September 12, 2023 Meeting Minutes

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:55pm. Christy Wilson took minutes at the meeting for Trish Bardwell who was out of town.

2. The meeting took place at the home of Pat Connor. She was thanked for hosting the meeting and given a hostess gift

3. The 2022-2023 Executive Board was acknowledged and thanked for their hard work and dedication. They were given gifts to show the HLWC’s appreciation.

4. Membership was told that Patricia Gable resigned from the position of secretary due to personal reasons. Patricia Bardwell was asked if she would accept the position, and she did. A vote to approve Trish Bardwell for Secretary was called. Angelia Sprayberry made a motion to approve Trish as secretary. Jackie Dye seconded the motion. It was passed unanimously.

5. When the new board met and looked at the bylaws they noticed the explanations of positions in the bylaws were a bit vague and unclear in other areas as well and needed clarifying. The suggested revisions were posted on the HLWC website, and membership was notified of it via email. There was discussion, and a vote to approve the revised Bylaws was called. Terry Crutchfield motioned to approve the revised bylaws. Cassandra Cox seconded the motion. It was passed unanimously.

6. Members were encouraged to volunteer for committees and told how close to dissolution the HLWC was in the past. Members were asked to consider holding an executive board position next year.

7. A Charity Christmas Home Tour Update was given by the organizer Terry Crutchfield. She said the tour is scheduled for  December 9 from 11:00am to 4:00pm, however, the time may be shortened depending on the number of homes we have.  People who volunteer will have an opportunity to go visit the other homes.  We currently have three commitments but will need at least four homes to have the tour.

8. Per the bylaws, the Community Outreach Committee met over the summer and vetted prospective Shelby County charities for the HLWC membership to select to receive a donation from the Charity Christmas Tour.  The Community Outreach Committee recommended:

●     My Sister’s Place

●     Cahaba River Shelby County Park

●     King’s Home

VIII.   There was discussion. Cassandra Cox recommended the list be put on the website so members could research on their own before they vote.   President Kathy Sexton said she would upload the information with a link and asked if members would like an electronic form be sent to them via email to vote, and the members responded that they would prefer that method of voting. She kindly reminded members to vote only once.

9. At their meeting, the Community Outreach Committee came up with a suggestion to promote a “Look out for Our Neighbor Program”. It would mean keeping better tabs on neighbors who have illnesses and could be under the Sunshine Committee or stand alone.  Since HL is divided into sectors, there could be a rep for each sector. Great way to draw in the Men’s Coffee Club for a joint on-going project. Members were asked to consider this in preparation for discussion at a later meeting.

10. Officer Reports
1. First Vice President Christy Wilson- Cat & Bird Winery October 3rd meeting 6:30-8:30.  No wine needed.  A few simple appetizers are needed to complement a large charcuterie board Corrine Sweet (member and owner of Board in Birmingham) will provide.
2. Second Vice President Jennifer Pierce- Thanked everyone who brought all the delicious food brought tonight.  She asked members to please sign up to bring food to future meetings.  Also, please let her know if you would like to host a meeting for the HLWC. We currently need hostesses for November, January, February, April, and May. In April or May we may have a fashion show at a boutique. We will keep members posted.
3. Secretary Trish Bardwell- no report.
4. Treasurer Jackie Dye- Shared ending balance in June stated that the books were balanced. No money came in or went out in June or July. First membership dues were received in August, and expenditures began in preparation for the upcoming year. As of 9/12/23, 61 members had signed up and all but 12 had paid their dues. Jackie complimented last year’s treasurer Phyllis Gilbert for her outstanding bookkeeping, and Phyllis Gilbert acknowledged Charlene Van Hoy for her outstanding bookkeeping the year prior to Phyllis taking over as treasurer. Members are asked NOT to put payments for dues in Jackie’s mailbox, but instead, please put them in the box on her front porch.

11. The president asked if there was any new business. - Highland Lakes Community Association Manager Angela Nevins is cancer free!   Mary Ray encouraged members to join the private HLWC Facebook page, as well as the HLWC group on Nextdoor, and to visit the HLWC website.

12. Sabina and Mike Mann from Greystone Diamonds were introduced and did a presentation on diamonds and jewelry. They passed around jewelry for us to see, and try on. In addition to to presentation, they brought caramel apple mimosas for the members and door prizes.

13. Door Prizes were drawn. Barb Attaway  won the special door prize exclusively for the 30 members who paid by September 11, 2023. Other door prize winners include Phyllis Gilbert, Angelia Sprayberry, Charlene Van Hoy, and several others.

14. The next meeting will be October 3, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at Cat-n-Bird Winery. The president thanked First Vice President Christy Wilson for organizing it and also congratulated her on her recent wedding. There was a request from the executive board for hostesses for future meetings. Members were reminded to fill out the registration form and to sign up to volunteer. There were also sign up sheets available at the meeting.

15. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Submitted By: Christy Wilson, First Vice President