White Lake Friends Inc. takes flight

WHITE LAKE – At Tuesday’s White Lake monthly council meeting, one of the main topics of discussion was the forming of a local small profit organization.

It started last summer when a small group met to discuss creating a formal organization. These individuals wanted to educate about the area and work with other individuals and groups to promote and conserve the natural resources. The group included year-round residents and people with White Lake as a second home.

Being a loosely formed group, a general discussion evolved about the role of the group and how this group might better serve White Lake. A formal group would capture the collective energy and love of White Lake.

The questions were posed by these individuals. “What can we do and how should we organize and operate?”

Some of the topics of great interest and concern were, first, to create an awareness of nature with perhaps the creation of nature trails. Other things brought to the discussion table was to work toward preservation of flora and fauna natural to the area, creating an appreciation of the area from those visiting, the possibly of applying for grant money, partnering with the Town of White Lake toward jointly chosen missions and other projects.

First Steps were outlined and brought to the fruition. The group would create vision and mission statements, form a Steering Committee to move forward with the organization, come up with a name for the organization, choose a registered agent for representation, create Articles of Incorporation and apply for incorporation as a not-for-profit with the State of North Carolina.

Current success stories in the fledgling grassroots organization were, the succeeding in becoming a Not-for-Profit Corporation with the State of North Carolina, the steering Committee approved Mission Statement and Drafted bylaws, the group is in the process of receiving a 501(c)(3) status and they also scheduled a general membership meeting for June/July 2024.

The next goals and dreams included the growing of membership to at least 50 members, the creation of a history and anthology of White Lake, the creation of a natural history record of White Lake and the Bay area, the creation of a museum for photographs and memorabilia as well as a recorded history.

In addition, the group would like to put forth an offer for a weeklong camp for children to learn about White Lake, its history and the natural inhabitants, both plant and animal, of the area.

There was much excitement at the board meeting held June 11 and the following comments were made by some of those in attendance:

Cathy Kinlaw: “The newly created White Lake Friends nonprofit organization will provide expansive ways for local residents to support our community with environmental and ecological sustainability. Every morning, there are opportunities to see extraordinary wildlife, flora, and fauna in our own backyards. We believe as neighbors, that it is our responsibility to protect this very precious place. We hope to nurture this environment by making responsible decisions for our individual properties while serving as a support team for our town management and officials. With grant funding and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, together we can accomplish anything.”

Patty Scotten: “Having a family connection to White Lake that exceeds 70 years, I am excited to foster a love for the lake among visitors similar to my family’s love for what the lake has offered us throughout the years.”

Mary Kay Clark said she felt that the White Lake Cleanup should be mentioned as a way to promote that, but mainly because it’s a success story about the power of volunteers and a great example of how people want to do good things for the lake.

“A little background information on the cleanup,” said Terri Hawley. We used to do it each year, sponsored by Keep Bladen Beautiful. It had not happened in many years. I started talking about it. The response from the citizens was remarkable. So, in 2022 the lake cleanup “Keep it Clean – White Lake” started back up. We divided the lake up and team captains gathered a small team and they cleaned specific areas of the lake. Area merchants donated door prizes, food was donated and sponsors purchased T-shirts for all volunteers. We had about 30 volunteers. The following year, same plan but our numbers doubled!! This is an event the White Lake Friends, Inc. will organize this year.”

Mary Kay Clark also said that having an emphasis on education programs, featured speakers on history and natural history, and camps for kids is important too.

The group is looking for a “home base” at the Lake,” Hawley said. “We would like a place to exhibit information both historical and cultural about the Lake. Alice Warren mentioned that the old doctor’s office next to Town Hall would be a great place to call home.”

Alex Keith: “Based on our organization’s broad range of professionals involved, including nonprofit organizers, environmentalists, educators, attorneys and real estate appraisers, there is a wide array of perspectives and knowledge we will utilize in our efforts to truly be friends to this incredible place.”

Alan Pittman: “I have attended almost every town meeting since 2018. Alice Warren made one of the best presentations Tuesday night about White Lake Friends, Inc. Great things can be accomplished when citizens come together for an important cause. This is a very talented, energetic group and every person who loves White Lake should join and support White Lake Friends, Inc.”

Alice Warren: “I think it is important to emphasize our next goals, especially the history of the lake, its environmental jewels, the flora and fauna, and the summer camp. Having a strong membership base will help spread our efforts and reach more folks. I also think our diverse professional backgrounds bring strength, determination and innovative thinking; because we have lived through a lot of life’s experiences. We are “jewels” ourselves which will blend into our efforts. We also represent an intergenerational love and care of White Lake that we want to preserve. We will translate our experiences through our WLF’s work which will continue for the generations that follow us for years to come. What an awesome effort!”

Susie Holland: “White Lake Friends is off to a great start!! I can’t wait to share our energy, enthusiasm, and love for the lake with others who are interested in sharing the mission and vision of this group.”