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HomeMy WebLinkAbout23.08.09 - Minutes, Womens Commission 100 WEST WASHINGTON STREET HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740 ~ WCCWMD.COM Minutes of the Washington County Commission for Women The Women’s Club August 9, 2023 6 p.m. Present: Laurie Chrzanowski, Beth Harvey, Mary Hendrickson, Amber Mowery, Dawn Nally, Danielle Sweeney, Randall Wagner, Elise Weber Not Present: Melissa Peters, Skyla Heise, Cheri McCord The Women’s Club presentation and tour President Beth Harvey introduced Carol Brashears, President of the Women’s Club. Ms. Brashears provided a slide show and history of The Women’s Club for members of the commission. The Club was founded in 1921, although land for the house was purchased by Susan Hughes in 1837. The Women’s Club has served as both a place for women to meet for social and intellectual enrichment. Since 1924, the club has also provided a low-cost residence for women facing challenges, such as divorce, abuse, or death of their husband. More recently, a portion of the rooms have been set aside for women from Brooke’s House, who are transitioning from treatment for chemical dependency. The mission of providing affordable housing in a supportive environment, therefore, continues today. Members of the Commission were provided with a tour of the club, including the area in which women are housed. The Women’s Club also provides space for events and a kitchen for caterers to serve at events. The cost of membership has remained affordable (currently $100) in order to encourage participation of a variety of women. Business Meeting A business meeting was then held in The Women’s Club facility. President Harvey called the meeting to order. The July 12 minutes were unanimously approved following a motion by Dawn Nally, seconded by Amber Mowery. The Treasurer’s Report was shared. A $2,000 appropriation was provided by the county government July 1. The Circle of Sisters fund of $1,400 remained. $500 was left over in the 100 WEST WASHINGTON STREET HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740 ~ WCCWMD.COM budget. $3,000 will be allocated to the TEDx Women event from the Circle of Sisters ($1,400), the new appropriation ($1,100), and the leftover funds ($500). Beth said that each commission member will be entitled to one ticket to the TEDx event on October 13. Others who would like to attend will need to apply soon. Committee Reports The Executive Committee is discussing a strategic plan for future activities of the commission. A public Town Hall even is scheduled for January 10 to hear input from constituents about issues affecting women in the county. Discussion will occur about the format, location, and means of attracting the public to the event. The Hub of Resources is an ongoing idea. Some lists of resources have been submitted, but they have not yet been vetted. The Government Committee reported that two members will be meeting with the President of Meritus Health to discuss the issue of Human Trafficking. Other issues that are potential priorities are elderly housing and the drug epidemic. Elise, Laurie, and Beth went to an event at Starbucks (mall location) addressing Equal Rights for Women of all ages. Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez and Brooke Grossman, member of the Maryland House of Delegates (District 2B), were in attendance. Upcoming visits to the Citizens’ Comments portion of the Washington County Board of Commissioners The schedule for commission member visits to briefly address the Board: August 22 Dawn and Laurie September 19 Amber and Laurie October 17 Beth and Mary December 5 or 12 100 WEST WASHINGTON STREET HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740 ~ WCCWMD.COM Old Business Beth will check with Stacy Crawford at the Community Foundation about the schedule of “Ride Alongs” –visits to local foundations that will allow participants to learn more about what nonprofit agencies in the community are doing. She urged members to take part in this. Beth will purchase name tags for commission members at a cost of $12 each. This is a personal expense that will be paid for by each member. A social event for commission members will occur in December at the Stone House Urban Winery. Closed Session A discussion occurred, starting at 7:23 p.m. and ending at 7:53 p.m. to discuss personnel or other sensitive matters Motion to Adjourn Dani Sweeney moved to adjourn and Amber Mowery seconded. All approved. Meeting ended at 7:54 p.m.