Opening comments and President’s report
Kathy Beckett, President, welcomed thirty-four members and guests to the Winter General Meeting at 12:10 p.m. Following a social gathering and lunch, sincere appreciation was extended to Hospitality co-chairs, Sara Walker and JoEllen Zacks, and their committee. President Beckett announced the Spring General meeting will be held at the Governor’s Mansion in May. Reservations are absolutely required and no one without a prior RSVP will be admitted for security purposes.
Attendance
Barbara Agsten, Kathy Beckett, Erin Brewster, Freda Burdette, Jarve Currence, Teresa Figueroa, Julie Frost, Lora Fulton, Rosalie Gaziano, Cathryn Gibbs Harris, Paul Helfrich, Linda Jernigan, Janice Lessley, Roberta Levine, Helen Lodge, Nancy Sergent Long, Sallie McClaugherty, Dr. Jeanne Moore, Kay Morgan, Shelia Neal, Lorraine Peterson, Carolyn Pryce, Helaine Rotgin, Dee Rumbaugh, Beth Ann Surber, Yolanda Tam, Ann Vincent Urling, Lou Henri Vieweg, Sara Walker, Barbara Warren, Sandy Wells, Patty Wolfe, JoEllen Zacks.
Presentation of WVSL minutes
Secretary, Yolanda Tam presented the minutes from the Fall General meeting. Copies of the minutes were available at the welcome table, at the individual tables, and also on the Symphony League website www.wvsl.org. Secretary Tam asked if there were no corrections or questions, for a motion to approve the minutes. Erin Brewster motioned. Cathy Harris seconded. The motion carried.
Treasurers Report
Treasurer, Erin Brewster presented the WVSL operating expense and budget from September 01, 2006 to January 17th. Copies of the report were distributed to each member at their tables.
Presentation of Funds to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
President Beckett presented additional funds to the WVSO in the amount of $20,000.00. Paul Helfrich, Executive Director of the WVSO accepted the contribution. Mr. Helfrich extended gratitude to the League for the hard work that goes into the funding made available to the WVSO. He reminded everyone of the upcoming performances: February 2nd- Piano Concerto, February 3rd- The Snowman, February 16th- The Three Phantoms, and a Young People’s Concert on February 14th- Romeo & Juliet. Mr. Helfrich announced a new program, Symphony Kids. Children Kindergarten through Fifth grade can enjoy an evening during the Saturday symphonic concerts conveniently at the Clay Center.
WVSL Committee reports
Symphony Fashion Show: Sallie McClaugherty reported an estimated profit of $27,000.00 from the Fall Fashion Show. The 2007 Fashion Show will be October 15th.
Symphony Ball: Teresa Figueroa reported an estimated profit of $30,000.00 from the Ball. Partnering with the Marriott helped keep costs to a minimum.
The Ball was black-tie optional this time and was well received with about 200 attendees. Co-Chair Figueroa then thanked and presented a red rose to the following volunteers who made the Ball such a success: Missy Rubin, Beth Ann Surber, JoEllen Zacks, Maxie Foster, Kathy Beckett, Janice Lessley, Kim Dobbs, Diva DeLara, Helen Lodge, Paula McKinney, Dee Rumbaugh, Ilene Beckett, and Shelia Neal.
The Teddy Bear Tea: Shelia Neal reported the first annual Teddy Bear Tea in a combined effort with the Charleston Ballet resulted in $3,640.00 after expenses. A formal tea with children dressed in their finest was held December 3rd at the Charleston Marriott. Paul Helfrich read aloud The Nutcracker and the Lyric Winds played background music. Silent auction items ranging from a fire truck, ballerina and teddy bear baskets, to a matching mother & daughter pearl necklace set were available. Homer Laughlin China donated 72 children’s tea cups as favors. The tea to be attended by fifty had an actual attendance of seventy-two. The committee has placed any profits into the budget towards next year’s Tea.
WVSL Golf event: Dee Rumbaugh reported the Golf event is always held the last Monday of April at Edgewood Country Club, and will be on April 30th 2007. Appreciation is extended to Edgewood CC for making the golf event a success. Sponsorships and prize items are still being collected. Special thanks to Vice Chair Julie Frost, to Lou Henri Vieweg for managing the food, Melissa Marland for signage, Cathryn Harris for Marketing, and to the many volunteers and committee members who manage the logistics.
Symphony Sunday: Shelia Neal reported Symphony Sunday is held the first Sunday of June each year at the University of Charleston. The event will be held on June 3rd 2007. The 25th Silver Anniversary of Symphony Sunday will shine like a diamond embracing the past, present, and future. Rosalie Gaziano and Helen Lodge are co-chairs for the Silver Celebration. Sallie McClaugherty will chair the Brunch. The first meeting will be held January 24th, 3:00 p.m. at the Clay Center. Paul Helfrich announced the recent commitment of $25,000.00 from a single sponsor. This is the largest single sponsor thus far in history.
Symphony Sunday 25th Anniversary committee: Rosalie Gaziano reminded everyone that in the midst of winter is the invincible summer within each of us.
It is with that conviction that makes Symphony Sunday possible each year for many to enjoy the lovely music of our Symphony Orchestra.
Melonius Merchandise: Linda Jernigan reported Melonius note cards representing the four seasons and designed by John Auge are now available in packs of eight for $10.00. The note cards are available for purchase immediately after the meeting and at the Clay Center gift shop.
Young Peoples Concerts: Sandy Wells reported the concert in November was attended by 4,000.00 children from grades 3 through 4. A sign-up sheet is being passed for volunteers to usher to the next YPC.
Other announcements were as follows:
Helen Lodge reported on the Cello endowment. Anyone can honor someone or celebrate a special occasion with a minimum donation of $15.00 to the endowment. A note is sent in recognition of your contribution to the honoree.
With no further business to come before the league, President Beckett adjourned the meeting at 1:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Yolanda L. Tam
WVSL Secretary 2006-2007