1968 2018

Celebrating women making a difference.

COMMUNIQUÉ NORTHWOOD WOMAN’S CLUB

NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2018

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hon

or T

he Past 5

YEARS0

Celebrate The Present

Imagine The Future

NORTHWOOD WOMAN’S CLUB

NWC

Vaughn Gross

December…the month of gifts and giving. And for those of us who are very fortunate, packages---lots of packages! And packing of packages, that careful packing to insure that our precious contents are safe and secure no matter the journey they are about to take being bounced around until the big moment arrives to unwrap them. It was the thought of how much effort we put into preparation that reminded me of a story I read recently on the importance of packing.

While in Vietnam, a US Navy pilot’s plane was destroyed after 75 combat missions. He safely ejected and parachuted from the plane only to fall into enemy hands. Surviving 6 years as a prisoner of war, he now lectures on lessons learned from the ordeal. One day a man approached him and said he was the sailor who packed the lifesaving parachute as they served together on the same ship. The pilot thought about how his life would have ended that day had his parachute not opened correctly. He also thought about how many times he may have encountered that sailor each day and never spoken to him or thanked him as the sailor carefully packed the parachutes each time, always holding someone’s life in his hands. It was that thought that haunted him on how many missed daily opportunities we have to thank those ordinary, unsung heroes around us.

Who’s packing your parachute? Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. Sometimes in our daily challenges we may miss what’s really important. Do we always say hello, please, thank you, congratulate someone for something wonderful that’s happened in their life, offer a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason? As we enjoy the holiday season and 2019, recognize people who pack your parachutes.

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NWC members have spent and will continue to spend countless hours of preparation on behalf of the 50th Anniversary Year. Many kinds of parachutes are necessary to pack for the journey: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Thank you NWC for carefully packing parachutes for a safe and exciting landing May 31, 2019!

NWC Board of Directors Report – November 5, 2018

• The Annual NWC Sherry Party, hosted by our fabulous first year member class, is Thursday, December 6, 2018. The distribution of donated toys is always a highlight. The BOD made a unanimous decision to donate the toys to Channel 8’s Santa’s Helpers program. This program gives the toys to vetted agencies in the area to assure distribution of toys to as many needed areas as possible.

• The vetting process avoids the duplication of donations to agencies. At least two of the agencies to which we usually donate toys are included yearly in the Santa’s Helpers list. We look forward to many toys available for distribution to needy children in Dallas and surrounding areas.

Bettye Stripling, 3rd VP, Community Service

• In addition to the regular business meeting, BOD reviewed several NWC Bylaws to be certain the Board is operating in compliance with voting procedures.

Carolyn Bukhair, Parliamentarian

Calendar Reminders:

• Thursday, December 6, 2018 – Annual Sherry Party – 2:00 p.m.– Marilyn Foote’s home, 6323 Waggoner Driver, Dallas 75230

• Monday, January 7, 2019 BOD Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

• Thursday, January 10, 2019, Alternative Meeting, BTCC, 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, January 24, 2019, General Meeting, 10 a.m., Maggiano’s North Park, Ray Dent, “Generations”

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Thank you for packing my parachute with your smiles, hugs, thank you’s, and a courageous commitment to achieve the out of the ordinary!

Vaughn

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Four, Three, Two, One...Our new members are counting down the days until our 50th Anniversary Sherry Party. Everything is ordered and in place, and now, we are waiting for the big event. Santa and his Sherry Shots will surely be a jolly presence too. We look forward to seeing you all in Merry and Bright spirits. Please remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift card.

Several NWC members have requested information regarding sponsoring a new member in 2019. Please contact Jan Ledbetter or Nancy Dent if you have a friend who would like to be a part of the class next year. We will answer your questions and get the information to you promptly. New member forms are due March 15th. (An invitation to the Sherry Party is extended to any prospective new member. What a fun way to get a “taste” of the lighter side of Northwood Woman’s Club.)

SHERRY CHRISTMAS!

SHERRY?

CHEERS!3

Birthday Bash Underwriting Facts

Thank you to everyone who has donated to our fundraising efforts this year. As we approach the end of 2018, and the beginning of 2019, remember to fill out your underwriting contracts and send them in.

When you fill out an underwriting contract you are donating funds to the Birthday Bash and reserving tickets for our February Birthday Bash. When invitations go out in January, those who have donated to Birthday Bash via Underwriting, will let reservations know if you will be using your reserved tickets.

If you have not donated to Birthday Bash via Underwriting, you may purchase tickets to the Birthday Bash via the invitation you will receive in January.

The Major Funding Team cannot wait to share the talent of Doug Montgomery at NWC's 50th Birthday Party on February 28, 2019.

Do not keep this under your hat.

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BIRTHDAY BASH RAFFLE COUNT DOWN

ONLY 52 DAYS UNTIL JANUARY 24th RAFFLE 6 WONDERFUL PRIZES

Chamberlain’s Dine Around $1,000 Package Gitting’s $3,150 Photo Package

Mel Crews $500 gift card Sandra Brewer’s Santa Painting $450

Sue Padgett Custom Jewelry $400 Texas Ranger’s $3,750 Package Suite for 20

Remember to return ticket stubs & checks or unsold tickets in the return envelope by December 31. Drawing to be held on January 24th at the General Meeting. Winner does not

have to be present.

Let’s make this Special 50th Year Raffle a huge

SUCCESS!!!

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BIRTHDAY BASH LIVE AUCTION PEEK

You won’t want to miss an opportunity to bid for fabulous trips and special events. We are thrilled we can offer a fabulous home in Crested Butte, Colorado. It has many amenities, breathtaking views, and sleeps ten for a week.

Conveniently stay close to home with a staycation including two nights at the Ritz-Carton, Dallas, with brunch at Fearing’s in the hotel; entertainment; weekender luggage; and an Uber gift card. More details to come on this wonderful weekendpackage.

We are happy to offer a villa in Positano, Italy. This could be a week of pure enjoyment and a life time of memories with eight of your family or friends. The views are spectacular.

To celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we are offering hard to purchase tickets to three of the most popular entertainers performing in various cities. You can purchase as many tickets as you desire. This offering does not include travel or hotel. Watch for prices and names of performers.

In the past we have offered tickets to a Dallas Cowboys game in a suite including a parking pass and side passes. After the NFL schedule for the 2019-2020 season is released, we will know if this is possible and will keep you updated.

For the men we will be offering a wonderful golf outing and special dinner. Follow this announcement for more details.

Neiman Marcus Willow Bend is also contributing a special gift this year that will be completely different from their contributions in past years. Wait for an announcement of this surprise gift.

The Birthday Bash Committee is excited about our Live Auction items including items never offered previously. Watch for more announcements about trips and specific details on our Live Auction.

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The Out to Lunch group enjoying tacos on the patio, and making new friends at Mi Dia From Scratch.

MEMBER SERVICES 2nd VP ANN MILLER

ACTIVITIES Carol Bratcher, Director

The 3rd Thursday Happy Hour activity group, NetWorkingCheers, will be taking a holiday in December.

Plan to join us on January 17, 2019, at Al Biernat’s North on Spring Valley just East of the Dallas North Tollway. Look for exact details in your January Communiqué.

The 3rd Thursday activity group is open to ALL members.  Your spouse/partner, friends and of age children are all invited to join us at the happy hour.  To join the group and receive monthly emails on locations let Susan Burton know at shbdallas@gmail.com or 214-738-7609.   Happy Holidays!

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NWC THEATER GROUP

After attending the performance of Ten Tenors on December 18 at the Eisemann Center, members will attend A Bronx Tale on January 3 at the Winspear Opera House. Future plans include I Do, I Do! at the Majestic Theater in February. For our theater group members, 2018 has been a good year. We are looking forward to great performances in 2019.

Dine Out had three successful new-format “Tapas Evening” events this fall. Instead of our usual cocktail party/restaurant dinner format we enjoyed cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts in members’ homes without going out to dinner. Phyllis and Paul Peterson hosted on a rainy September evening with a lavish spread. Lorna Crocker and Don Spies hosted a Spanish dinner at Edgemere in October, and we celebrated the arrival of Fall at Pat and Bruce Morrice’s home in November with another lavish spread. Our traditional Christmas cocktail party and dinner will be on December 13th at Bent Tree Country Club. Invitations have been emailed, and replies are due to Debor Cassen by December 8th.

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George Ramphrey, author of Meandering Kudzu, spoke at the November Evening Book Club. The meeting was held in the home of Gabe Sorrells. Phyllis Farragut interviewed George about his short stories and growing up in Mississippi. It was a fantastic evening. If you haven’t read his books, they are a delight. Photos courtesy of Jan Folmar.

The January book club will meet at Pat Morrice’s home on January 16, 2019. The book is Oil and Marble: A novel of Leonardo and Michaelangelo by Stephanie Storey.

Thank you Gabe for helping us start the holidays off right with your beautiful Christmas tree!

Friends are like a good book; they get more interesting each time you revisit them. That’s how we feel about each other in Evening Book Club!

MEMBERSHIP Cathy Norris, Director

Membership Report as of 11/30/18 Active 178 Active 73+ 139 Associate 29 Life 1 New 12` Conditional 1 Total 360

Please notify Cathy Norris at headhunt@norrisagency.com if there are any changes to your address, phone number, email or name throughout the year. The changes will be posted in the Communiqué.

Our condolences to:

The family and friends of Jenise Hurley, NWC member

The family and friends of former member, Joan Martin

CHANGES: Correction: Joyce Jordan – jjordan725@yahoo.com Name: Fran Yanigan Woodard to Fran Y. Kreekon (Nicholas)

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COMMUNITY SERVICE 3rd VP BETTYE STRIPLING

‘Tis the season and the NWC “elves” are helping to make it merry and bright for the patients, staff, and visitors at Callier. In mid-November NWC “elves” wrapped small gifts for the children at Callier, and in early December they decorated the reception areas at Callier UTD and at the Callier Inwood location. The bright and shiny decorations and lovingly wrapped gifts add to the festivity of the season and are appreciated by the Callier patients, staff and visitors.

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Each year, women from New Friends New Life are given the opportunity to shop at LifeSavers Foundation before the store opens to the public. Thanks to Caroline Mecom and Phyllis Peterson for preparing and getting up early to serve breakfast to about 20 women while they shopped. 

Frisco Family Service Needs Your Help!

This is one of the busiest times of the year for Frisco Family Services. The Pantry is experiencing large volumes of shoppers for food, and the Christmas Gift distribution will begin soon. We need your help, and if you need hours, this is a great way to experience the giving and caring of the season and also fulfill your community service obligation.

Shifts are available for the pantry the entire week of 12/3 to stock and assist shoppers. Shifts for the holiday gift distribution begin on Friday, December 7 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. in 2 hour shifts, or longer if you desire, and continue until Friday, December 14th. If you are interested, please contact Carolyn Boyle at 406.697.2751 or email her at ccboyle@tx.rr.com. She will detail the shifts and location in full when you contact her. Please consider this kind gesture. FFS serves thousands of people, not just in Frisco, but in surrounding areas. Your help is needed and greatly appreciated.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS Leslie Tipping, Director

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The 2017-18 Class Garage Sale to benefit Cristo Rey. Held at Suzanne Caruso’s garage on Saturday, October 27. Majorly successful ‼

On November 17th – National Adoption Day – nine NWC volunteers and six husbands and friends gathered at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center to assist Dallas CASA in celebrating the adoption of 37 children into safe and forever homes. What a wonderful day it was for those new families and for those of us who got to witness the adoptions and share in the celebrations! In addition to those who worked on Saturday morning – most of whom also provided cookies – an additional seventeen NWC members provided cookies and special snacks for the children, their families and friends. Batman, Wonder Woman, Ironman and Spiderman were there too! Fuzzy Teddy Bears and “Super Hero” balloons were provided to adoptees and their siblings. Thanks to the NWC members and their husbands and friends who participated in National Adoption Day, to the cookies-bakers, the special snacks underwriter and the Special Projects Committee which provided funding for the event.

Elizabeth Jenkins, NWC National Adoption Day Chairman

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Santa will still accept your wish list up until Jan 31st

Special Requests Projects  

Would you like to help fund a special project for one of our Community Service Agencies?

  NWC has a designated budget for Special Request Projects.  Applications are available for anyone who wishes to request monies for “hands on” community projects for 2018-2019 club year.   DEADLINE:  All applications need to be submitted by January 31, 2019.   CONTACT:  Rebecca Dickinson via email at rjdickinson@me.com for more information.

CHARITABLE FUND 4th VP CARMYN NEELY

The Philanthropy Committee received 35 applications, 34 of which qualified for consideration. The applications have been distributed and are being reviewed.  Rankings are due to the chairman on January 7. 

PHILANTHROPY Myna Vance, Director

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BIRTHDAY BASH

February 28, 2019

INVITATION REQUEST FORM

Please send completed form to Elizabeth Jenkins via regular mail or e-mail (Elizabeth Jenkins,6105 Sandydale Dr., Dallas 75248, Ph: 214-405-5122 e-mail: Jenkinsec@sbcglobal.net)

Completed forms must be received no later than January 1, 2019

Guest invitation list submitted by:

___________________________________________________________________________ Please print your name Your Phone # and e-mail address

Note: Check “Guest Pay” Box if GUEST is responsible for payment/reservation. Check “Host Pay” Box if YOU are paying for your guest. A card will be enclosed naming you as the HOST. Check “Enclose Card” Box if you want a card indicating that the invitation was sent at your request. Check “Invite Only” Box if you want an invitation sent anonymously.

Guest Pay

Host Pay

EncloseCard

InviteOnly

Name of Guest Guest Address

Questions? Call or email Elizabeth Jenkins

Barbara Kutz, Editor And to ALL,

“A good night!” 14