The Women’s Club met on May 9 at the Platte County Resource Center. We had no speaker because the business agenda was long enough to take the whole meeting. Meredith Peace reported that Music and Mimosas was a great success.
President, Rita McGuire called the meeting to order. The minutes of the April meeting were approved. Rita thanked Kathy Bray for providing minutes while our regular secretary Elizabeth Murtagh-Yaw is out with Covid-19. Tracy Holthaus presented the treasurer’s report which was approved. Meredith Peace reported that proceeds for Music and Mimosas included $500 from the Women’s Club raffle which was put together at the last minute. Alice Wadsworth reported that the Club’s fund raising and membership committees still need members. We hope to have both meetings before our June meeting. The Membership committee met on Monday May 23rd.
Club members discussed plans for a voter registration drive. Lee Karbaumer brought VOTE HERE signs she had printed. They look fantastic – simple and very visible. The preliminary proposal is to do voter registration at the YMCA and possibly at the Parkville Farmer’s Market. Sharen Hunt said she had looked into the possibility of a booth at Parkville Days. She reported that non-profits will not be allowed this year. Alice Wadsworth reported that she is still working to update the Women’s Club Facebook page.
Lee Karbaumer encouraged members to write letters to the editor regarding issues. She said she would be glad to help others do so. In the discussion, it was noted that it might be a good idea to encourage letter writing on a particular subjects as the newspapers – especially The Star – chooses letters in part on the number of letters they receive on the issue at hand.
Rita reported that, as a result of the member survey, the new meeting time will be 6:30 p.m. starting with the June meeting. Hopefully, this will make it easier for members who have office jobs to join us.
Rita brought up the state association’s proposed By-Law changes circulated by Charli Seitz, President of the 6th Congressional District FWDC. The proposed changes will be voted on at the State Meeting in June in Jefferson City. The most important change would be to eliminate congressional district level groups and increase state membership fees from $1 per member to $5 per member to state. Our members are NOT in favor; specifically, they think it is important to have an organization that represents the entire 6th District. (all 35 Counties even though some county clubs have dissolved during the pandemic). We also think that some increase in the state membership fee is OK but a fivefold increase is too much because local funds are used to support local candidates. Rita also reported that the Clay County Women’s Club, The Fem Dems has been dissolved. Our members would like to extend an invitation to their members to join the Platte County group. It was suggested that the invitation be made at the Northland Democratic Club.
Laurie McGuire announced that she is planning a fund raising event for Charles West at her home, 14725 NW 62nd Circle, Parkville. The date was set as Tuesday as June 26th afternoon 1:00-4:00. Laurie asked for volunteers.
Sharen Hunt, program chair, reported that Ashley Aune, Representative for the Missouri State Legislature, District 14 will be our speaker in June. Ashley will provide a legislative update for the session just ended.
