The GFWC-NC Mocksville Woman’s Club has a history of responding to the needs of people through commitment to community service.

Each month, club members participate in at least one project that gives back and benefits community.

In January, members of the club met at Bermuda Run Country Club for the scheduled monthly meeting and Arts Community Service co-chairs, Nancy Penry, Jean Saunders, presented the program.

Club member Stephanie Dean introduced Marie Craig who is Davie County’s local historian and published author. She has written six books about Davie history and received five state awards for three of her books.

She is a member of Renegade Writers Guild (RWG) and contributing author to “The Magic Horses of Crystal Creek Camp,” an anthology of children’s stories published by RWG. Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Davie County Public Library.

She has written her second story for RWG’s second book, an anthology about children and their pets, which will be published summer, 2018 and benefit the Davie County Humane Association.

Craig announced that RWG will hold a juried art competition for middle school students in the spring. Winner of the competition will receive a monetary award and selected art will be the front cover of the new book.

As guests of the club,  published authors, N.R. Tucker, Gaye Hoots and Julie Cartner, were present for the program.

Guest speaker, Patty Bailey Sheets, discussed the importance of art in the lives of children and adults and displayed several of her paintings that depicted children with their animals.

As a juror for the writers guild’s middle school art competition, she graduated with honors from Salem College with a bachelor’s degree in studio art. A premier artist in the Triad, she has studied with some of the best artists in the field such as Susan Lyon, Scott Burdick, Tom Edgerton, George Thompson and others.

“Without artists – without their ability to celebrate life, invent realities, and reveal truths – we would all be diminished. And without art, we would lose our connection to magic.”

Renegade Writers Guild was presented with a donation from Mocksville Woman’s Club to support the upcoming cover art competition and book publication.

The MWC meeting continued with community service project (CSP) reports on respective service.

Nancy Penry and Jean Saunders, co-chairs for Art CSP, acknowledged members who volunteered at Central Davie Academy for art projects.

Members, Christine Brailey and Vickie Smitherman, co-chairs for Conservation CSP, shared tips for the conservation of energy during winter.

Education CSP, reported by co-chairs, Linda Dorsett and Karen Myers, will be participating with the Smart Start of Davie County fundraiser,  “Hoe Down”,  Saturday, Feb. 17 at Win-Mock Barn, helping to set up and serve. Applications for the club scholarship were due on Jan. 31. Interviews will take place on Feb. 21 at Davie High School and Early College.

Luanne Taylor and Sharon Murphy, co-chairs for Home Life CSP, delivered Christmas baskets in December, filled with donated necessities, to Storehouse for Jesus. Valentine cards were collected at the January meeting and shared with the residents of assisted living and nursing homes in Davie County.

International Outreach CSP, Paulette Agha, chair, will conduct another project for Samaritan’s International through a “pillowcase” dress project on Thursday, Feb. 1. Club members donated pillowcases, fabric, ribbon and sewing expertise to make dresses. Members of the committee continue to collect vegetable and flower seeds for an ongoing project that assists the Samaritan group.

Sidniee Suggs and Gail Kelly, co-chairs for public issues CSP, wrapped up a successful project called Just Desserts for Hometown Heroes, by delivering desserts before Christmas to law enforcement officers, EMS responders, and firemen of Davie County.

President-elect Christy Schafer reported on the “Woman’s Day” fundraiser on April 21 at Bermuda Run Country Club featuring guest speaker, Adrian Wood, Ph.D., widely known for her “Tales of an Educated Debutante.” Tickets are on sale for the fundraiser and include lunch, silent auction and raffle.

Women in Davie County interested in learning more about GFWC-NC Mocksville Woman’s Club are invited to attend a meeting with a member. The club offers women the opportunities to promote education, participate in community service, grow in leadership development and share fellowship with women.