As volunteers in action, the GFWC-NC Mocksville Woman’s Club (MWC) gives back to the community with a spirit of compassion.

The club’s March 2018 meeting got underway as Nancy Penry shared words of inspiration and Sidniee Suggs led the group in pledges.

Becky Young reported on the upcoming fundraiser, a Woman’s Day event, to be held on Saturday, April 21 at Bermuda Run Country Club, which will celebrate the Mocksville Woman’s Club’s 56 years of community work.

Guest and keynote speaker will be Adrian Wood, Ph.D., author of the blog titled, “Tales of an Educated Debutante.” She grew up in eastern North Carolina, attended Salem Academy and Meredith College. She earned her graduate degree from UNC-CH and is a successful writer and social commentator.

The Woman’s Day event will include live music, a silent auction, live 50/50 raffle and a mystery box. Money raised supports the club’s community service activities.

Jean Saunders gave an update on advertising for the event program, and Laurin Colner reported on silent auction donations.

The Arts CSP report was led by chairwomen Jean Saunders and Nancy Penry who called upon Linda Sechrist and Sharon Murphy to share their project of painting flags with students at Central Davie Academy in commemoration of  Presidents Day. In addition, Vicki Smitherman and Christine Bralley announced a project to refresh the butterfly garden and plant some flowers at the school this spring.

Linda Dorsett and Karen Myers thanked the nine members of Woman’s Club who volunteered at Smart Start’s Hoedown fundraising event. The chairwomen of Education CSP  also reported there were 13 applications for the MWC scholarship. Six club members participated in the interview process. The winner will be announced in April.

For International Outreach CSP, Paulette Agha and Elke Albrecht reported that dresses were still being made for the students at Pochocuape Christian School in Nicaragua. Making shorts for male students is a spring project being organized.

Evelyn Daniel shared that 22 patients and five members of the club participated in this month’s bingo at Autumn Care. Sunshine, get well, and birthday cards were sent to acknowledge special members.

A discussion of new business followed with nominees for Club Woman of the Year. This award is given to a member who has gone beyond the call of duty to share her time, talents, participation, outstanding service and compassionate “spirit” with Mocksville Woman’s Club. This award, as well as the Citizen of the Year Award, will be announced at the April meeting.

Co-chairwoman for Home Life CSP, Luanne Taylor, introduced guest speaker, Devin Lyall, Director and Founder of Wilkes Recovery Revolution, Inc.

Devin founded the recovery center after experiencing her own battle with addiction. “My mission in life is to give back what was so freely given to me,” said Devin as she described the passion felt for helping others. She has worked in the field of addiction for 4 years as an NC Peer Support Specialist with Project Lazarus as well as an NC CSAC-1 and Director of the center.

Serving Wilkes County and surrounding counties, the center’s mission is to create a community where recovery is possible. The Phases Transitional Housing program provides a safe and affordable, drug and alcohol-free residence that helps bridge the gap between treatment and independence while in recovery. The center is a 12-step based program operated by those whose lives have been impacted by addiction. One of their newest programs, a thrift store will create funds and help contain costs for families.

Devin discussed the prevalence of drug addiction and the opioid crisis facing communities: “The friend sitting next to you in church—she’s in active addiction. But you didn’t know it.” Devin believes those affected by this disease can be transformed, stay clean and sober, and learn to have a positive lifestyle. What it takes is a person who’s ready to change and honest enough to admit they have a problem while being willing to receive help.

Following the program, the meeting was adjourned. Nancy Penry gave a blessing, and members enjoyed fellowship with one another. Tables were tastefully decorated with live Shamrock plants and green beads to giving nod to the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day tradition. A delicious, green, mint-flavored ice cream pie was served for dessert.

Women interested in learning more about Mocksville Woman’s Club are invited to attend a meeting as a member’s guest.