Easley Junior Women's Club

The meeting was called to order at 7:15, followed by an opening prayer given by Parliamentarian, Melanie Branham. The Collect and Junior Pledge was then led by Cathy Bacon. President Heidi Roach then made announcements. Happy belated birthday to December birthdays and happy birthday to all January birthdays. Congratulations to Heidi's members of the month, Annah Gainey and Leilani Watt. A great time was had at the GFWC-SC Winter Board meeting. The GFWC-SC Convention will be held April 27-28 at Embassy Suites in Columbia. Consider serving as an Officer or Committee Chair, positions to be voted on in April. New Member Applications are available tonight and due at the March meeting. Continue to check the website for up-to-date info. Officer reports then followed with 1st Vice President, Sandy Ross, who reminded everyone to turn in volunteer hours, money raised and items donated to her ASAP as department reports are due to state on Feb.1. 2nd Vice President, Gretchen Carpenter, was unable to attend. However Heidi announced that EJWC got a $1000 grant for our Progress Foundation Award Money. Cathy Bacon reported the SHINE work day was successful and the next is March 29. Treasurer, Rhonda Duncan, announced that the Christmas Tour of Homes went well and several people still need to turn in ticket money. Please see her ASAP if you have not paid. Membership, Denni Alexander, reminded everyone to keep in mind any new members we might be considering for joining. No new announcements from Secretary, Aimee Liddle, the December minutes were voted on and approved. Web master, Amy Bomar is updating the site for Shamrock the House. Committee reports then followed with Ways and Means Committee, Annah Gainey and Leilani Watt. Thanks to all for your participation in the December Show and Sell, it was a blast! Please make a $25 donation to Rhonda Duncan if you were not able to attend or send your items. Thanks, again, to everyone for making the Christmas Tour of Homes a huge success. Our "Shamrock the House" will be Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 7pm at Tri County Tech Easley. One auction item worth at least $25 is due by the February or March meeting and 2 tickets at $50 each are due at the March meeting. Tickets before hand are $50 a couple and $30 a single. At the door tickets will be $60 a couple and $40 for a single. The event is casual wear your green. Corporate sponsorships are also available. A link for a letter asking for auction items or corporate sponsorships will be available on the website. Kristen Scott, Home Life, announced we will collect money at the next meeting for Helping Hands Easter Baskets a suggestions was made for $10 per person. Meals on Wheels drivers are responsible for finding their own replacements. We will have a Mary Closets Clothing Drive in March please bring summer/spring items. Education, Charlene Brock, reminded everyone to record their school volunteer hours. The book sale will be on March 3, at Easley Presbyterian Church. Please take your books to Easley Presbyterian Church. Conservation, Amy Bomar, says we are on hold for the conservation project and will wait to hear. Brandy Bocchino, was not in attendance but the next Adopt-A-Highway will be on Sat. Jan, 21, time TBD. Public Affairs, Kelli Burnette, thanked everyone for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing and the cup of Joe money. International Affairs, Ashley Jameson, reported we raised $98.62 for UNICEF and donated 134 cans to East End Pantry. Arts, Aimee Liddle and Danielle Prakas, thanked everyone who helped with the parade and the door decorating at the nursing homes. Social, Elise Herron, announced our "Third Thursday" will be at Starving Artist Cafe Thurs, Jan 19, at 11:30am. Our Valentine's dinner is scheduled for Calhoun Corners on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7pm. Please let Heidi know if you are willing to host a cocktail hour before dinner. Our next meeting is Mon, Feb 13 at 7pm and lead hostess is Aimee Liddle. The meeting was then adjourned.

The December meeting began with eating and socializing, followed by announcements and our show and sell. Clubmembers were also selling their old gold for cash, in which a percentage earned would go directly to our club. Thanks to everyone for makeing the Christmas Tour of Homes a huge success. The meeting ended after everyone paid for their won show and sell items. Merry Christmas!

The meeting was called to order by President, Heidi Roach. The opening prayer was given by Rhonda Duncan, Treasurer. The Collect and Junior Pledge was led by President, Heidi Roach. The guest speaker for tonight was from Pickens County Cancer Association and we presented them with a check for $2350.00. Heidi wished a Happy Birthday to all November Birthdays. The GFWC-SC Winter Board Meeting is Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 9:30am in Columbia. A group of us will be heading down on Friday. Change in leadership. Sandy Ross has decided not to step up to President for next year and Aimee Liddle will be stepping up to take her place. Continue to check the website for updated information. Officer reports then continued with Sandy Ross, 1st Vice President, who reminded everyone to record all volunteer hours, which are to be turned in by the January meeting. Getty’s 5K run is Dec. 10 at 10am volunteers are needed. See Sandy Ross if you are able to work. Gretchen Carpenter, 2nd Vice President, reminded everyone of the Progress Foundation Grant deadline for our Community Improvement Project due November 15. The next opportunity to serve with SHINE is December 29th sign up went around. Treasurer, Rhonda Duncan, handed out packets of tickets for Christmas Tour of Homes. Denni Alexander, membership chair, remaindered everyone to pick up the 2011-2012 EJWC Membership Directories tonight and let her know of any changes that need to be made. Make sure new members have shown Denni their voter registration cards. A motion was made and passed to approve the October meeting minutes generated by Aimee Liddle, Secretary. Web master, Amy Bomar, said the website is updated and tour of homes tickets can be purchased on our site. Committee reports then followed with Ways and Means committee, Annah Gainey and Leilani Watt, who you are to see tonight to pick up your tickets for the Christmas Tour of Homes, as well as one brochure to hang in a public place. The Christmas Tour of Homes is Sunday, December 4, from 2-6pm. Members are required to sell at least 4 tickets at $15/each. Money will be due at the December meeting and a prize will be awarded to the member selling the most tickets. All members need to sign up for a shift during the tour, either from 1:30-4pm or 4:00-6:30pm. Please bring 2 items to the December Show and Sell meeting. Suggested items include home decor, Christmas decorations, gently used toys, boutique clothes, homemade casseroles, etc. If you are unable to attend the December meeting, please make a $20 donation. Please sign up with Sandy Ross for a food to bring for the pot luck. Invite a friend! Shamrock the House will be Saturday, March 17 at 7pm at Tri County Tech. Members are responsible for 1 auction item of at least a$25 value and 2 tickets. Home Life, Kristen Scott, thanked everyone for the pajamas for Camp Kid. We were able to provide 48 pairs of pajamas. Education, Charlene Brock, thanked the babysitters for tonight and reminded everyone to record your school volunteer hours. Continue to collect your books for the SOS Used Book Sale on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Easley First Presbyterian Church. Conservation, Amy Bomar, is working on the beautification project for spring. Brandy Bocchino, announced the next Adopt-A-Highway is Saturday, January 21, 2012. Ashley Jameson, International Affairs, is taking up UNICEF trick-or-treat donations. Public Affairs, Kelli Burnett, bell ringing for the Salvation Army is Saturday, December 10 & 17 at the Easley Wal-Mart. Kellie has composed a list of names and times for those who wish to sign up. See Kellie for changes or questions. Arts, Aimee Liddle and Danielle Prakas, have signups for the Willows Nursing Home Christmas door decorating on Thursday, December 1 at 3:30. We will also be decorating the float for the Easley parade on Sunday, Nov. 27 at 4:00 at Aimee Liddle’s house. We also need people to be in the parade on Dec. 3 at 10:00am. Call Aimee or Daielle if you can participate. Social, Elise Herron, reminded everyone of our next "3rd Thursday" on November 17 at 11:30am at LaFinca. A great time was had at our fall mixer! Next meeting is Monday, December 12th and lead hostess is Sandy Ross. The meeting was then adjourned.

The meeting was called to order at 7:15pm by President, Heidi Roach. The opening prayer was given by Parliamentarian, Melanie Branham. The Collect and Junior Pledge was led by Public Affairs Chair, Kelli Burnett. Marian St. Claire, GFWC Treasurer and GFWC-SC Parliamentarian was our guest speaker on what she does at the International level for GFWC. Announcements were then made by Heidi Roach. Heidi wished Happy Birthday to all October birthdays. Reminder to see Melanie if you ordered a name tag. Remember to record all your volunteer hours for the club. Congratulations to Heidi's members of the month, Danielle Prakas and Aimee Liddle. Continue to check the website for updates and information. Officer reports followed with 1st Vice President Sandy Ross reminding us to record our volunteer hours. 2nd Vice President, Gretchen Carpenter is working on Community Improvement Project Grant, and reminded us the next SHINE date is Dec. 29. Treasurer, Rhonda Duncan, reminded everyone to pay dues or make arrangements with her. Club remittance form, corrected roster, and dues are due to the state by Nov.1. Membership, Denni Alexander, reminded everyone to see her if you need your photo taken or have updates for the EJWC directory, especially email addresses. New members need to show her your voter registration cards if you have not done so already. New directories will be available at the Nov. meeting. Secretary, Aimee Liddle, had no new announcements. A motion was made and passed to approve the September meeting minutes. Webmaster, Amy Bomar, updated the website and it looks fabulous. Committee reports then followed with Ways and Means, Annah Gainey and Leilani Watt. You may pick up your EJWC t-shirts if you preordered them or see Annah or Leilani to place an order. We have 6 committed homes for the Christmas Tour of Homes. Members are required to sell 4 tickets at $15 each. Money is due at the December meeting. All members are also required to work a shift at the tour and sign ups to volunteer to bake cookies for the tour will be at the next meeting. Tickets and brochures should be available at the Nov. meeting. Shamrock the House will be Saturday, March 17 at 7pm at Tri County Tech Easley. Requirements include 1 auction item and 2 tickets at $50 a couple. Home Life, Kristen Scott, thanked everyone for bringing in the pajamas for Camp Kid. Any ideas for Home Life see her. Charlene Brock, reminded everyone to record all volunteer hours at school. The S.O.S. Book Sale is not yet set date TBA. Conservation, Brandy Bocchino and Amy Bomar, Adopt - A - Highway went great. Amy Bomar, for Conservation, reminded everyone of the ongoing plans for beautification now out by Publix. Thank you to all that brought in bulbs. International Affairs, Ashley Jameson, reminded everyone to keep collecting for World Food Day which is on October 16. Fill up your UNICEF trick-or-treat boxes to be turned in at the November meeting. Public Affairs, Kelli Burnett, will have signup sheets for the Salvation Army bell ringing at next meeting. Also see Kelli if you are willing to donate $2.00 for a Cup Of Joe. Arts, Aimee Liddle and Danielle Prakas, reminded everyone of the upcoming nursing home door decorating dates TBA at next meeting. Pink Potty Patrol is going well and so far we have raised $1537! Sign up for potty patrol before you leave. Social, Elise Herron, reminded everyone of the upcoming Fall Mixer at the home of Aimee Liddle on Friday October 14 at 7pm. Bring an appetizer to share and beverages of your choice. Scrapbook, Elizabeth Hendricks, reminded everyone to send in pictures that might be used for the scrapbook. Our 3rd Thursday dinner is on October 20 at Blue Vadoo 7:00 pm. Next meeting is Monday, November 14, 2011 at 7pm and the lead hostess is Charlene Brock. The meeting was then adjourned.

The meeting was called to order by President, Heidi Roach. The opening prayer, was then given by Parliamentarian, Melanie Branham. Aimee Liddle, Secretary, then led the Junior Pledge and Collect. President Heidi Roach and Membership Chair Denni Alexander led the induction of new members. Heidi wished happy birthday to all September birthdays. Special thanks to Wendy King and her family for opening their home for new member reception. Continue to look at the website for pictures, calendar, etc. The State Project for the year is GFWC - Girl Friends Who Care and the Jr. Project is preventing teen dating violence. Melanie Branham is the Northwestern District President. EJWC won the EJWC Arts Award and Northwestern District Cup at summer district meeting. Heidi has created a check off requirement sheet that all members need to sign and turn to show they met this year’s requirements. Officer reports then began with 1st Vice President, Sandy Ross, who will bring hostess schedules to next meeting and reminders to record your volunteer hours. 2nd Vice President, Gretchen Carpenter, talked about our first Shine date which is Sept. 29 from 4:30-6:30, and we need some more MOW drives. Treasurer, Rhonda Duncan, reminded everyone of the $50 dues for active members due by the October meeting. All money collected this year will need to be put in an envelope with your name on it and you will get a receipt. Membership Chair, Denni Alexander, reminded everyone to update any info needed for the EJWC directory. Secretary, Aimee Liddle, will send reminder emails as needed and will post meeting minutes on the website. Amy Bomar, Webmaster will update website as needed, and will be sending new member and leadership pictures to the Easley Progress soon. Parliamentarian, Melanie Branham, reminded everyone of September being Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and shared some information about ovarian cancer. District theme this year is taking care of ourselves and others. She is placing an order for hard magnetic name tags and they are for sale for $7.00. Committee reports then followed with Ways and Means committee, Annah Gainey and Leilani Watts. There are EJWC t-shirts ($12) and oxford shirts ($25) available for ordering tonight and throughout the year. A motion was made and passed to require members to be responsible for 4 Christmas Tour of Home tickets at $15 each. EJWC Christmas Tour of Homes will be Sunday, December 4, 2011 from 2-6pm. Tickets and brochures will be available at the November meeting. Keep in mind if you or someone you know would be interested in using their home for the tour. A motion was made and passed to change casino night to “Shamrock the House”. Shamrock the house will be a St. Patrick’s Day Party on Saturday, March 17 at Tri County in Easley. A motion was passed that require members to be responsible for 2 Casino Night tickets at $30 each or $50 a couple. Members are also responsible for one auction item at a $25 value. Home Life, Kristen Scott, has a signup sheet for pajamas for Camp Kids, a Prevent Child Abuse project. We also will do Easter Baskets this year and we will not continue to do birthday cakes for babies. Education, Charlene Brock, reminded everyone to record all volunteer hours for school. We will continue to purchase books in honor of any babies born within the club at the Easley library. Charlene is coordinating a used book sale which will take place on February 25, more details to follow. Conservation, Amy Bomar and Brandy Bocchino, reminded everyone to sign up for one of the three Adopt-A-Highway dates, the first coming up on October 8th. Amy Bomar then spoke about her idea for a beautification project in front of Kmart in the median, with more information and volunteer opportunities to come. Public Affairs, Kellie Burnett, spoke about ideas email her if you have any. She also spoke on a cup for Joe. $2.00 will send a cup of coffee overseas to a serviceman. Kellie also reminded everyone to collect and bring her the Yoplait Pink lids for Susan G.Komen Foundation. International Affairs, Ashley Jameson, reminded everyone of World Food Day on October 16. Bring canned foods to the October meeting. Ashley also handed out the boxes for Trick or Treating for UNICEF. Arts, Aimee Liddle and Danielle Prakas, discussed new possible ideas for Arts we will not be doing the Foothills Playhouse hostessing. We will be doing the Easley Christmas Parade to help promote Tour of homes. We are also doing a breast cancer awareness event that includes putting hot pink toilets on people’s lawns. Social, Elise Herron, reminded everyone of the informal get together the 3rd Thursday of each month, this month’s will be September 15. We will have our Fall Mixer on October 14 at Aimee Liddle’s house at 7:00. Scrapbook, Elizabeth Hendricks, reminded everyone to email any pictures of EJWC to her. Next meeting is October 10 and lead hostess is Charlene Brock. Wear pink! The meeting was then adjourned.

The meeting was called to order by President Heidi Roach.  The opening prayer was given by Christy Sydow, followed by the collect and junior pledge led by President Heidi Roach.  No April Birthdays to wish.  Congratulations to Heidi's member of the month.  Please confirm by tonight if you plan to attend the GFWC-SC 2010 Convention April 29-30 in Greenville.  There is one room reserved at the Embassy Suits.  Heidi is taking care of the President's Travel Fund Basket and Auction for convention, as well as polishing the silver awards to return for convention.  Elizabeth is to have the scrapbook ready for judging by Friday morning of the convention.  Officer reports then followed wtih Sandy Ross, who will have the Silver Awards Reports for convention.  Sandy led the Election of 2011-2013 Officers and Chairwomen as well as the approval of the 2011-2012 new member roster.  Ballots were given out tonight for the 2010-2011 New Member of the Year and Member of the Year to be announced at the May Awards Dinner.  2nd Vice President Gretchen Carpenter thanked everyone for helping with SHINE on March 3.  The next SHINE date is June 30, in which 6-7 volunteers will be needed and a menu to be come up with later.  An email reminder will be sent out.  Treasurer Rhonda Duncan gave reports on fundraising efforts, including the costs of Casino Night.  A motion was made and passed to approve the 2010-2011 distribution of funds to EJWC-chosen charities.  Secretary, Mollie Respass will send out thank you notes to the March sitters and a motion was made and passed to approve the March meeting minutes.  Membership, Denni Alexander made new member announcements.  No report from Historian.  Committee reports then followed with Ways and Means Committee, Tracey Duvall and Tonia Hill, who thanked everyone for their help with the Masquerade Casino Night.  Home Life, Kristen Scott,  announced that we will now donate $250 to birthdays for babies directly to the Parenting Place instead of purchasing individual cakes as they are requested, therefore they can order what kind they want from wherever they want when they need it.  44 Easter Baskets will be assembled after the meeting, using the donated items that were brought to the meeting, and then taken to Helping Hands next week. We also collected clothes for Mary's Closet at the meeting. Lots of great clothing donations were received!  A list for Meals on Wheels sign ups was passed around. Gretchen Carpenter has kindly volunteered to update and maintain the contact/drivers list since she is a MOW driver.  Education, Charlene Brock, reminded everyone to record their volunteer school hours for the month and that the college scholarship applications are due by April 26.  Conservation, Brandy Bocchino, reported that a lot of members that did not fulfill their requirement for Adopt a Highway. Heidi is putting together a list of alternative ways to fulfill that requirement.  International Affairs, Ashley Jameson, reminded everyone to give a donation tonight to help fund one Operation Smile.  No new announcements by Arts, Katherine Bossert.   Social, Elise Herron, reminded everyone of the May Awards Dinner at El Jimador at 7pm in the private dining room.  Third Thursday will be on the April 22nd at the J.B. Red Park for lunch with the kids. Feel free to pack a picnic or pick something up on the way.   The meeting was then adjourned.

The meeting was called to order and opening prayer made by President, Heidi Roach.  Denni Alexander, Membership Chair, led the Collect and Junior Pledge.  Home Life, Kristen Scott, introlduced our guest speaker, Cindy, from Mary's Closet, which sells gently used  junior, womens and maternity clothes.  Mary's Closet also provides clothes for women in need, including those affected by domestic violence.  Mary's Closet is also always in need of paper products and volunteers.  Announcements were then started by Heidi Roach, giving Happy Birthday wishes to all March Birthdays.  Congratulations to Heidi's member of the month, Debra Anderson, for her help with the book sale.  The GFWC-SC Convention will be held April29-30 in Greenville.  Melanie Branham, NW District President, reminded everyone to register by using the form in the ClubWoman Magazine, which are due by April 16.  The EJWC are in charge of decorating for the Saturday night "Formalicious" banquet.  They are in need of formal evening bags and shoes.  Sign ups are availabe to help work the registration table Friday. Consider serving as Historian or Secretary, which are positions still available for Willingness to Serve.  New member applications are due tonight.  Officer reports then followed with 1st Vice President, Sandy Ross, who sent in the report  for the Silver Awards last Thursday.  2nd Vice President, Gretchen Carpenter, announced our next SHINE is March 31.  We raised $86 tonight for the meal.  Treasurer, Rhonda Duncan, reminded everyone to pay for your casino night tickets.  You may pay online at the website.  Please also arrange to turn your auction item in by Wednesday.  A motion was made and passed to provide $10 to 13 statewide foundations.  Membership, Denni Alexander, reminded everyone of the new member applications due tonight and to be voted on at the April meeting.  A motion was made and passed to approve the February minutes posted by Secretary, Mollie Respass.  Elizabeth Hendricks, Scrabook, is in need of any help for the upcoming deadline on April 28.  There is a photo contest at the GFWC Convention, so submit any photos you think would be good.  Committee reports then followed with Ways and Means, Tracey Duvall and Tonia Hill, reminding everyone of the upcoming Masquerade Casino Night Saturday, March 19 at 7pm at Smithfield's.  Two tickets at $50 are due before your entrance into the event.  Sign ups for decorating and clean-up are available tonight and corporate sponsorships are still available.  Remember you can purchase tickets on the web site web store.  Home Life, Kristin Scott, gave a thank you to Rhonda Duncan for the last minute birthday cake for baby.  We will be holding a clothing drive for Mary's Closet next meeting.  An information sheet on Helping Hands Easter Basket items requested have been given out, with items being due at the next meeting.  Sign ups are available for the American Red Cross Golf Tournament for Friday, April 15 at the Rock at Jocasse and Wed, April 13 at Smithfield's.  Contact Toniette for further information.  Education, Charlene Brock, announced we raised $1,310 at our book sale.  A motion was made and passed to give a $1,000 scholarship and keep $310 for running the book sale next year.  Scholarship applications are due April 15 and the Pickens County winner will be determined by the committee.  Remember to record your volunteer school hours.  Conservation, Amy Bomar, had no new information and Brandy Bocchino announced the final Adopt-A-Highway pick-up is Saturday, April 9 at 9:00am at the Breakers gas station.  International Affairs, Ashely Jameson, announced we will be taking up a monetary donation for Operation Smile Bags at the April meeting.  A donation of $5 is suggested. No new information from Public Affairs, Kelli Burnette.  Katherine Bossert, Arts, sent message that the hostessing of Oliver  at the Foothills Playhouse was a success.  Social, Elise Heron, announced the cancellation of this month's 3rd Thursday due to casino night and we will resume with a 3rd Thursday lunch in April, followed by our Awards Dinner in May.  The meeting was then adjourned.

The meeting was called to order at 7:15pm, followed by reciting the Collect and Junior Pledge.  Announcements then followed by President, Heidi Roach. Please remember Cathy Bacon and Ashley Jameson in your prayers.  Happy February Birthdays!  Congratulations to Heidi's member of the month, Sandy Ross.  NW District President, Melanie Branham, reminded everyone of the GFWC-SC Convention that will be April 29-30 at Embassy Suites in Greenville.  Friday consists of a "Royal Luncheon"  and a PJ banquet on Friday evening, which you wear your pajamas and bring a pair to donate.  There is a Junior Clubwoman luncheon on Saturday and a Masquerade-themed banquet on Saturday night.  Please try to attend any or all events.  Melanie needs volunteers to help with the registration table.  Please consider serving as an Officer or Committee Chair.  Positions available include Arts,Secretary, Ways and Means, Adopt A Highway, and Historian.  Willingness to serve forms are due at the March meeting.  New member applications are available tonight and due at the March meeting.  Toniette Brooks has sign ups for volunteer opportunities for the Red Cross Golf Tournament.  Officer reports then followed with 1st Vice President, Sandy Ross who reported $20,148.30 raised and $18, 638.00 donated in 2009, as well as 5,309.5 volunteer hours.  Gretchen Carpenter, 2nd Vice President, reminded everyone of the next SHINE volunteer opportunity on March 31.  Secretary, Mollie Respass, will send thank you notes to the January babysitters.  A motion was made and passed to approve the January minutes.  Contact Membership, Denni Alexander, for any questions regarding new membership.  Committee reports then followed with Casino Night announcements made by Heidi Roach.  Members are responsible for one auction item and 2 tickets at $50/each.  The Masquerade Casino Night will be March 19, 2011 at 7pm at Smithfield's Country Club.  Masks can be found at Wilson's 5 and 10, Oriental Trading website, and Hobby Lobby.  The event is black-tie optional and corporate sponsorships are still available.  Please contact Rhonda Duncan, Tracey Duvall, Tonia Hill or Heidi to coordinate drop off of your auction items or bring them to the March meeting.  Home Life, Kristen Scott, said the needed Feb.18 Birthday Cake for Babies has been taken care of.  More information regarding Helping Hands Easter Baskets coming next month.  Mary's Closet may be coming to speak to the club at an upcoming meeting and we spoke about possibly doing a clothing drive for them.  Education, Charlene Brock, reminded everyone of the Book Sale this Saturday, Feb 19 from 8am-2pm.  If you volunteer Friday or Satuday, you may attend the presale on Friday at 6:30pm.  Record your volunteer hours for schools.  Conservation, Amy Bomar, will have more information to come next month.  The final Adopt A Highway pickup date is in April.   Announcements made for International Affairs, Ashley Jameson, included likely donation of money for Operation Smile Bags next month.   Ashley also wants to head up a new committee for member needs.  Danielle has agreed to help with the Committee.   Hostess duties and concession for the upcoming Oliver play are still needed.  Email Elizabeth Hendricks any pictures you may have for the upcoming Scrapbook.  Social, Elise Herron, said the Valentine's dinner was a huge success.  Our Third Thursday will be lunch at BTB at 11:30am this coming Thursday.  Our next meeting is March 14 and lead hostess is Dani Saxon.   The meeting was then adjourned.

The meeting was called to order at 715, follwed by an opening prayer given by President, Heidi Roach.  The Collect and Junior Pledge was then led by Katherine Bossert.  President Heidi Roach then made announcements.  Happy belated birthday to December birthdays and happy birthday to all January  birthdays.  Congratulations to Heidi's member of the month, Cathy Bacon.  A great time was had at the GFWC-SC  Winter Board meeting.  The GFWC-SC Convention will be held April 29-30 at Embassy Suites.  Consider serving as an Officer or Committee Chair, positions to be voted on in April.  New Member Applications are available tonight and due at the March meeting.  Gettys Middle School is in need of volunteers to read essays on Jan 20.  See Heidi for more information.  Continue to check the website for up-to-date info.  Officer reports then followed with 1st Vice President, Sandy Ross, who reminded everyone to turn in volunteer hours, money raised and items donated to her ASAP as department reports are due to state on Feb.1.  A motion was made and passed to accept bylaw changes.  2nd Vice President, Gretchen Carpenter, announced that EJWC got a $1000 grant for our Progress Foundation Award Money.  The first SHINE work day was successful and the next is March 31.  A new list of needs for the SHINE kitchen was emailed out earlier this week.  Please sign up tonight if you are interested in a self defense class.  Treasurer, Rhonda Duncan, announced that the Christmas Tour of Homes made $3655.00.  Please see or pay Rhonda tonight for your tickets if you have yet to do so.  We raised $441.00 at our Christmas Show and Sell and $564.30 from our Gold Party.  Membership, Denni Alexander, reminded everyone to keep in mind any new members we might be considering for joining.  No new announcements from Secretary, Mollie Respass.  See Historian, Toshia Leiston, if you want to place anything in the March Clubwoman Magazine before the Feb. 1 deadline.  Committee reports then followed with Ways and Means Committee, Tonia Hill and Tracey Duvall.  Thanks to all for your participation in the December Show and Sell, it was a blast!  Please make a $25 donation to Rhonda Duncan if you were not able to attend or send your items.  Thanks, again, to everyone for making the Christmas Tour of Homes a huge success.  Our "Masquerade Ball" will be Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 7pm at Smithfield's Country Club.  One auction item worth at least $25 is due by the February or March meeting and 2 tickets at $50 each are due at the March meeting.  The event is black-tie and there will be some music and atmosphere changes in hopes of making the best impression as possible for our community.  Corporate sponsorships are also available.  A link for a letter asking for auction items or corporate sponsorships will be available on the website.  A link to upload your auction item or corporate sponsorship when confirmed will also be available on the website.  Please see Tonia or Tracey with questions.  Kristen Scott, Home Life, was not in attendance, but needs volunteers for 2 February birthday cakes for babies.  Helping Hands Easter Baskets will be coming up soon.  Meals on Wheels drivers are responsible for finding their own replacements.  Education, Charlene Brock, reminded everyone to record their school volunteer hours.  The book sale will be on February 19 from 8-2 at Easley Presbyterian Church.  Please take your books to Easley Presbyterian Church or bring them to the next meeting.  Tonia Hill be making a flyer for us to print and place out.  Sign ups are availabe tonight for a planning meeting at Heidi's on Tues, Jan 25 at 7pm, set up for the event on Fri, Feb 18 from 4pm until and for the sale on Sat, Feb 19 for 2 hour slots.  Conservation, Brandy Bocchino, reminded everyone of the Adopt-A-Highway on Sat. Jan, 22 at 10am at Breaker's Gas Station.  Amy Bomar had no announcements.  Public Affairs, Kelli Burnette, thanked everyone for the Salvation Bell Ringing.  International Affairs, Ashley Jameson, reported we raised $170 for UNICEF.  Arts, Katherine Bossert, has sign-ups tonight for hostess duties for the play Oliver at Foothills Playhouse.  We will hosting the play and  doing concessions.  The Christmas door decorating at the nursing home was a great success!  Social, Elise Herron, was not in attendance.  Our "Third Thursday" will be at Bistro 81 this Thurs, Jan 20, at 730pm.  Our Valentine's dinner is tentatively  scheduled for Calhoun Corners on Sat, Feb 12.  Please let Heidi know if you are willing to host a cocktail hour before dinner. Our next meeting is Mon, Feb 14 at 7pm and lead hostess is Elise Herron.  The meeting was then adjourned.

The December meeting began with eating and socializing, followed by announcements and our show and sell.  Clubmembers were also selling their old gold for cash, in which a percentage earned would go directly to our club.  Thanks to everyone for makeing the Christmas Tour of Homes a huge success.  The meeting ended after everyone paid for their won show and sell items.  Merry Christmas!