Here is my story - Anna N

    A few months ago Alicia challenged us to share our stories. I loved the idea, but didn't think I had the words to write something grand. While organizing the items for the Ronald McDonald House, I realized I would never have a “grand story”, because my story is small. Many small acts of kindness that just keep overflowing my story. I love NHWT. To me, it's about coming together, kindness, and giving.

    In September I chose the Ronald McDonald House project because there was a need that I could fill. I had the time and resources needed, so I stepped up to chair. As soon as my son Charles discovered we were making breakfast bags, he begged me to collect pop tabs. He has always wanted to collect pop tabs, unfortunately our canned pop intake is limited and we only collect about ten a year. I thought maybe others would have ten too and combined we could drop off a bag of pop tabs. We dropped off two bags, a little over two pounds!! If you know about recycling, you know that's only a dollar or so. If you follow the Ronald McDonald House at all you know our dollar or so goes into an even larger pot that grows to over $33,000 a year. We came together. We did what we could. We made a difference. Our small gesture along with all the others will make a grand impact.

     The thing that really struck me as marvelous, the reason this is the story that I decided to share, was Charles. As we were taking all of the collected pop tabs and putting them into large Ziploc bags he asked, "How many do you think there are?" I answer him with a guess of around 2,500. He then started to cry and said, "I always wanted to help other kids. I can't believe my dream came true! This is so many more pop tabs than I could have done alone. Thank you for helping me!" Such a simple act created a ripple effect and a ten year old boy has now decided he needs to help more, do more, be more. You can't pay for that type of happiness, his or mine.

    And that, along with so many other small acts of kindness, support, and gratitude are the stories that overflow my basket. They make our chapter great. They help me become a more thoughtful and grateful person. They show me that many hands can do amazing things.

Fall/Winter District Newsletter

Click HERE for the District 7 Fall/Winter 2017 newsletter.

New Hope WT is just one of many chapters that make up WT. We are 1 of 5 chapters in District 7. District 7 and 8 combine to make Area 3. There are 11 districts and 4 areas in the state of Minnesota that make up the MNWT and Minnesota is just one of many states that make up the USWT. "Many hands make easy work."

December Math Square Answers

Winter State Convention 411

Winter Wonderland is the theme for the Winter State Convention, January 26-28 in St Louis Park. Join us at the Double Tree Park Place for a weekend full of activities. If you have any questions, please contact Rita J. The registration form is here.

Blankets – Bundles of Joy!

Hello my lovely ladies!! Just wanted to remind you that we as a chapter are going to be making blankets for babies for the organization "Bundles of Joy". It is actually a state project - which is another reason why we're doing it. 

I will be making up packets with fabric, instructions, and a template and will have them at the next meeting. Right now I have enough fabric to make about 50 24x24 blankets. So I need HELP!! We can't do that number before a meeting, so remember to grab one - or five - for the holiday season. EVERYONE can help with a knotted blanket!! We plan on bringing them to convention - so we'd need them back before then. More instructions will be in the packets - but be ready!! 

Any questions - contact me! Thanks! Shannon

A December note from President Carrie

Hello Ladies! 

I hope everyone has been enjoying the holiday season. It was great to see some of you at the Shopping Spree and I hope to see more of you at our potluck on the 18th. I know my calendar has filled up quickly, I'm pretty sure I have only a few nights that are open on my calendar, and none of them are weekend nights! Holy Hannah December got here in a hurray and has let it's presents be known! If I don't see you at the potluck... 

Have a wonderful Christmas!!! 

President Carrie

DISTRICT 7 SOCIAL/OUTING

Save the Date!

New Hope WT will be hosting a District 7 Social on Saturday, January 6th at 5:30 at Broadway Pizza on Crystal. Bass Lake Road and West Broadway. Please join us and meet some of the other great ladies in our District.

December General Meeting Invitation

Date: Dec. 18, 2017

Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Holiday Party, Pot Luck, and General Meeting.

Location: Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in New Hope - 3900 Winnetka Ave N.

The December meeting will begin at 6:30 with our potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to share, main dish, salad, dessert or bread. If you want to show your Christmas spirit, please wear anything Christmassy! We will also be having a gift exchange. Those participating should bring a wrapped gift in the $10 range. We will be collecting personal care items for Breaking Free and they will be brought to the January convention. FINAL REQUEST IS TO BRING YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY COOKIE RECIPE TO THE MEETING. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO RITA.

The New Hope Women of Today General meeting is open to the public. Guests are always welcome. For more information, contact us at Membership@NewHopeWT.org

Photos: Nov. General Meeting

December Math Square

Try to fill in the missing numbers.

Use the numbers 1 through 36 to complete the equations.

Each number is only used once.
Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation.
Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

NHWT 5K looking for Future Volunteers

 Looking to get involved in a project that supports great local causes, focuses on women’s wellness, and promotes our chapter in amazing ways? Then the NHWT 5K is the perfect project! 

We need committee members and project shadows! The great part – this project, one of the largest fundraisers for our chapter, practically runs itself with the work the former chairs did to establish easy to follow project reports! 

We need new chairs to bring new ideas to this great project! Please consider shadowing this year! If you like community service and women’s wellness this is the perfect project for you! 

Get your running shoes ready and save the date for April 21, 2018! 

Your 2018 Project Chairs, Teri B & Cassie L

Holiday Cookie Exchange

We are starting the annual NHWT holiday cookie exchange again!! It will be on Saturday, December 16th at 4:00. We will meet at Tawn's house. This is a great way to get your holiday baking done. I will have a sign up sheet at the November meeting. If you can't make the meeting and would like to participate please send me an email. Happy Baking! - Tawn

WALK on WEDNESDAY

WALK on WEDNESDAY is on the calendar for FRIDAY, December 15th.

Meet at Macy’s, Ridgedale Mall at 11:30 am for lunch. We will walk in the mall following our lunch.

Walk is optional.

ISO: a member who will “step up” to host an evening walk and/or meal! We don’t want to exclude you; however, our walkers and lunch bunch are mostly day timers. Saturday is another option. If interested, let Delores know!

Please RSVP to Delores for Macy’s no later than December 14th by noon.

Hostess: Anna and Delores

Thanks! Delores

Book Club Update

We only have one book left for the year. It is: Ask Him Why by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Our next meeting is on January 11, 2018. We are looking for book selections for next year. We read some great books this year so I am looking forward to what we find next year. Please send your suggestions to Lori Windschitl at dlwind@comcast.net by the end of the year. It's always fun to see what people are reading! We will vote for our favorites at the January bookclub meeting. Lori

Holiday Shopping Spree . . .

It's the most wonderful time of the year! To keep our annual tradition going, we're looking for 25 volunteers to help bring joy to economically disadvantaged children.

Each volunteer is paired with a child and to help them buy Christmas gifts for their family members. They should have a list, but not all do. Each child is given $50 to spend, which is money we raised from the wreath sales, butter braid sales and our booth at the Cooper Craft Fair. After shopping, you help your child wrap their gifts and then visit with Santa.

This event is a favorite for many members. It's a one-on-one opportunity to bring holiday joy for a child and their family. If you've volunteered in the past, you know how special this project is. Please consider signing-up your significant other, friends and neighbors, but volunteers should be at least 18 years or older. To sign-up please email pammedvec@msn.com.

Thanks from the Holiday Shopping Spree Committee, Pam M, Marion H, Terri J

P.S. – Please bring gift bags to the November meeting. We need these for the shopping spree in addition to the gift wrap that we already have!

November Math Square Answers

Photos: A few of our amazing members and volunteers

A November Note from President Carrie

I always struggle with writing a little blurb for the newsletter, mostly because I’m not a writer. I’ve been told numerous times that I write how I speak. Not sure if that is a good thing? Haha! This time a topic came up pretty easy for me, mostly because of the things that are going on in the world. Women coming out and making a stand against their abusers is a huge thing! But I wanted to touch base on the aftermath…the support these women receive from other women once they’ve come out. Far too often do I see women come out and put their heart and soul out for all to see, and what does it seem like the first reaction from other women is? Criticism, judgement, and cattiness…I’m not saying everyone has this reaction. But more often than not, this is happening. I have personally been on the receiving end of this judgment; I’ve been judged as a mom, a wife, a housekeeper…heck, I’m sure I’ve had some judgements on this year’s presidency. I have also been the judger. I recently let my opinion be known about an acquaintance who’s had a crappy life situation handed to her. Afterwards, I felt really bad - because who am I to judge? It got me thinking that to be a woman is hard! To raise two little women is going to be a challenge if I can’t figure out how to give constructive criticism to other ladies as examples for my daughters. So I am going to start working on my “growth” portion of our creed. I will not say anything if I can’t say something nice. I will raise up my sisters, not tear them down. We are a women’s group full of strong women, so I challenge you: think before you speak. Could what you’re about to say be said differently? Are you about to fill a bucket or up end it? Happy Thanksgiving!! Carrie

Photos: Cooper Craft Fair

November General Meeting Invitation

Date: Nov. 27, 2017

Time: 6:30 pm Assemble breakfast bags for Ronald McDonald House

           7:00 pm – 8:30 pm General Meeting (snacks and beverages will be provided)

Location: Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in New Hope - 3900 Winnetka Ave N.

The New Hope Women of Today General meeting is open to the public. Guests are always welcome. For more information, contact us at Membership@NewHopeWT.org.

Video: MNWT Fall Convention

Photos: October General Meeting

Breakfast Bags for Ronald McDonald House

Come help us assemble breakfast bags on November 27th at 6:30 pm. 

All the items needed to fill the bags will be supplied. The only thing you need to bring is yourself. 

As for the actual bags, from now until our November general meeting we will be decorating the bags used to assemble the breakfast meals. If you would like bags to decorate for yourself and/or all of the other important children and adults in your life please let Anna know and she will get them to you. 

Thank You! 

November Math Square

Try to fill in the missing numbers.

Use the numbers 1 through 36 to complete the equations.

Each number is only used once.
Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation.
Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

Meet the 2017/2018 Board: Sue W. - Treasurer

 “Be Accountable”

Greetings! I have been a long-time resident of New Hope and have been a member of New Hope Women of Today since 2003. This year marks my third term on the board and the second as Treasurer. I have a husband, Jim, who is a local firefighter with West Metro Fire District (for over 20 years) and three boys in the Robbinsdale School District – Matt and Ryan, who graduate from Armstrong this year, and Alex, who will be in 7th grade.

Born in Indiana and raised in Ohio, my family moved to Minnesota while I was away at college earning a bachelor’s degree in International Business and a master’s degree in Communication from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. After graduating, free room and board sounded nice, so I settled in Minnesota and I love it!

I have enjoyed getting involved in the community. In addition to Women of Today, I served as an advisory commissioner for the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council (it is closing down this summer) and have been a member of the West Metro Fire Auxiliary. After 8 years in IT and 14 years in nonprofit workforce development, I combined the two. I am now working at Creating IT Futures as the Executive Director, Minnesota, helping unemployed and underemployed individuals get their first paid role in IT.

In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends – around home, in Vegas, or at the lake “cabin” on the south side of Mille Lacs – and watching her favorite sports team… Go Vikes!

Sue

October Book Club Update

Hi everybody -

Just a reminder to start reading!

Below are the remaining book club selections for 2017 along with tentative meeting dates. Look for more information on the book club meetings as the dates get closer!

• The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion – November 9th
• Ask Him Why - Catherine Ryan Hyde- January 11, 2018

If you have any questions on our book club, including if you would like to be added or removed, please contact Lori at dlwind@comcast.net. We would love you to join! Lori

Wreath Sales!

This is our last year doing it - so let's go out on a high note! Contact a NHWT member to order yours. We'll also be offering them at the Cooper Craft Fair from the NHWT membership/information table. 

We will need help!! 

Bow Night - will be November 9th @ 7pm at Shannon's house  

Delivery day - will be November 11th. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!! 

YOU ALL ROCK! - Shannon

Butterbraids Update

There is still time to share these awesome treats. Order deadline is November 1st and I should receive payment by then also. If payment cannot be gotten to me by the first please make arrangements.

Delivery will be to me on November 17th sometime in the morning. I would like the orders to be picked up as soon as possible, however I will be leaving town Friday evening the 17th and not returning until Sunday in the late afternoon. I'm hoping that some of you may be able to pick up your orders Friday before I leave. Otherwise orders will be have to be picked up Sunday night or during the next week. All orders should be picked up after making arrangements with me by phone or email. Please remember these are freezer items and I need to get them delivered as soon as possible.

Thank you for participating in this fundraiser! Rita

Save the Date - Holiday Craft Night!

DATE and TIME: November 15th, 7:00 – 9:00 PM 

LOCATION: Diane W. Carr’s House 

     It’s that time again!! It’s time for another fun night of very easy crafts to help celebrate the season. I haven’t selected the items to craft yet, but rest assured a reasonably agile hamster will be able to do them! The odds are high that a glue gun will be involved. Sign up at the October General Meeting. If you have suggestions for EASY CRAFTS, please let me know.

Jingle Jingle, Diane WC

The 2017 Lavon H. Cooper Scholarships Recipients

The New Hope Women of Today would like to congratulate the recipients of the 2017 Lavon H. Cooper Scholarships.

Amethyst Stegbauer
Amy Master
Brynn Gellner
Emily Gratz
Haley Neumann
Jennifer Williams
Jordyn Massop
Mackenzie Hallquist
Molly Mikkelson
Stephanie Sikkila

We love the city of New Hope and the surrounding communities. That includes the 281 School District. Every year we raise funds to help various programs throughout the district. It is important to us to continue supporting students after they graduate. The New Hope Women of Today Organization is proud to offer the Lavon H. Cooper Scholarship to former high school graduates of Robbinsdale School District 281 (Armstrong, Cooper or Highview). Scholarships awarded range between $500 and $1,000. The 2018 application will available April 2018.

Fall State Recognition

New Hope Women of Today is honored to have been recognized at the MN Women of Today Fall Convention for the following;

Early Bird Participation

Fast Start Participation: Shannon J, Rita J, Carrie A

Membership Starburst Award

Tawn H and Rita J of  the  New Hope Women  of  Today  were  each honored  with  a  Presidential  Pin. The Presidential  Pin  is  designed  to  recognize  a  member’s  commitment  to  her  local  chapter.  It exemplifies  dedication  and  belief  in  the  Women  of  Today  creed  that  emphasizes  service  to  the community,  personal  growth,  and  friendship.  The state  President personally selected them for  this  award for their work chairing the 2017 Duk Dil Daze Kiddie Games.     

Each trimester chapters from across the state participate in the MNWT SUCCESS Program. This program allows chapters to brag about the amazing things they do within their community.  Every chapter who participates is celebrated and recognized. It is our privilege to announce that for 1st trimester New Hope WT came in 1st place for SUCCESS. Congratulations to all of our members who do so much to help and support others. 

October Math Square Answers

Here is my story - Alicia D

Bingo at St. Therese Nursing Home. Not the most glamorous volunteer event. Not something I particularly sought out volunteering for. But, I was free and they needed help. So I went. There was a couple at BINGO who had been married 60+ years. She was in the nursing home and needed significant help. He was in assisted living and needed less so. I helped her with her BINGO card the entire night and chatted with him while he played on his own. It was finally over. I had worked all day then went strait to volunteering. I was hungry and tired and just wanted to go home. But Mr. Carlson needed help. You see he wanted to walk is wife back to the nursing home portion, something he always did, before heading back to his apartment; but because of his walker he needed help. I was crabby, I wanted to say no, but after deep sigh I agreed to help. Walking back I heard the most beautiful love story I’ve ever heard. A husband more dedicated to his wife than I ever thought possible. He walks over to see her every day, and the last thing he tells her each night (just in case it’s their last night together) is how beautiful she is and how much he loves her. I was humbled and inspired. It wasn’t glamorous – I was pushing a wheelchair bound woman back to her bed – but it was beyond worth the extra effort. Now I don’t so much mind BINGO anymore.

Alicia D.

An October Note from President Carrie

Hello all! 

I hope this finds you well and Wow!! Did the cold get here fast! How is it the middle of October already? Can't wait to hear how many little ghouls and goblins rang your doorbells! We have many fun activities planned for the next couple months! Starting with Adopt a highway and Cooper Craft Fair! Hope to see you there! 

Happy Fall! Carrie

Mental Health Observation Day

     In celebration of Mental Health Observation Day (observed Oct. 10th) let's take time for ourselves. Do something fun and relaxing this week to support a calm and happy mind!

“What should you do?” you may ask! Below are some ideas.

Knit,
Watch a Comedy,
Color a Picture,
Yoga or Meditation,
Read a book

Share what calms you and email me what you did.

Thanks! - Anna

What is YOUR story?

One of the most impactful things we can do is to tell our story. The family we met at Duk Duk Daze who could only afford the event thanks to our games. The child you took Christmas Gift shopping who was able to purchase the ONLY Christmas gifts his siblings would get. The Senior Citizen whose yard we cleaned-up who otherwise had no help. The meal we brought to the new mom overwhelmed with life changes. Yes, the facts are important…but it’s the story what inspires action!

So I ask you – what is YOUR story?

October General Meeting Invitation

Date: Oct. 23, 2017

Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm General Meeting (Beverages and snacks will be provided)

Location: Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in New Hope - 3900 Winnetka Ave N.

The New Hope Women of Today General meeting is open to the public. Guests are always welcome. For more information, contact us at Membership@NewHopeWT.org

Butterbraids!

It is Butterbraid sale time again. If you have never had a Butterbraid, they are a flaky pastry with a variety of fillings. Caramel rolls are also available. They come frozen, you let them raise overnight and then bake them. You will be receiving an email from me with the order form attached and a sample letter explaining why we sell them and who will receive the money we raise. This can be forwarded to family and friends in hopes of getting some orders. Butterbraids are a great treat to serve family and guests over the holidays. The cost has gone up to $13 this year, with 40% of that money returning to our chapter. A new cheese & herb flavored Butterbraid has been added at $14 and would be awesome with a pasta meal or as a treat anytime.

Order taking begins September 25th and all orders and payments (made out to New Hope Women of Today, NHWT) must be turned in by November 1st. Delivery will be to me on Friday, November 17th, in time for Thanksgiving. Orders come frozen, so they should be picked up between the 17th and the 20th, as I am not sure how much room I will have in my freezer. You can contact me to come at your convenience. Let's get the word out and raise some money for the charity we choose!

Equifax Data Breach

This is a quick PSA in case you haven’t heard! Equifax, one of the three credit bureaus, recently had a huge data breach. Over 145 Million social security numbers were stolen. There are a lot of free and paid services offering ID Theft Protection and other products; but these are not always 100% effective. There is actually one VERY easy step you should all take to protect yourself and your family: set-up a Fraud Alert with one of the other two credit bureaus. Why? It’s free and they are required to alert the other 2 bureaus of the fraud alert. The fraud alert means you are required to be contacted before an account is opened with your social security #. The alert is good for 90 days only, so you may want to mark you calendars to re-do this every 3 months! Consider doing this for everyone in your family, even minors. Identify Theft of minors is a growing issue and could impact your children later in life. It’s easy – just go to https://www.experian.com/fraud/center.html and select Add Fraud Alert.

Alicia D

October Math Square

Try to fill in the missing numbers.

Use the numbers 1 through 36 to complete the equations.

Each number is only used once.
Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation.
Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

Minnesota WT Foundation Scholarship

The Straight River Chapter offers a scholarship for members who are furthering their education in an area to help those who are physically or mentally challenged. For more information or the application go to mnwt.org, Book of Forms and search for Foundation Applications. Completed applications are accepted by January 1 or April 1, for the next two trimesters.

Meet the 2017/2018 Board: Bonnie H. – Programming VP

“Be Involved”

Greetings ladies! I am your Programming Vice President for the 2017-2018 year. I wasn’t planning on this position but after hearing Carrie’s speech at the banquet I was inspired to “Be Courageous”! She will be a great president for our chapter.

I have been a member for thirteen years. I started out working Duk Duk Daze and have been active with that project every year. I have held LPM positions, as well as, Internal VP and Treasurer.

I have lived in New Hope 14 years. I have a combined family of six with Jon. William is our “together” child. The others are grown. Cassie is my youngest daughter and I have a grandson who is 9. I work as a Special Education Assistant.

I am excited about our chapter this year. We do so many great things for our community. We are helping people in many ways by all our hard work. Sometimes I think we miss how much we accomplish every year. Maybe it’s modesty, but anyone who’s been at a WT convention can tell you, we are an awesome chapter!!

I hope everyone will take the time to brainstorm ideas of how to increase the participation of members. I may groan about saying yes to activities, but once there, I always have a great time and never regret helping out!

The other thing I want to stress is “Growth”. We all love service, and of course fellowship is always fun, but we must remember to grow. Growth comes from challenging ourselves and that requires courage. So let’s “Be Courageous” and (my theme) “Be Involved”.

Bonnie

Giving Thanks for Families in November

This November let’s take time to remember the families of children in the hospital with a HUGE Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser. The Ronald McDonald House keeps families close to the care and resources they need. Their mission, "We, in partnership with our community, provide a comfortable and caring home-away-from-home that supports keeping families together and reduces stress during a child’s serious illness."

Event 1
From now until our November general meeting let’s start collecting pop tabs.Why pop tabs? Saving pop tabs is easy and fun! It’s a small gesture, but collecting pop can tabs can make a big difference – in fact, since its founding, the Pop Tab program has raised more than $500,000! These funds have helped underwrite program costs at Twin Cities locations.

Event 2
From now until our November general meeting let’s start a collection of urgently needed items. The Ronald McDonald House has a list of most needed items. They are Paper towels, Food storage (larger sized), Sugar, vegetable oil, and olive oil. Bring any new unopened items to the September, October, and November meetings.

Event 3
Join together in decorating and making Breakfast Bags at our November General Meeting. If you would like bags to decorate before the meeting for yourself, children, grandchildren, and all other important children and adults in your life please let me know and I will get them to you. It would be amazing to have all of our bags complete before we start filling them in November. I will be asking the chapter for up to $100 to fill the breakfast bags at the September meeting.

Please take time to help with one or more of the planned events. There is something for everyone.

Anna

Highway & Senior Yard Clean-Up

October 14th Highway clean up! 
We will need a lot of volunteers for this service project. Cleaning from Medicine lake Rd to Bass lake road. Wear good walking shoes! Meet in the McDonalds parking lot off of 42nd. If you have children, we will send you over to clean up the park behind city hall. When all is finished we can meet for coffee at Caribou to celebrate a job well done. Thank you all so much for you willingness to help out. Time is TBD!

October 7th is Senior Yard Cleanup. 
We will need as many volunteers as we can get. Older children and husbands are welcome to help too. We do not have names of seniors who need us, so I also ask all of you to let me know of any seniors that need us to come and clean their yard. It will be just raking and general cleanup. There will be no trimming bushes or cutting trees or anything other than just yard cleanup. The more who volunteer, the more seniors we can help! When we are finished we will celebrate a job well done at Caribou on Winnetka Ave and 42nd! Time is TBD These are some GREAT volunteer opportunities in our local community – PLEASE consider helping if you can!

Come Paint With Us!

Come paint with us during an early Women of Today Week activity!! Thursday Sept 21, 2017 At Acapulco Mexican restaurant in New Brighton, MN We will paint one cool Flower - See the picture! Cost is $45, BUT if you use the code september2017 you get 40% off!! So it's actually $27! Please let me know ASAP! If you commit I can order tickets and you can pay the night of or you can go buy your own ticket. Let me know either way! I'd like a head count! We can also plan carpooling too! Colleen and I hope to see you there!

September Math Square Answers

Photos: August Playdate

Celebrate Women of Today Week with Us.

Pilates???? 

I thought you said PIE and Lattes! 

COME & JOIN us! At 6:30 pm on Monday, September 25th at Holy Nativity Lutheran Church. We will have intro class for Pilates! Bring a hand towel for s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g exercise. Wear comfortable clothing. This will not be difficult, just fun! Also enjoy homemade PIE & Goodies 

Delores, Marion, Sandy

MNWT Fall State Convention

Are you living in the right century? Explore your feelings and join us at Fall State 2017 as either a Medieval Woman or a Modern-Day Renaissance woman! There is a lot planned for the weekend of September 22-24 at Hinckley Casino. I have 2 rooms reserved for Friday and Saturday nights.
Friday night starts with a Project Fair, where you can check out many different vendor booths as well as stopping at the booths sponsored by the different State Program Managers. You get a chance to learn about the different areas that Women of Today promotes, sign up for drawings, purchase some vendor products, and mingle with ladies from chapters all over Minnesota. Saturday we have a business meeting followed by a great luncheon and lots of awards for chapter projects and individuals who have been outstanding so far this year. In the evening we have a banquet followed by great party, where we will dance, watch skits and have fun. Sunday brunch has a speaker scheduled and that is always worth attending. If you are interested in joining us at convention in August, please let me know so I save you a spot in the room and we usually carpool. We will also meet up with our Pals chapter Byron for a post-party get-together in our room. Don't forget you get your name put in for a trimester drawing as well as a special homemade Italian dinner at year-end. ~ Rita J

A September Note from President Carrie

Hello all!

I hope this finds you well. I am currently attempting to “reboot” my day time life and find a new normal. My girls are doing really well with it. In case you missed it, both my girls are in school this year. Kylie entered 2nd grade and Jocie is in KINDERGARTEN!! How did that happen ladies? It seems like life kinda took off and I’m not sure how much I like it! I usually do pretty good with change, but this has sucked away a piece of me. So I am struggling with this new normal of the house being too quiet, and fighting the urge to call my mom Every. Single. Day. This kinda feels like when I decided I would take on the presidency. I was scared (Ok, I’m still scared I’m gonna mess this up!), nervous, sometimes I wanna cry… It’s a big change in my normal! But I know it’s going to be ok. Change is a good thing! I think this year is a great year for change! 

Happy Fall! Carrie

National Mid-Year Convention

The United States Women of Today Mid-Year Convention will be held in Iowa, October 5-8. If you would like to see what a National Convention is like, this one isn’t too far from home. More information will follow in September newsletter.

Thank You! ~Rita

Pilates Class Intro!

SEPTEMBER General Meeting * Pilates Intro Class * Please arrive early as class starts @ 6:30 pm.

Feel free to bring a LARGE towel or beach towel, for a s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g exercise. It will NOT be a difficult class. 

Special treats for refreshments @ the meeting - i.e. homemade pies!

Hostess: Delores H, Sandy B, Marion H

Book Club Update

Hi everybody - just a reminder to start reading! This

month’s book club selection is The Whistler by John

Grisham and the meeting will be held on Thursday,

September 14th. Happy Reading!

Below are the remaining book club selections for 2017

along with tentative meeting dates. Look for more

information on the book club meetings as the dates

get closer!

• The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion – November 9th

• Ask Him Why - Catherine Ryan Hyde- January 11, 2018

If you have any questions on our book club, including

if you would like to be added or removed, please

contact Lori at dlwind@comcast.net. We would love

you to join!

September Math Square

Try to fill in the missing numbers.

Use the numbers 1 through 36 to complete the equations.

Each number is only used once.
Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation.
Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

Meet the 2017/2018 Board: Rita J. – State Delegate

“Be Adventurous”

This is a little about your State Delegate for this current year! I have been the State Delegate 5 previous years and believe it is about the most fun you can have as a Board Member.

I just realized this is my 30th anniversary year as a Women of Today and I have loved every year of it! I have stayed active every year and even had family members that were quite involved, especially with Duk Duk Daze.

I have made some great friends in our chapter and in chapters across the state. I am looking forward to traveling with Carrie this year and hope many of you will join us on our travels. Be Adventurous!

Rita

August Walk on Wednesday

We meet on the Wednesday following our general meeting.

August 30th @ 6 pm

Meet @ Northwoods Park on Boone Avenue at the corner by Bonnie’s

home. If you do not know where it is, give me a call 763-546-4105 or

send an email: d2hoseth@q.com

Destination walk. We will plan to walk to Frankie’s, starting at the trail

from Northwoods Parkway to Winnetka Avenue and across street to

Frankie’s. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO WALK, feel free to meet us

about 6:20 or shortly after at Frankie’s. We will enjoy food, chatting

and then decide on our route back. We can either return to the park by

trail OR perhaps on 36th Avenue.

Personal Enrichment Course Reminder

Please join us at the New Hope YMCA on Wednesday, August 23rd at 7:00 pm. We will have a speaker from North Memorial Hospital who will talk about Advance Care Directives. Advance care planning helps people explore and document goals and wishes for their future health care, should they ever be unable to express these wishes due to illness or injury. After the presentation you are encouraged to fill out a directive form or you may bring your current directive and have it looked over or notarized. You may also choose to take the form home and discuss it with your family. Remember, your children are adults at age 18 and must have their own directive, you can no longer speak for them as their parent. All attendees will be asked to sign in as a guest or present their membership card. ~Rita and Peggy

Breaking Free Donation Drive - August General Meeting

Breaking Free is the current MNWT Priority Project. Every year, Breaking Free helps over 500
women escape systems of prostitution and exploitation through advocacy, direct services, housing
and education. (from Breaking Free's mission statement) Women involved in prostitution often feel isolated from the community. They often experience violence, addiction and homelessness. One small way of letting these women know that others care for them is donating hygiene packs. These small packages of toothbrushes, toothpaste, tampons, etc are handed out by Breaking Free members.

Please bring the following Travel Sized items to the General Meeting:

• Toothbrush 
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste 
• Tissues
• Tampons (just 1 or 2) 
• Hard candy with strong taste (mints)
• Shampoo 
• Conditioner 
• Lotion

Photos: District 7 Meeting (1st Trimester)

Photos: July General Meeting