lee Co-Chairman
On Christmas Eve 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, a newly minted professor of literature, permitted himself a flight of whimsy. He was hosting a holiday gathering in his three-story house, and at some point, in the evening he cleared his throat and began reading a lighthearted poem titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” which he had jotted down as a Christmas gift for his six children. The main message is the magical and joyous anticipation of Christmas Eve. The poem emphasizes the excitement of children, the family's cozy atmosphere, and the wonder of Santa Claus's visit.
A bit of history of two classic Christmas stories written in the 1800’s but their stories have lasted through the decades.
submitted by Kandace Hill
A Christmas Carol
Education & Libraries CSP
Written by Charles Dickens in 1843 to highlight the social injustices of Victorian England, particularly the plight of the poor. Dickens was inspired by a report on child labor and a desire to promote charity and a better way of celebrating Christmas. Imagine a grumpy old man named Ebenezer Scrooge who says “Bah, humbug!” to anyone who wishes him a “Merry Christmas.” One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge gets a shock as three ghosts visit, Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Together, they remind him of his own childhood, poor Bob Cratchit’s struggles (hello, Tiny Tim), and a peek at what could happen. This experience transforms Scrooge, and he wakes up on Christmas a changed, generous, and kind man who embraces the spirit of the season.
T’was the Night Before Christmas
Nancy McDevitt & Kandace Hill Co-Chairman
The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen: A poignant and heartbreaking story about a young girl selling matches in the cold on New Year's Eve. avg rating 4.10 — 28,527 ratings — published 1845
How many have you read?
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore: A poem that is foundational to the modern mythos of Santa Claus. avg rating 4.40 — 126,932 ratings — published 1823
Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien: A collection of letters Tolkien wrote to his children from the North Pole for each Christmas. avg rating 4.30 — 26,865 ratings — published 1976
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: A novel that follows the lives of the four March sisters, with many scenes taking place around Christmas time. avg rating 4.17 — 2,429,425 ratings — published 1868
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: A humorous and heartwarming story about the six destructive Herdman siblings who take over the annual church Christmas pageant. avg rating 4.25 — 67,345 ratings — published 1972
GFWC ESO
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss: A whimsical tale about the Grinch who attempts to stop Christmas from coming to Whoville, but ultimately has a change of heart. avg rating 4.38 — 443,390 ratings — published 1957
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry: A short story about a young married couple who are poor but wish to buy each other Christmas presents, leading them to make significant sacrifices. avg rating 4.11 — 100,385 ratings — published 1905
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg: A magical journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve that has become a beloved modern classic. avg rating 4.32 — 247,528 ratings — published 1985
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: The first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, featuring a magical winter world where it is always Christmas until the return of the White Witch. avg rating 4.24 — 3,113,175 ratings — published 1950
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: A classic story about the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitations that lead to his transformation. avg rating 4.09 — 907,585 ratings — published 1843
Christmas Classics
Heifer International supplies animals and farming supplies to third world countries in an effort to not only feed the food insecure but give them a way to build a business with the animals they raise. GFWC has been a partner with Heifer for decades supplying funds for sheep, bees, chickens and more. Now Heifer has a sponsor who will donate flocks of chicks for reading. The perfect project for GFWC ESO (the GFWC Reading Project) and its reading members, family and friends. All you do is download the app Beanstack from your favorite App Store, enroll, naming GFWC as your library when prompted, and start tracking your reading. You can add book titles or use the No Title selection. It’s not just books, it’s any reading materials. You can log every day, once a week, once a month or when you remember!! An added plus is you can go back 90 days from when you start and estimate your reading time for those days. For reporting purposes of our club, please let Judi Stankowich know your name and total minutes as of December 31, 2025 and your grand total as of June 30, 2026- this is a correction in the end date. It’s easy. As of December 1, 2025, I logged 44,100 minutes which results in 22 flocks of chicks being sent by Heifer International. If you need any help, please call or text Judi Stankowich at 570-793-6546.
NEW ESO AND HEIFER COOPERATIVE PROJECT
Heifer & ESO
WHRC
GFWC Women’s History and Resource Center (WHRC)
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 end of 2025 is fast approaching - with holidays, parties, family gatherings and lots of errands. After the rush of November and December has passed, make yourself your favorite beverage, grab your computer or phone and a comfy chair. Take a few quiet moments and visit the WHRC by following the link above. View pictures, articles, old GFWC magazines, and other historical information about our organization, the projects and programs we have completed, and the women who belong. In the early 1920’s, although we were very happy to have a permanent headquarters at last, we soon realized we had more room than we knew what to do with. To make use of the space and earn a little income, we rented rooms to club members and to other women who were working in Washington. Learn about The Women of 1734 N Street: Part 2 at https://www.gfwc.org/whrc-from-the-archives-14/.
https://www.gfwc.org/what-is-the-whrc/
On a quiet December evening, as the sun melts into the horizon and the salty breeze carries whispers of laughter, the town of Holden Beach began to glow with festive cheer. Along the shore, where seashells glisten like tiny ornaments and the waves sing a gentle carol, the members of the GFWC of Holden Beach gather for their annual Christmas celebration. Members come dressed in their uniquely designed shirts and bright smiles. Everyone brings with them a story, a memory, and a wish for the season. The party sparkles with twinkling lights and the warmth of friendship. The tables overflow with homemade treats. As the evening unfolds, laughter echoes and hearts embraced the spirit of giving. Old friends reunite, new members and guests are welcomed with open arms, and together, they share stories of kindness, hope, and the joy of making a difference. When the time comes to gather for the annual Christmas gift exchange, everyone forms a circle of anticipation. Members and guests gather together, each bringing a wrapped gift that is often whimsical, humorous, or thoughtfully chosen with a budget in mind. The focus is on fun, laughter, and playful banter rather than expensive or elaborate gifts. Each person takes home not only gifts and goodies but also the gift of friendship and cherish memories. The spirit of Christmas lingers long after the party.
A GFWC-HB Wish
Merry Christmas to every member of GFWC of Holden Beach— “May your homes be bright with laughter, your hearts be light with peace, and your days be filled with the love we share in this wonderful community.”