Minutes 2024 – 2025

Annisquam Sewing Circle Minutes

Tuesday, February

Meeting called to order – Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Vicki called the meeting to order and asked that a motion be made to accept the January Minutes as sent; Motion accepted.

Before moving forward with the Agenda, Perry McIntosh (Membership) introduced two new members: Linda Von Rosenvinge and Janet Boudreau – both were proposed and elected unanimously at the January meeting.

Treasurer’s Report (Maria Marolda)

Maria reported that the current balance of the ASC is $31,149.45. She also reported that $1,000 had been donated to Baby2Baby, an organization supporting those in CA coping with the widespread fires in LA area. Report accepted.

Corresponding Secretary (Kate Meader) Kate reported a card was sent to Connie Mason.

Finance (Gerry Herbert) While there was nothing to report financially, Gerry announced that the Grace Center would present at the March meeting and Dave Pearce would attend the April meeting to present an overview of how donations to the Annisquam Village Hall are spent.

Scholarship – No report, but members were reminded to submit names to Lee
Cunningham of any seniors from the Village who might be interested in applying for a scholarship.

Nominating (Gigs Cunningham) Please let her know if you are interested in serving on the Board.

No Old Business

New Business
Sewing Circle Archives – Sue Harris and Suzanne Brown will be reviewing and transposing materials in the Archives onto the Circle’s website to the best of their abilities. Showed an old photo album filled with photos, newspaper articles. Vicki added that she is storing a lot of “stuff.” Suzanne will bring a binder or archives to March meeting for people to look through – call it “Organizing Our History” to ensure nothing is lost!

Workshops Workshops, to continue throughout the year, will be held at the Leonard Club:

    • February 24 – Heidi McGrath will lead a Collage Cards workshop
    • March 24 – Heidi McGrath will also lead Accordion Books workshop

Guest Speaker
Gerry introduced Emily Siegel, Executive Director – Gloucester Education Foundation. Emily’s presentation focused on the O’Malley Middle School Bands – an example of one of the many Innovative Programs that the GEF supports. She spoke at length about the Elementary-Middle Band Program that feeds into the very accomplished High School Band – they both perform at a number of Festivals. Program is growing – has a goal of $115,000. Do a lot of their own fundraising and provide scholarships to those with need.

After thanking the day’s hostesses: Donna Caselden, Lisa Accardi, Mary Flaherty and Kate Meader, Vicki announced the next meeting date is: Tuesday, March 11. Meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie B. Neal

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Annisquam Sewing Circle Minutes
Meeting called to order – Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Link to .pdf

Vicki called the meeting to order and asked that a Motion be made to accept the November Minutes as sent; Motion accepted.

Treasurer’s Report – (Maria Marolda) Maria reported that the current bank balance for the ASC is $31,810.31; the Christmas Fair raised $26,704.50, exceeding last year ‘s total (2023). While not all revenue and expenses are in, the overall Net Profit is estimated to be $18,688.34, exceeding last year’s – a remarkable achievement given that overall expenses totaling $8,513.260 were higher by 23%. Maria also noted that leftover wreaths (valued at $800) were donated to a number of Cape Ann non-profits, including the Open Door, the Grace Center and the Rose Center. Maria also reported on how each Fair Category did, as well.
***See Maria’s Treasurer’s Report, dated January 14, 2025. Finally, Maria reported that this year’s sales slips proved to be very accurate. It was recommended that more sales slips be run off next year; 200 was not enough. Maria’s Report was accepted.

Sunshine (Kate Meader) – Kate reported that cards were sent to: Germaine Fritz, Dona Shea, Christine Lundberg, Joline Hentschel, John Perry and Martha Hooper.

Membership (Perry McIntosh) – Perry reported that two applicants for membership to the Circle had been received. Linda von Rosenvinge and Janet Boudreau; both were voted on and accepted.

Finance (Gerry Herbert) – Gerry reported receiving a thank you note from the Open Door.

Unfinished Projects -Jill Lovejoy reported that the next gathering would be at her house on the 21st at 1:30.

Christmas Fair Recap

Hospitality (Germaine Fritz) – Morning/Daily Refreshments went well throughout Christmas Fair week. It was suggested that coffee be available on the day of Fair, too. Some also wondered if we might consider selling donuts and coffee at the Fair next year.

Wreaths (Stevie Neal/Bonnie Angus) – On behalf of both Bonnie and herself, Stevie loudly said “Thank You, thank you!” to all. All had gone well on all wreath fronts!

Boxwood Trees et al (Lyn Fenollosa) – Very successful on all fronts.

Grabs (Gerry Herbert) – As usual, the Grabs s old out! Priced at $5 each; it was agreed not to raise price of grabs any higher next year.

Jewelry (Donna Caselden) – Jewelry always a popular table – Donna hopes that more space next year would be made available to Jewelry.

PR (Lisa Accardi) – Lisa said she is already looking at ways to increase PR next year, including contacting the North Shore magazine.

Baked Goods (Lee Cunningham) – All good!

Crafts (Gigs Cunningham) – Gigs gave (and wrote) an extensive report regarding the Crafts Table, which always does well. This year it raised $800 more than last year – the highlight being the 29 needlepoint ornaments, designed by Connie Mason; many handknit items from Sue Lannan; baby stockings flew off the table! She and Rosalie Hughes also both thanked all those who helped organize and arrange all the crafts for display.

Overall Comments:

A huge word of thanks went to the group of men who at the last moment pitched in at the end of the morning to take down tables, storing them properly in the barn. It was also agreed that going forward, post-Fair Clean-Up plans need to be better thought out prior to the Fair next year. Vicki would like to see the Circle commit to planning some workshops for the spring through to the Annual Mtg. in June. To that end, Suzanne Brown will be holding two: Wednesday, January 22 at 10 a.m. and Thursday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. at her house.

Speaker: Second Glance Presentation by Susan Zwart

Introduced by Perry McIntosh who volunteers at Second Glance, Susan gave an overview of the organization, which is a major source of support for the Open Door Food Pantry. Operating as a Secondhand Store, Susan spoke about what can be donated and what cannot – e.g. mattresses and reminded us that all items must be clean and in good condition. It should be noted that Second Glance accepts not only clothing and furniture, but a wide range of household items as well. (For a review of what Susan specifically said, Suzanne Brown recorded her remarks, which can be found online.) Concluding her remarks, Susan said that Second Glance always welcomes volunteers.

Link to Speakers

Before concluding the meeting, Vicki asked Germaine Fritz to review briefly what organizations were safe and reliable charities for making nations to aid victims of the Southern California wildfires. An informational handout, re: highly rated, charitable organizations was circulated to the group. In addition, Sue Willis made a motion that the Circle donate $1,000 to aid those in Southern California to which the Circle unanimously agreed. It was then agreed that Germaine and Gerry would decide which organization would be selected to send our donation.

After thanking the day’s hostesses: Suzanne Brown, Connie Mason, Linette French and Cynthia Borghesani, and announcing the next meeting would be Tuesday, February 11, the meeting was adjourned at 2:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie B. Neal

December – no monthly meeting

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Meeting called to order

Vicki called the October meeting to order and asked if a Motion could be made to accept the September Minutes as sent; Minutes accepted. Before moving to the agenda, Vicki noted that in the future, only committee chairs who have something to report will be listed on the agenda to help keep meetings short!

Treasurer’s Report (Maria Marolda) Maria reported a balance of $11,794 available. Report accepted.

Membership (Perry McIntosh) Perry welcomed three new members into the Circle, each of whom was introduced by their sponsors:

    • Margaret Allard by Jerry Herbert
    • Mary-Jo Foley by Rosalie Hughes
    • Wendy Friend who was not able to attend the meeting

Hospitality (Germaine Fritz) Circulated sign-up sheets for upcoming meetings. More help needed for May and Christmas week.

PR (Lisa Accardi) Lisa announced that Christmas Fair posters were up to date and ready to fly.

Old Business:

Unfinished Projects – Jill reminded the Circle that there were meetings at her house every other Tuesday at 1:30 (the first and third Tuesdays).

Christmas Fair –

    • Workshops to come:
      Bow Making – Tuesday, Oct. 22nd – with Karen Guerin
      Birdhouses – Tuesday, Oct. 29th at 1:30 with Kate Meader and Donna Caselden
      Accordion Books – Monday, November 4th with Heidi McGrath
      Origami – to be scheduled
      Cocoa Cones with Betsey Colby
      Vicki will send out emails re: workshops and schedule
      Lyn spoke re: Boxwood Trees; still need small vases for decorative green pieces

Gigs outlined instructions re: bringing in work for the Crafts Table – bring in pieces asap and be sure each piece is well-marked with name, materials and any special instructions.

Wendy Banks and Lee Cunningham will be managing the Gourmet Table again.

Jerry and Jackie reviewed Grabs – reminding us to mark each “grab” for child, woman or man, wrap nicely. Grabs will be priced at $5 each this year.

Jewelry – Donna and Vicki

Kate Meader announced that she’s carrying on Hazel’s tradition of collecting scarfs for Open Door. If you make an y to donate, Kate will be collecting them

Wrapping up the meeting, Vicki reminded everyone to each bring 2 Grabs and 1 Baked Good. Also – encouraged EVERYONE to help as much as possible during week leading up to Fair, as well as on day of Fair.

Before adjourning meeting, (at 2 pm), Vicki again welcomed Margaret and Mary-Jo and thanked the day’s tea hostesses: Amy Vacchina, Karen Guerin, Pippi Giuliano, and Gigs Cunningham.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 12th at 1:30.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie B. Neal

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Meeting called to order –
Calling the meeting to order and welcoming everyone back to the start of the new year for the Sewing Circle, Vicki asked for a moment of silence for Doris Rust, Hazel von Rosenvinge and Yuri Tuvim.

A motion was made to accept the June Minutes as sent; report accepted.

Treasurer’s Report (Maria Marolda) Maria reported that the Annual Mtg. Auction yielded $2,675.23. Noting that the 2023-2024 year ended on June 30, 2024, Maria announced that the ASC made 18 donations to Cape Ann Charities in the amount of $20,500, provided $4,000 in Scholarship aid to 4 graduating seniors and made Sunshine contributions in remembrance
to past members: Ellen Stone and Mary Warner, and delivered Easter flowers to a number of members of the Annisquam community. The “carry-over” funds available for the coming fiscal year are $12,745.73, which will serve as a basis upon which the ASC can build resources in order to continue to perform acts of benevolence. Report accepted.
Corresponding Secretary (Kate Meader) reported sending TY notes to organizers of the Farmers Market and to: Vicki, Jackie L., Pippy and Deede Sargent.

Membership (Perry McIntosh) Perry introduced three candidates for membership who were unanimously voted in: Margaret Perry Allard, Mary Jo Foley and Wendy Friend.
Hospitality (Germaine Fritz) – Will be sending out sign-up sheets going forward.
Finance (Gerry Herbert) Gerry announced that an email will be sent out to Cape Ann organizations inviting them to talk to us about some of their specific projects in need of funding; She expects to also engage several speakers over both the winter and spring. Anyone with specific ideas regarding speakers or organizations, please let Gerry know.
Nominating – No report.
PR (Lisa Accardi) Lisa is anxious to get info re: Christmas Fair out there ASAP.
Scholarship (Lee Cunningham) No report
Website – Suzanne reported that our website has been updated.

Old Business:

  • Projects – Jill reported that the Unfinished Projects group will resume meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30 at her house. Bring anything!!! Deb Ebeling’s sweater was reported to now be 45 years in the making!
  • Greens – There will be workshops – i.e.: Pinecones, Bows (Ribbon coming in late September). Lyn and Jill reported they will be making fewer boxwood trees due to less demand in recent years; there will be more focus on round wreaths; they will also be looking for interesting vases – any size but smaller is better – and interested in mugs, but NOT teacups!
  • Casseroles: Mimi said her committee not ready yet. More info later!
  • Crafts Table: Gigs said they are always looking for interesting crafts, items and new ideas for crafts that would sell well.
  • Baked Goods: Always a big seller
  • Grab Table – Gerry suggested even Household items go well! Be sure to wrap and label well – makes a difference!
  • Jewelry: Donna and Vicki said they definitely need more pieces so start looking!
  • Hospitality: There will be 2 volunteers to serve workers each day – Mon.- Thursday

Workshops:

    • The first workshop will be on Tues., Sept. 24th – Cone wiring
    • Heidi McGrath showed group several very doable handcraft items – gift cards, accordion- style books.
    • Other ideas: Cocoa Cones, Birdhouses.
      Will need many to decorate the boxwood trees.

Other topics of discussion:
Vicki said that at the Officers August Mtg. there had been discussion re: purpose of the ASC; that perhaps it was time to reword the Circle’s stated goal – being Acts of Benevolence, that the wording had become dated. Perhaps there is a better way to articulate who we are – a philanthropic organization committed to serving Cape Ann. Vicki suggested we need a wordsmith to create a more timely mission statement. Is this something the Circle would like to commit to? It was decided that further discussion was warranted at a later time – AFTER the Christmas Fair.

The next meeting will be in the Library on Tuesday, October 8th at 1:30.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie B. Neal