GWC members and guests enjoyed a very enlightening Quarterly Meeting on February 21, 2023 at the Genesis Education Center. Attendees were hospitably met and treated to a wide array of delicious appetizers and desserts provided by our Social Committee, capped off with a refreshing citus punch.

Mary Woodiwiss, Chair of GWC’s Advisory Board, welcomed everyone to the program portion of the meeting, Serving the Community through Safety in Schools. After giving a brief recap of GWC events and activities already held or underway in this new year, she introduced our host, Julian Gale, Greenwood School District 50 Director of Student Services. Mr. Gale spoke of the function of Genesis Education Center, an alternative school for grades 6 – 12. The building also hosts the district’s Departments of Instructional Services and Special Education.

Mamie Nicholson, Programs & Education Committee member, introduced the evening’s speakers: Ms. Natalie Talbert, who has 43 years of service in law enforcement in Greenwood County, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Abbeville County Sheriff’s Department, and currently serves as District 50 Safety Manager and Lieutenant Will Stroup, School Resource Officer. Both of their remarks were simultaneously disturbing and reassuring. Attendees learned that Greenwood County ranks first in the state for opioid addiction and second in alcohol abuse. They shared information about special trainings and drills held to enhance school safety. Each brings a wealth of experience, training, and personal commitment to their roles in providing a safe environment for students, teachers, and school personnel. The topic of school safety concerns us all but the attendees left reassured that these officers, and others like them, are truly dedicated and prepared to keep students in Greenwood safe from harm.

Programs & Education Committee member, Maureen Kilburn, presented Natalie Talbert and Lieutenant Will Stroup with two books, A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis and Outside, Inside by LeWyen Pham, each with a nameplate designed to honor them. These children’s books will be given to the Greenwood County Library in their honor.

Jan Puzar, Co-Chair of the Grants Review & Awards Committee, made a brief announcement inviting any members who would like to become involved in the granting process to contact her or any of the Grants Review & Awards Committee members.

Laura Bachinski, Vice-Chair of GWC’s Advisory Board, concluded the meeting with thanks to our host and speakers, along with recognition of the hard work of the Social Committee and the Programs & Education Committee. She also issued an invitation to our members and guests to reassemble on March 13^th at the Greenwood Community Theatre for our Annual Meeting.

GWC Members and guests were thrilled to enjoy their first GWC Social of 2023 on January 23 in the beautiful facility of Synergy Counseling of Greenwood, located in a former residence on E. Cambridge Ave. All attending were honored to meet the staff and enjoy the lovely foyer, conference room, and offices. Synergy Counseling offers comprehensive counseling services and collaborates with numerous Greenwood County nonprofits.

Holley Coyle, Social Committee Co-Chair, welcomed all members and guests and introduced CeCe Paul-Hill, founder and owner of Synergy Counseling. CeCe asked each of the nine staff members present to introduce themselves and describe the services they provide at Synergy. Cha’Ree Reynolds announced the formation of a new, nonprofit branch of Synergy named Counselling Collective. Through Counselling Collective, Synergy is committed to offering services at no or reduced cost to clients with financial constraints who struggle with mental health.

Mary Woodiwiss, Advisory Board Chair, thanked CeCe Paul-Hill and her colleagues for opening their wonderful space for our event and warmly welcoming us. Mary invited new GWC 2023 Members and the members who joined after February 2022 to the New Members Soup Supper to be hosted in Martha Ann Davis’s home on February 7^th. She also made a request was made for willing instrumentalists to participate in a short skit at the upcoming GWC Annual Meeting on March 13.

As always, the Social Committee set out a delicious buffet, fine hot and cold beverages, and fresh garden arrangements which were enjoyed by all.  Those who attended departed from that lovely location with new knowledge about another excellent, essential resource in Greenwood along with the exhilaration of seeing old friends and meeting new ones!