Washington County Commission for Women
Washington County Administration Building, 100 W.Washington St. Hagerstown, MD 21740

Minutes from April 9, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 6:10pm.
Present: Rose Wolters-Campher; Bonnie Errico; Mary Jane Koontz; Natasha Arnall; Ladetra Robinson; Dori Nipps; Ruth Anne Callaham
Absent: Joan Erdesky; Sharon Hawkins; Vijay Kumar- Solanki; Brandi Koontz; Ellen Maddock; Kathy Boyce; Marie Guedenet; Barbara Downey; Erin Minifield
Secretary’s Report: (Rose on behalf of Joan)
• Rose noted that March minutes do not indicate whether or not February minutes were accepted. February & March minutes need approval at May meeting.
President’s Report:
• Maryland Commission for Women’s Osteoporosis flyers were distributed. Rose will deliver to Girl’s Inc. and The W House. Ladetra will distribute at MLK Rec. Center. Ruth Anne will make available at Food Resources. Bonnie will deliver to the library.
• Due to scheduling conflicts, no one will be able to attend the Maryland Commission for Women’s (MDCFW) state meeting tomorrow in Annapolis. However, Rose has submitted a report to the MDCFW which highlights WCCW initiatives, events and works in progress. This will be shared at the meeting and the WCCW can expect minutes to see what other Commissions are currently working on.
• Copies of the H.E.R. Magazine article featuring the WCCW were distributed and discussed. Rose reported thanking Dave Barnhart for the exposure. Ladetra distributed subscription forms to H.E.R. Magazine for those interested.
• Rose praised Ladetra and Mary Jane on behalf of the Commission regarding the Blossom School of Etiquette (BSE). The first BSE graduation ceremony was held this past Saturday. Rose acknowledged the Commissioners attended the event and/or provided items/services for the reception. Thanks to Joan, Vijay, Erin, Natasha & Rose. Great article & picture was featured in Sunday’s Herald Mail. Rose distributed a copy for review/filing.

Ladetra reported a local videographer who has a weekly show on Channel 19 recorded the BSE ceremony and interviewed many attendees. The show will air this Saturday night at 10:30pm.

Ledetra also reported that the BSE will continue over the summer. She has been receiving calls from parents in Martinsburg and Frederick who want to bring their girls to Hagerstown to attend to program. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP!!
Meeting will be held on 4/21 @6pm (at MLK Center) to develop May calendar.
Teen Pregnancy; Cyber bullying and Health issues were suggested topics.

• The March Essay Contest/Ceremony was discussed. Another wonderful and successful event for the WCCW. Issue was raised regarding the lack of press regarding the event in the newspaper or on the website. Rose will follow-up with Vijay to see where things are. In the mean time, Rose suggested Bonnie send Vijay a copy of last year’s press release for review.
To increase participation next year, Ruth Anne suggested we develop a mock essay contest flyer for enclosure in packets distributed at the new teachers’ academy every August. (Something like a “save the date” flyer with directions to watch for updates on our website.) Ruth Anne also suggested a great topic for next year: Women in the Military.
• Mail: Various newsletters were circulated for review.
Treasurer’s Report :(Dori on behalf of Sharon)
• Balance of $724.51
Receipts to be submitted: ($11.44) from Mary Jane for MLK/BSE supplies
approximately ($47.00) from Ladetra for MLK/BSE ceremony

Motion passed to spend: ($100.00) to sponsor five children to attend magic show on 4/26 to benefit SafePlace.
($50.00) to sponsor five children to attend magic
show on 6/3 to benefit Hagerstown Fire Dept.
approximately ($350.00) for Wal-Mart Gift Cards for Special Projects
approximately ($75.00) for end-of-year off-site planning meeting
Committee Reports:
Essay Committee: See President’s report

Liaison/Special Projects Report:
WATT: Annual Lifetime of Leadership dinner coming up. Dori and Bonnie to attend. WCCW would sponsor one attendee. Linda Irvin-Craig to be honored. Rose is possibly interested in attending.
MLK/BSE: See President’s report
W HOUSE: Kim Adolini will serve as the new contact at W House. Rose or Erin will be the contacts for the WCCW. Looking to commit to one or two hours per month facilitating a Life Skills Group on Tuesday’s from 5-6pm. Consider May 20th as start date. Also, clothing drive is still on. Commissioners are encouraged to bring in casual business attire items to the May meeting in order to start & support the drive. Gently used/neutral-colored items are preferable. Shoes and accessories are also welcome.
COA/GIRL’S INC.: The two agencies have partnered regarding a proposed business plan for an interim Senior Center. Contact the County Commissioners if you support this proposal.

Old Business:
• Ellen to follow-up with Carolyn Brooks regarding Senator Munson’s nomination to the Maryland Hall of Fame. The WCCW would like to invite her to speak to us so that we can support Senator Munson’s nomination.
New Business:
• FY’09 budget considerations:
1) Student Government Association (SGA) sponsorship to Maryland Association
of Board of Education’s (MABE) training.
2) Printing of Volume II, Working Women, First in Their Fields in Washington
County
• May meeting:
1) By-laws to be reviewed. (Dori to check with Joanie to see if they exist in a
word document that can be circulated to Commissioners ahead of time.)
2) Commissioners wishing to renew for a second term will be considered.
3) Off-site planning meeting (at Dori’s house) to be discussed. Consider
bringing a covered dish to share.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10pm. Next meeting: Wednesday, May 14th @ 6:00pm