After having to reschedule its monthly meeting due to inclement weather earlier this month, Keep Whitesboro Beautiful (KWB) held its annual banquet/meeting last Thursday at the FUMC Wesley Hall.
The meeting began at 6 p.m. with a welcome and prayer. Attendees were invited to enjoy a complimentary barbecue dinner catered by the Whitesboro Independent School District food service staff.
While people ate, KWB President Michael Ross reviewed the organization’s financials. Ross is working with KWB Treasurer Julie Arrington on reviewing 12 months of information and cleaning up records (differentiating donations from memberships, for example).
Ross also gave an update on where the organization is regarding its board seats and officers. He explained that the general membership votes on board members, and then once elected, those board members determine amongst themselves who will hold which positions.
While the board can have up to 12 members, it currently has nine and, based on membership numbers, Ross would like to entertain the idea of making it seven. This suggestion will be discussed at the next board meeting where he will seek input on this idea of restructuring.
Also up for discussion will be the idea that, in the past, the city has been represented by three seats on the board. While KWB still wants to partner with the city, it wonders if a single city representative would make more sense. Board member participation is important, and city representatives have, in the past, been unable to attend regularly. The idea is up for discussion and no decision has been made.
Currently, President Michael Ross has said he wouldn’t mind serving one more year in his role; Vice President Rhonda Ross has announced she will not run again for the board; Secretary Keisha Head would like to have a different role on the board due to personal time restraints; and Julie Arrington will remain as Treasurer. Members are encouraged to voice interest in running for the board as soon as possible so a decision can be made at next month’s meeting.
Next, Vice President Rhonda Ross gave a brief year in review, touching on some of the work KWB has accomplished in the past year.
“If you’re a person with a servant’s heart who wants to do some good, we’ve done that,” Rhonda Ross said. “We’ve done some good.”
She and Michael recognized some people who they felt have been particularly instrumental in some of the success of their events over the past year. Those people included Keisha Head, Patricia and Bobby Davis, Ben and Jessica Edwards, Rhonda Ishmael and Betsy Cook.
Rhonda Ross then led an activity to help the organization begin planning for the future. On a notecard, attendees were encouraged to provide answers to the following questions:
1. What projects would they like to see done by KWB?
2. What should the organization keep doing?
3. What changes should the organization make?
4. How can KWB increase participation?
These answers were turned in to help guide the direction of KWB as it looks to the new year.
Rhonda then gifted attendees with a gratitude journal, reminding everyone to find the joy in the work and volunteerism they do.
The next KWB meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at FUMC Wesley Hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.