A CHALLENGING 3RD QUARTER MEETING FOR NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB MEMBERS

When the fabulous ladies of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB met on Thursday for their 3rd quarterly meeting at the Manahawkin Elks Lodge, little did they know of the afternoon's daunting agenda that awaited them.  After the Pledge of Allegiance, everyone enjoyed a lunch of sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and cut melons and beverages, while the chatter of lively conversations filled the room.  Since the members come from all over the State, the chance to talk face to face with each other far exceeded talking by phone or texting.  In the background, the "Andrew Lloyd Webber Celebration" medley could be heard on the boombox, a subtle reminder of what the Grande Dames Chorus will be singing at next year's Pageant.

As noontime approached, President Carole tapped the gavel, and called the meeting to order, and announced that there was a very full agenda for the afternoon.  Secretary Leah read the minutes of the last meeting, Treasurer Becky gave her report, and then the Committee Reports followed.   All in all, the information was disseminated to the members in a clear, precise and need to know manner.

New Business came next and the first item was the update of the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB Constitution and By-Laws.  Each member received their copy, and it was read and aloud.   A short discussion followed regarding the need to update the by-laws in order to meet changing times and the CLUB'S current needs.  The membership approved the changes by a unanimous vote.

The second item was the NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB Code of Ethics.  President Carole explained to the members that it is standard practice for most clubs and organizations to have one, but the NJCC did not.  So, the Board appointed a committee to develop such a document.  Each member received 2 copies.  The item was read aloud, and a short discussion followed.   One copy was theirs to keep, and the other was signed, dated and returned to the board.  It was accepted by a unanimous vote by the membership.  Both documents will be mailed to the members who were not at the meeting.

QUEEN Debra spoke and gave thanks to all those who have been supportive of her.  She gave a gift to each Cameo sister to take home.  The Board presented her with gifts as well.

Terry Meades, New Jersey State Executive Pageant Director, showing smiles of approval, after QUEEN Debra received one of her gifts, an envelope with a check from NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB Board.

The NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB also honored the QUEENS COURT.  On your left is: Dale Browndorf/3rd RU; Donna King/2nd RU; QUEEN Debra; and Denise Ely/1st RU.

The QUEENS COURT gift was their special (and delicious) cake.  The filling had chocolate pudding.  YUM!

The CLUB also remembers and celebrates it members' birthdays.  These ladies birthdays fall during the summer months.  From your left are: Maria Crowell/September; Donna King/July; Nancy Bassett/July; Jo Ann Gordon, MSNJSA'08/July; Sherri McGhie, MSNJSA'15/August; Denise Mechan, NJCC Showcase Coordinator/July; Wenonah Brooks/July; Denise Ely/September; and Terry Meade/NJ State Pageant Executive Director/July.  What an impressive array of ageless beauties!   Diane Beebe/MSNJSA'14, who was on vacation, read this article, and informed this writer that her birthday is in September.
  

Their birthday cake was equally yummy and delicious.  The filling inside of this one was vanilla custard.  Jo Ann Gordon also brought her homemade desserts.

President Carole had a hard time adjourning the meeting because everyone busy eating cake.  Nonetheless, amid the talking and laughing, someone yelled "aye" and another seconded it!   Kudos to all who made the day memorable.