Ladies Friendship Club Meeting Minutes

Date/Time:        3/9/22   1:00 PM                              Number attending:  23

Susan Miller welcomed members and guests and first-time attendees.

Prayer: Lori Jacob

Lunch was served.

Deb Rogner introduced Linda Craig who is the Director of M.O.T.S. (Manatee Operation Troop Support). It is

a nonprofit organization serving military Troops deployed overseas with ties to Manatee and Sarasota County and their families. They send about one box a month to each Troop with different food items or toiletries. The Troops are very appreciative because they know they are remembered. M.O.T.S, also, provides Christmas presents, school supplies, meat products, etc. to the families. If anyone knows someone deployed, she would like their address. She, also, said they are on Facebook. Some ways to help would be to write letters, purchase $20 worth of stamps to pay for the mailing of a box, or donate money for rent.

Secretary’s report:

Karen R. stated that the minutes of the last meeting were previously sent by email and passed out at the meeting. There were no additions or corrections. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Heidi K. and seconded by Terry R. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s report:  

Joyce F. said we spent $80.81 for the flowers that were delivered to people 90 years old and older. We donated $500 to F.E.L.T, $500 to Turning Points, $500 to Southeast High School Girls Basketball Team, and $500 to Stillpoint Mission. She collected $40 in dues. The balance in our account is $1,597.62. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made by Sally S. and seconded by Joyce N. It passed unanimously.

Heidi purchased many different types of clothes, purses, and shoes from the local Goodwill and Goodwill Bargain Barn with the money we donated to Turning Points.

Old Business:

Karen R. has agreed to accept the nomination for Secretary. Cathy Mullen has agreed to accept the nomination for Vice President. There were no other nominations for Secretary or Vice President. A motion was made by Lori J. to accept Karen R. for Secretary and Cathy Mullen for Vice President and seconded by Lynn J. It passed unanimously.

Welcoming Committee: Susan M. said she would like to have 4-5 people be on this Committee. They would need to find out who the new residents are and possibly new renters. They would, also, need to determine what information/materials should be given to new residents and possibly new renters. Susan M. has a proposal on her computer that was made a couple of years ago. The Committee could use it as a starting point. Rita F., Rosie K., Donna M., Sally S. and Jean C. volunteered to be on the Welcoming Committee. Susan M. said the goal is have a plan in place before next season starts. The visits would take place from December through April. The Committee will need to determine how to visit the people that arrive between May and November. Susan M. said she would ask the Activities Committee for a contact person to assist the Committee in determining what information/materials to distribute.   

New Business:

Donation to Activities Committee: Susan M. said we need to determine the amount to donate to the Activities Committee for the use of the paper products, etc. Lori J. made a motion to donate $250 to the Activities Committee. It was seconded by Peggy B. It passed unanimously.

Susan M. thanked everyone who helped with delivering the flowers to the people 90 years old and older. It was mentioned that it would be helpful to purchase bud vases at garage sales, thrift shops, dollar stores, etc. and donate them for next year.

The Hot Dog Sale has been postponed until March 19th due to the bad weather forecast. If anyone who volunteered to help on March 12th is not able to help on March 19th, please let Susan M. know. Heidi K. made a motion for the profit from the Hot Dog Sale be donated to Ukrainian Relief. It was seconded by Lori J. It passed unanimously. Larry W. will make signs advertising about that donation.

Violet A. made a motion to donate $250 to M.O.T.S. It was seconded by Lori J. It passed unanimously.

Susan M. said there is a lot of interest in having a Style Show next year. The last one we had was on February 27, 2020 with Beall’s. It was very successful but one comment was that it was too short. If Beall’s isn’t able to do it next year, there were a lot of ideas mentioned as possible alternatives such as using clothes from thrift stores. Susan would like anyone who has any ideas for the Style Show to send her an email. We will discuss them at the April meeting.

Donna M. mentioned doing an Auction in a Bag as a possible fundraiser during an event.

Joyce N. suggested doing a skit during a Coffee Hour to generate more members.

Joyce N. has information about selling bracelets. They cost $1.50 each with a minimum purchase of a case. We sell them for $5.00 each. There are many different types.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m.

Next meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2022 at 1 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Rimatzki, Secretary