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 it identifying the donation. She suggested ordering a stainless steel tag that says, "Donated by Interlochen Woman's Club" to be attached to the table.  Marsha Gresso made a motion to allocate no more that $30 of club funds to purchase the tag.  The motion was seconded by Jayne McPhilimy, and was passed.  Barb will order the tag.

​6.  Microphone and speaker:  Susan Hughes looked into purchasing a sound system for the club.  She decided to go ahead and purchase the microphone and speaker for $133.  Nina Wolpe has offered to cover one half of the cost.  Barb Wilson made a motion for the club to pay the other half.  Marsha Gresso seconded the motion.  Motion passed with one opposed.

​7.  Hat and Mitten Drive:  Hats, gloves and scarves were brought in by members at the October and November meetings.  Marsha Gresso will deliver them to Silver Lake Elementary after the December Christmas luncheon.

L.  New Business:

​1.  Committee for Christmas Luncheon:  Member voted to have a pot luck for the luncheon rather than eat out at a restaurant.  The luncheon will be at noon on December 3, 2025 with a menu of appetizer's and desserts. The Education and Arts Departments will bring appetizers.  The Home Life and Public Affairs and Conservation Departments will bring desserts.  Barb Wilson will coordinate this with the Department Chairs.

​2.  Vote on Lifetime Membership for those 80 and over:  It was decided that the board should consider this proposal before it is put to a vote of the membership.  It was tabled until the next board meeting in March of 2026.

M.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:50 am, Motion by Marsha Gresso, seconded by Jan Hilewsky.

N.  Blessing by Judy Bowman, then luncheon and speaker followed.

 

Respectfully,

Mary Pike, Secretary for Barb Wilson, Vice President

Interlochen Woman's Club

                         Minutes of the Board Meeting of September 15, 2025

                                      at the Golden Fellowship Hall at 1 PM

 

A. Called to order by President, Verta Odizana at 1:19 PM.

B. Roll call by President, Verta Odizana as follows:
Verta Odizana, present
Barb Wilson, arrived late
Susan Hughes, present
Mary Pike, absent
Judy Bowman, present
Danielle-Beiganowski, absent
Ruth McKelvey, present
Pat Thompson, absent
Jayne McPhilimy, present

C. Date, venue, and time for August 5, 2026 Board Meetingis Wednesday at 11 AM.
Barb Wilson to check on availability of the Golden Fellowship Hall.

D. Treasury Overview:
Susan Hughes reported current balance in checkbook of $3,529.70. Susan reviewed the fiscal year 2026 proposed budget and clarified some changes with revenue and expenses. After profits of bake sale and dues received, they are as follows:
Bake sale, $380.50
Donations, $120
Dues paid $305 - 18 members
Revenue from bake sale total $500.50   Budget to be attached hereto.
Discussion: by members on possible proposed recommendations in the budget pertaining to community support programs
Follow up:
1. Barb Wilson to check about meeting place costs.
2. Susan Hughes to present fiscal year 2026 proposed budget at next meeting in October.

E. New members:
Julie Lutz assigned to the Arts Department

Vicky Slater assigned to Conservation Department to replace Darlene Heuser
Follow up: vice president, Barb Wilson, to notify department chairmen before next meeting of new members assignments

F. Can and Bottle refund fundraiser:
Discussion: final timeframe November 5 meeting 2025
Follow up: add to October meeting agenda
G. Penny Jar Drive:
Discussion: final timeframe to be determined
Follow up: Ruth McKelvey and Julie Lutz to report at October meeting how the jars were received and the amount of revenue for September.

H. Bake Sale Thank you notes:
Discussion: Thank you notes include all that helped with the bake sale such as baked goods, donations, and services help.
 Follow up: 1.  Judy Bowman to send out thank you cards. 2. Members are to be recognized during the October meeting by their department chairman for their participation with the bake sale.

I. 1.  Fundraising plans:
​a.  Bake Sale, November 2, 2025 with holiday theme desserts at Tom’s market and another bake sale in November 2026.
​b. Treasures in the Trunk, spring of 2026, May 16, 2026 at 9 AM set up and sales from 10 AM to 2 PM.
​c. Follow up for Bake Spale, Barb Wilson and follow up for spaces for the Treasures in the Trunk at farmers market, Jayne Mcphilimy.
   2.  Plaque at the Field of Dreams for donated picnic table:
Follow up: Joe at Green Lake Township will check to see where our table is located.

J. Meeting was adjourned at 2:26 PM.

Respectfully, Ruth McKelvey for Secretary, Mary Pike

Interlochen Woman's Club

Meeting Minutes for IWC June 4, 2025

At the Interlochen Public Library  at 12 noon

A.  Called to Order by Danielle Bieganowski at 12:08 pm

B.  Pledge to the Flag and the Collect by all.

C.  President, Danielle Bieganowski announced that we will have a short meeting including the approval of May 7, 2025 minutes, Annual Department and Committee Reports, Installation of Officers and updates on a Bake Sale.  Luncheon was prepared by the Executive Board.  Plant Raffle following the luncheon, please see Judy Bowman for tickets:  $2 each or 6 for $5.

D.  ​ 1.  Roll Call by Mary Pike, Secretary showed 20 members attending and one Guest, Minnie, with Deb Widrig.

     ​ 2.  Meeting Minutes of May 7, 2025 were approved:  Motion made by Barb Wilson and seconded by Jayne McPhilimy.

​ 3.  Mary asked that all written Annual Reports be turned in to her after the meeting.

​ 4.  Mary asked that everyone please read and sign the "Social Media" policy if they haven't already.

​ 5.  Mary read a card from Opal Steel and her daughter Mitsy and mentioned that her sister sent a card with a donation again this year.

E.  Susan Hughes, Treasurer stated that the balance in the check book today is $ 4,376.49 with outstanding donations checks not cashed yet.   With the outstanding checks cleared our balance will be $2,656.49.

F.  Department Reports:  See attached written reports for:

​​1.  Arts Department : Jayne McPhilimy. She also noted that Helen Hankins will not be active in club and resigned as co-chair of the Arts Department, but will pay dues and come when she can.

​2.  Conservation Department:  Sue Messner

​3.  Education Department :  Su