Interlochen Woman's Club  Meeting Minutes of

May 6, 2026, General Meeting at 11:00 at

Interlochen Public Library

 

A.  Called to order by President, Verta Odziana at 11:03.

B.  Pledge and Collet by all.

C.  Roll Call by Secretary, Mary Pike.

       20 members attended today.

D.  President's message, Verta Odziana:

Verta welcomed new members and announced what department they were assigned to.  The Chairmen of those Departments introduced themselves. Pat Thompson was installed as Director for another 4 year term ending in May 2030.

E.  Vice President's message, Barb Wilson:

       1.  Father Fred donations:  Please place items in the designate area and I will transport to Father Fred.  They are having their last rummage sale this weekend.

       2.  The township has 2 plaques for the picnic table at the township park and will securely attach one of them to the table.  The one they previously placed on the table was stolen..

F.  Secretary Report, Mary Pike:

       1.  She reminded the member of Opal Steele's Celebration of Life is at the Golden Fellowship Hall on May 16th from 2 - 4 pm.  As she was a member in good standing with the club for 63 years and our oldest in age (100), it would reflect well on our club and show respect to her family if we have a good representation at her celebration of life.

       2.  Please sign the "Social Media Policy" if you haven't already.

       3.  Have all of you been receiving the booklet updates, newsletter and communications?

       4.  Before the approval of April 15, 2026 minutes, there was an addendum to these minutes that developed last night, May 5th, 2026, by text.  A vote was taken by the Board to award Lifetime Membership to Pat Thompson, who, according to the By-Laws, qualifies for outstanding service to the club.  The text is attached to these minutes and the Pat was approved by 2/3rd's vote (6 out of 8) for Lifetime Membership.

Approval of April 15, 2026 minutes:  Motion made by  Jayne McPhilimy, Seconded by Gine Savioe, voted on, with the above addition by members and passed.

       5.  Mary also announced that new member booklets and name tags are on the sign-in table and that Deb Moody would be our "Mic Monitor" for a more fluid transfer of the mic to members who speak during the meeting. The Board will use one of the two mics between us.

G.  Treasurer, Susan Hughes:  Balance in check book as of today is $2,398.98 including monies turned in from the Penny Drive and Bottles and Cans and a few donations received since last month.  Money made by the Penny Drive to date is $66.79 and Cans and Bottle drive is $80.45 to date.

H.  Department Reports:

       1.  Arts Department, Jayne Mc Philimy:

There is no speaker today, just a program. Jayne announced that the field trip to the Botanical Gardens will be June 5 at 11:00. We will have a pavilion reserved for lunch (bring your own) and will meet at Menard's for the car pool in the N/E corner of the parking lot at 10:30, or meet us there.

       2.  Conservation Department, Deb Moody:

Not much to report other than Ruth McKelvey  (Home Life and Public Affairs) swapped with Conservation for hosting this year.  Conservation will host in September and Home Life & Public Affairs in October.

       3.  Education Department, Susan Hughes: Nothing to report.

       4.  Home Life and Public Affairs, Ruth Mc Kelvey:

Announced that coffee, tea and coco are available and she welcomed new members to her department.

 

I.  Associate Board and Committee Reports:

       1.  Hospitality, Membership and Welcome Committee, Deb Widrig:

Deb welcomed 6 new members, including Alice Nichols, who rejoined today.

       2.  Sunshine Fund,  Judy Bowman:  Balance in fund as of today $112.80 after collecting $39 at April's meeting.  She explained to new members what her duties are and what the monies are used for.

       3.  Club Historian, Susan Hughes: Nothing to report.

       4.  Facebook and Website, Pat Thompson:  Group pictures will be taken at the June Luncheon, please dress accordingly.  She has re-done the website with a new motif.

       5.  Media Notifications, Jayne McPhilimy:  

She said she would be promoting the Bake Sale in the media.

       6.  Historical Reading by Susan Hughes: Not at this time.

J.  Old Business:

       1.  Bake Sale, Barb Wilson:   We have Tom's reserved for May 19th from 9:00 am to 5:00, or when we run out.  We also have arranged with the library to drop off baked goods on May 18 until 4:00 pm.  Bag Stuffers that were to be given to Tom's for placing in shopping bags will be passed around to members because she feels that most people bag their own items and they wouldn't be used.  Members can pass them out to neighbors, friends and family instead.  Full page flyers are also available. The baked goods sign-up sheet and the shifts roster will be passed around again today.

       2.  Any updates on the plaque on the picnic table at the township park, Barb Wilson:  See E.2. above

       3.  Penny Drive, Mary Pike:  I have more jars to hand out. Please see me if you would like to be responsible and place them around town for us.  It was reported that two more jars are in the storage locker at GFH.  Mary will retrieve them and bring to June luncheon to assign.

       4.  Field Trip to Botanical Gardens, Jayne McPhilimy:  See H. 1.

       5. Changes to By-Laws  Article III, Membership, Section 3:  As voted on and passed at the April 15, 2026 meeting, to qualify for Lifetime membership, members have to have 15+ years of membership in good standing. "Good standing" being 15+ years of continuous membership with dues paid.  We need a member vote to define "in good standing"  and to amend the By- Laws. Motion by: Pat Thompson, Seconded by Barb Wilson, Member vote taken and passed.

Also, we need a member vote to amend the By-Laws to delete "charter member" as we have no charter members.  Definition of Charter Member is: "an original or founding member of an organization".  Motioned by: Deb Widrig,  Seconded by: Jayne McPhilimy, Member vote taken and passed.  The By-Laws will be updated to reflect the above.

K.  New Business:

       1.  Venue for June Luncheon:   With motion made by Pat Thompson, Seconded by Christine Wurst and member vote taken, it was agreed to eat in at the Library. With group pictures being taken, the background would be more appealing. Conservation Department to bring Sloppy Joes,  Arts Department to bring salads, Home Life & Public Affairs to bring desserts and fruit and Education Department to bring Appetizer's. We will start at noon with no business meeting.

L.  Announcements and other:

It was mentioned that it would be nice to find a group picture with Opal Steele in it and enlarge it, frame it and take it to Opal's Celebration of Life.  Pat Thompson said she would look through her pictures and find a nice one.  It was not stated who would have it enlarged and framed.

M.  The meeting was adjourned by Verta Odziana, President at  11:51.

N.  The blessing is given by Judy Bowman and then lunch proceeded.  No speaker this month.  Invite the people at the library to lunch.

 

Respectfully,

Mary Pike, Secretary IWC

Interlochen Woman's Club minutes for

April 15, 2026 at IPL At 11:00

A.  Called to order by President, Verta Odziana at 11:02 am.

B.  Pledge and Collect by all.

C.  Roll call by Mary Pike, Secretary

We had 13 members attend and two guests that later signed up.

D.  Presidents Message:  Welcomed back members.  We have arranged a Bake Sale for May and we will go over it later in the meeting. I encourage all of you to participate more actively.  Volunteers are always needed.

E.  Vice Presidents Message, Barb Wilson, will report later in the meeting.

F.  Secretary, Mary Pike: Welcomed new members and made correction to one new member's email address.  Mary read a letter from Opal Steele's daughter, Melissa to all.

         1.  Mary asked that all members sign the Social Medial Policy, if not already.

         2.  She asked if everyone was receiving the booklet updates, newsletters and communications.

         3.  The approval of the Minutes of November 5, 2025 was motioned by Jayne McPhilimy, seconded by Barb Cooper and was approved.

G.  Treasurer, Susan Hughes  reported we have $2,163.98 in the checkbook as of today. It is reflecting donations made so far of $100 to Community Foundation (during January and Feb of each year, they have a cut-off date) in honor of Marjorie Hammes, $250 to Dolly Parton Imagination Library, $250 to the Interlochen Public Library, $300 to Green Lake Township EMS and $100 to Redeemer Food pantry. The community Foundation is holding $1,000 that was not used that will be released in September 2026. Today we received $100 from Melissa Steel and $100 from Ida Moody, Mary Pike's Sister.  Barb Wilson sent in $5.30 for Cans and Bottle returns toady. Susan did not have the total's received from the Can and Bottle Drive and the Penny Jar Drive and will report at a later date.

H.  Department Reports:

         1. Arts Department, Jayne McPhilimy, reported that they had a field trip last fall that was a success.  One is planned for early summer  reported later in the meeting.

         2.  Conservation Department, Deb Moody reported that only half of their members are present today.

         3.  Education Department, Susan Hughes reported that there were three members that did not attend today.

         4.  Home Life and Public Affairs, Ruth McKelvey reported that the Conservation Department are switching hosting this year.  Home Life and Public Affairs will host in October and Conservation will host September.  Home Life and Public Affairs speaker in October will be Heather Bricca the meteorologist from Up North Live News.

I.  Associate Board and Committee Reports:

         1.  Hospitality, Membership and Welcome Committee, Deb Widrig was absent today.

         2.  Sunshine Fund, Judy Bowman, explained the description of her position to the new members.  She also reported that the Balance in the fund was $105.00 before the purchase of 2 books of stamps which left $73.80 in the fund.  She sent our 47 cards since November 2025.

         3.  Club Historian, Susan Hughes did not have anything to report.

         4.  Facebook and Website, Pat Thompson reported that the Website is up to date. She also reported that postings of uplifting sentiments are on our Facebook page each day.  Pat volunteered to take group picture at our June luncheon.

         5.  Media Notification, Jayne McPhilimy reported that  she has contributed to the Record Eagle, The Ticker and Interlochen Community Calendar, but not all have posted.  She will try to expand to more.

J.  History Reading by Susan Hughes:  Not at this time

K.  Old Business:

         1.  Can and Bottle Drive: We will continue this fundraiser.

         2.  Penny Jar Drive: We will collect the jars and re-issue to continue this fundraiser.

         3.  Spring Bake Sale at Tom's on May 19, 2026.

 Drop off of baked goods to IPL on May 18 before 4:00.

Transport from IPL to Tom's on the 19th will be Mary Pike, if available, Jayne McPhilimy and Pat Tallman.

Set up and tear down at Tom's on the 18th at 9:00 am. Mary Pike, if available, Jayne Mc Philimy and Deb Moody, if needed and Verta Odziana, if needed.

In charge of the money, Mary Pike, if available, Jayne McPhilimy, Ruth McKelvey and Barb Wilson.

         4.  Plaque on table at Park: Barb Wilson (reported by Mary Pike) Said that after some back and forth, last year and this year,  Mary Jo  at the township will have Joe order the plaque and place it on the picnic table IWC donated at the township park.

         5.  Field Trip this Year, Jayne McPhilimy reported that on the 5th of June we will go to the Botanical Gardens Tour with a picnic lunch, on the grounds bring your own.

         6.  At the Board meeting in March 2026, the Board recommended Lifetime Membership to people how have been with the club for 15 years or more to be qualified.  Marsha Gresso, Jayne McPhilimy, Susan Hughes, Mary Pike, Nina Wolpe and Christine Wurst qualify this year. Motion made by Pat Thompson, seconded by Pat Tallman and passed by members. By-Laws to reflect this change.

L.  New Business:

         1.  Christmas Luncheon 2nd Wednesday and Pot Luck or eat out: this was tabled to discuss at the September, October or November 2026 meeting.

         2.  To return to new Library for our meetings, motioned by Pat Thompson, seconded by Pat Tallman and passed by members.

         3.  New Director needed,  Pat Thompson's term up in May: Pat will stay on for another 4 years with term ending in May of 2030.

         4.  April Luncheons, Board to Host?  This was tabled until November 2026, closer to April of 2027.

         5.  Group Pictures:   this was answered in I. 4. above.

M.  Announcements and other:

In May we are to bring donations for Father Fried.  Barb Wilson brought us a list of what Father Fred needs and it was passed around to members. Motioned by Pat Thompson, seconded by Deb Moody and passed by members.

N.  The meeting was adjourned by President, Verta Odziana at 12:12.

O.  The blessing was given by Judy Bowman and then lunch proceeded. No department hosted, we brought our own bag lunch.

Respectfully,

Mary P. Pike, Secretary IWC

A.  Called to Order by Verta Odziana, President, at 10:01.

B.  Roll Call by Mary Pike President:

            Verta Odziana - present

            Barb Wilson - present

            Susan Hughes - present

            Mary Pike - present    

            Judy Bowman - present

            Danielle Beiganowski - absent

            Ruth McKelvey - present

            Pat Thompson - absent

            Jayne McPhilimy - absent

 

C.  Date, time and place for August, 2026 Board Meeting was previously set for August 5, 2026 at the GFL at 11 am, just for your information.  Barb Wilson will contact the new library for reservations, so this changed the venue, if available.

 

D.  Treasury overview, Susan Huges, Treasurer:    Balance in checkbook today is $3,163.98

E.  Old business:

         1.  Fundraisers -  Bake sales: We have decided to have 2 bake sales this year.  One in the Spring and one in the Fall during the Mid-Term elections on November 3, 2026.   We do have a Primary election on August 4, 2026, if we want to include it.

--It was resolved to have a bake sale at Tom's, if available in May, 2026.  And at the Mid term elections November 3, 2026.

                  a.  Who to do what for the spring bake sale:

--  Arrange with Tom's (or other venue) a date for the sale:  Barb Wilson will call Tom's to arrange a date.

-- Arrange for baked goods drop off at the library (or another place): Barb Wilson will contact the library for a go-ahead.

--  Who to pick up and transport the baked goods to Tom's after pick up: Mary Pike will do this if available along with Jayne McPhilimy, as she volunteered according to Barb Wilson.  Another back up person might be a good idea.

--  Who to set up tables and chairs and bring all needed for the table:

Mary Pike will do this, if available - Possibly Jayne McPhilimy and another person.

--  Who will be in charge (one or two people there at all times) to manage the proceeds:

Mary Pike will do this, if available,  Ruth McKelvey and possibly Jayne McPhilimy.

--  Who to tear down after:  Mary Pike, if available, should ask at the April meeting for another person, just in case.  Also at the April meeting, Verta wants to remind members (in a nice way) to get more involved with the bake sale by being a part of it other than just baking items.  We can use more help and it seems the same people are doing the most work. This applies to all fundraisers.

         2.  Picnic Table Plaque for the township park:  An allowance was given of $30 to obtain a plaque to place on the table.  Has this been done? And any arrangements to place it on the table? -- According to Barb Wilson, she checked with Mary Jo Barck at the township last fall and said she would get back with Barb.  Mary Jo said the township would cover the cost and place the plaque on the table. Barb did not hear back and called just recently.  Mary Jo said she would call her back.  

F.  New business:

         1.  Group pictures for website and/or individual pictures for booklets:

 -- At the April meeting we will ask members if there is someone who could take a group picture.  Pat Thompson is involved with her husband and we thought better than to ask her.  Anyone that does not want their picture or information in the media must decline to be in the pictures.

         2. Help with Fundraisers:  If we volunteer at a Free Thanksgiving Dinner for the Community, we can also have help, per Verta.  Sara is the contact.  Per Verta, the dinner is in the early November at the GFH and is free.  -- Verta will call Sara and see if she can come to April's meeting and explain the event and what we'd be doing, and then the members can vote on it

         3.  Lifetime Membership:  If 80 and over, should be automatically give them lifetime membership?  --The board decided to designate 15 years or more  as a member and to suggest that to the members at the April meeting vote on it.  The By-Laws would have to be changed…

         4.  Thanksgiving this year is on the 26th of November. Should we have our Christmas Luncheon the 2nd Wednesday of December, which is the 9th, rather than on the 2nd of December as it would be too close to Christmas? -- Let the members know of this at the April meeting and let them decided, or perhaps eat out.

         5.  Any more field trips for 2026?   -- Yes, the Botanical Gardens in June 2026.  Jayne McPhilimy will set it up; Barb Wilson will check with her.  Perhaps a picnic on the grounds?

         6.  Are we going back to the New Library for our meetings this year?  -- At the April meeting, we will have a vote from members to determine this.

         7.  Any resolutions on volunteering for IAA with pay for our services? It is too restrictive and too much work for ladies our age. Perhaps, if IAA would come and explain the process, it may be considered, but they will not.

                  8.   A new Director will be needed in May to replace Pat Thompson. 

-- Susan Hughes said she would call Christine Wurst, if she declines, then Ruth would call Judy Gibler, if then she should decline, Ruth will call Deb Moody.

         9.  Should we switch from Huntington Bank to 4-Front Credit Union for our IWC checking account?  Reason being that they provide a machine or services to count out cash from fundraisers and then we could deposit it directly into our account.   -- We will stay with Huntington.  Jayne McPhilimy said she could collect the change from fundraisers and run it through her account and write a check to Susan Hughe, Treasurer.

10.   Members have voiced that they would like an agenda to follow during the meetings.  Should we send, via email, the agenda to them?   -- Yes, we will, but an abbreviated one…. Motioned by Verta, seconded by Mary Pike and passed.  

11.  By-Laws - Article V, Section 1:  "Each officer shall keep a record of work and upon retiring from office, deliver it to the President at the Annual Meeting."  -- The Annual Meeting is at the 1st of September of each year, the beginning of our fiscal year, when Departments, Committees, etc., turn in their reports. We will leave the terminology and not change the By-Laws.

12.  By-Laws - Article V, Section 2:  " The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and the Board of Directors; appoint all committees, be ex-officio of same except the committee of nominations, forward approved bills and vouchers to the Treasurer for payment, represent the Club on all occasions where the Club should be represented, with the power to appoint a substitute and appoint a nominating committee in December."  We have never had a nominating committee.  Should we form one to conduct officers nominations for election in May of the next year?

 --   No, the President, according to the Article V, Section 2 above, has the power to appoint a nominating committee in December, but chooses not to at this time, so not change to the By-Laws.    

G.  Announcement and Other Business:

         1.   New member Karen Lawton was assigned to the Conservation Department.

         2.  Announcement by Verta Odziana that there is a meeting at the Golden Fellowship Hall on March 24, 2026 at 4:oo pm regarding the Roundabout and other construction in Interlochen.

H.  Adjournment by Verta Odziana, President, at 1:43 am.      

 

Respectfully,

Mary Pike, Secretary IWC

            Interlochen Woman's Club Minutes of

        November 5, 2025 meeting at GFH at 11:00

 

A.  Meeting was called to order by President, Verta Odizana at 11:03 am.

B.  Pledge and Collect recited by all.

C.  Roll Call by Barb Wilson:   including 17 members, 3 guests and a new member,  Gina Savioe, in attendance.

D.  Motion to approve the minutes of October 1, 2025 meeting by Marsha Gresso, seconded by Jan Hilewsky and approved as written.

E. President, Verta Odziana's message:  Verta announced that Maxine Stienmiller's husband had a stroke.  Maxine wanted the group to know, but asks that no one call or send cards.  Judy Bowman will send a card from the club.  Verta read Inspirational quotes submitted by Maxine Steinmiller and Mary Pike.

F.  Vice President, Barb Wilson's message: She explained the Cabin Fever Luncheons to new member and guests.  She asked the group to suggest preferred restaurants for this winter's luncheon.  It was decided that luncheons will be held the first Wednesday at noon on January, February and March at the following venues: Oaky's, Bradley's and Mulligan's.  Barb will arrange them with the restaurants.

G.  Secretary, Mary Pike Report:  She was unable to attend.  Verta reminded member to sign the social media policy if they have not done so.

H.  Treasurer, Susan Hughes Report:  Susan reported that the checkbook balance as of November 1, 2025 is $3,518.37 which includes $80.40 from the Can and Bottle Drive and $39.75 from the Penny Jar Drive.

I.  Department Reports:

​1.  Arts Department, Jayne McPhilimy, reported that the first field trip was a success.  Members of the group went to the Denno's Museum and then to lunch at Oaky's.  It gave members a chance to socialize and get to know each other better.

​2.  Conservation Department, Deb Moody, Deb was unable to attend the meeting.

​3.  Education Department, Susan Hughes reported that the Education Department was hosting the Thanksgiving luncheon today and Susan will be providing the presentation on TOPS after lunch.

​4.  Home Life and Public Affairs, Ruth McKelvey reported that she and Verta Odizana volunteered at the Green Lake Township Halloween Party and handed out candy.  She said there was a large number of kids and it was a lot of fun.

J. Committee Reports:

​1.  Hospitality, Membership and Welcome: Deb Widrig welcomed new member Gina Savoie. There were also 3 visitors at today's meeting.

​2.  Sunshine Fund, Judy Bowman, reported that $23 was collected at the October meeting.  Five cards were sent out over the past month.  She is almost out of stamps.  Judy passed around Christmas cards to be signed by the group that she will send to members that can no longer attend meetings.  These cards will be sent to Nina Wolpe, Opal Steele and Sonda Richarson.

​3.  Club Historian, Susan Huges: no report.

​4.  Facebook and Website,  Pat Thompson: no report as she was unable to attend today.

​5.  Media Notifications, Jayne McPhilimy reported that message wassent to the media two weeks ago, but she is unsure if they were published.

K.  Old Business:

​1. Can and Bottle Drive:  It was decided that this is an easy way to raise some extra money for the club, and that it should run year round.

​2.  Penny Jar Drive:  Two jars were turned in so far.  Susan Hughes, Treasurer, felt it is too much work to count all the change.  However, Jayne McPhilimy stated she is willing to take ongoing responsibility to take the change to her bank to be counted and provide a check to the club.  It was also suggested that having the jars at local businesses provides visibility for the club.  It was decided to extent the Penny Jar Drive.

​3.  Bake Sale, Election Day - Midterms, Tuesday, November3. 2026:  There were no volunteers to chair the event at this time due to it being so far in the future. It was decided to table further discussion until closer to the date.

​4.  Future Fundraisers:  Verta Odziana,, President, reported that Deb Moody was unable to help with a silent auction.  However, Christine Wurst said she is willing to chair the silent auction whenever the group decides to hold it.  Having a spaghetti dinner in the spring was discussed, but was suggested that due to road construction  project closures scheduled for next year that it would not be a good time to hold that type of event.  It was decided to have two bake sales next year instead, in the spring and Midterms election day.

​5.  Picnic Table: Barb Wilson reported that she located the picnic table donated by IWC at the township park and there is nothing on