The GFWC-NC Mocksville Woman’s Club (MWC) 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 the community.

Held at Bermuda Run Country Club, the club’s December meeting got under way as Nancy Penry shared words of inspiration and Carolyn Beaver and Paula Harrison led the group in pledges to the flags.

Club President Christy Schafer welcomed guests who were introduced by their host member.

The president also recognized members who had demonstrated exemplary service to the club. Presented with a crystal star and lapel pin, the following members received a “Living the Volunteer Spirit” award: Marlene Shamel, Alice Sineath, Paulette Agha, Becky Young, Sidniee Suggs, Linda Dorsett, Karen Myers,and Dawn Wooten.

Schafer said supplies donated by MWC to the town of Fairmont had been received to assist in disaster clean up efforts. Club members will plan a field trip to the site in the future. Members awarded Schafer with a gift in appreciation for her service and leadership.

Reports of community service programs (CSP) by respective co-chairs followed. MWC supports events that contribute to the education, civic, cultural, domestic,  and social improvement of the community.

For the community arts project, Lorrie Slate and Marlene Shamel assisted at Central Davie Academy where students made two throw blankets. Brandi Reagan of Dragonfly House received one of the blankets. Students also learned about the services the organization provides. Becky Young reported students participated in a cloth collage project in December. MWC assists students monthly by helping children use their imaginations and hands to create art.

Co-chairs for Conservation CSP, Vickie Smitherman and Christine Bralley, reported that the monthly “change” collection would continue through the spring. A donation was made to the Hunger Fighters program at Davie County High School to provide support for 25 families. A guest speaker will be on the MWC program agenda for May, and club members will take a field trip in the spring.

Karen Myers and Linda Dorsett, co-chairs for Education CSP, informed members of their participation in the Storehouse Christmas project and thanked volunteers for their assistance. The mock interviews were held Jan. 4 at the high school.

The MWC February program will feature speaker, Gena Taylor, from Smart Start. Club members will be volunteers for Smart Start’s fundraiser “Hoe Down” on Feb. 8. A deadline of Jan. 31 has been set for scholarship applications, and on Feb. 8, interviews will take place.

For Home Life CSP, co-chairs, Luanne Taylor and Sharon Murphy said club members will be filling 50 Christmas baskets and presenting the baskets to Storehouse for Jesus for seniors.

For the January meeting, members were asked to bring cards for Valentines Day to distribute to nursing homes.  A guest will present a health program at the March meeting.

Carolyn Beaver and Paula Harrison, co-chairs for Public Issues CSP, reported that Ruby Taw from the Davie County Pregnancy Center would be the club’s speaker at the next meeting. Donations were requested for items to fill diaper bags. A service of the pregnancy center, a mobile ultrasound van, will be on site to show how the organization assists the community. The pregnancy center will receive a donation from the club.

Bingo is held monthly at Autumn Care. Alice Sineath informed the club that seven members served 24 residents last month assisting residents with cards and prizes.

Following CSP reports, MWC club members and guests participated in a hands-on project assembling 50 Christmas baskets for Storehouse for Jesus. Then, leading the group in their annual mimosa toast, Christy Schafer wished all members a happy holiday season as members gathered to engage in the hands-on project – filling Christmas baskets.

A gift of appreciation was presented to Schafer in recognition of her service and leadership to the club. A gift was also given to the Bermuda Run Country Club’s wait staff to show club appreciation for their excellent service all year.

Following the business meeting and basket filling project, in celebration of the holidays, club members engaged in singing Christmas carols led by guest, Marie Craig, who was accompanied by dulcimer players, Cantabile Jubilee. Club members then exchanged gifts with their secret Santa sisters.

The meeting adjourned, and Nancy Penry, chaplain, offered the blessing, and members enjoyed lunch and fellowship. The holiday-inspired tables were decorated with fresh magnolia leaves, baby’s breath, and Frazier fir, surrounding a black lantern that anchored the centerpiece and highlighted the warm glow of a flickering candle. Following lunch, a transparent glass filled with snow-like, white chocolate mousse, garnished with a festive holiday peppermint stick and green and red sprinkles, was served.

The club welcomes new members who have an interest in promoting education and participating in community service. The club encourages fellowship among women and the development of leadership within the community. Women in Davie and surrounding counties interested in learning more about GFWC-NC Mocksville Woman’s Club are invited to attend a meeting as a member’s guest.