Blessing Bags for the Homeless

DECEMBER SERVICE PROJECT Blessing bags will be assembled at the December social on 12/12/22 at Dottie's house. Food, beverages, games and prizes! If you are unable to attend the social but wish to donate, please contact Dottie  for pick up or drop off and also to R.S.V.P. We are also collecting new and gently used men's, women’s, and children's cold weather gear: coats, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves and boots for one good deed. They will hold their annual "scarf bombing" in Loring Park and Kellogg Park on 01/08/2023. Volunteers will be needed for the event. More information to follow. All items have been collected! Heavy socks, first aid kits, gloves, masks, healthy snacks, gallon zip lock bags, hand warmers, ChapStick, foot powder, Kleenex.

= Dottie Voigt 

Message from the President, December

Happy Holidays I hope that everyone is finding the way to celebrate with family and friends. I look at this time of year as when many spread joy and goodwill. For me in MN Women of Today we are able to spread joy all year with all the community projects, socials and friendships. I am thankful for all of you and everything you do to make the world a better place because you’ve lived and served within it. Keep up the great work! Mary

Cooper Craft Fair GOES GREEN!

On September 19th, Bonnie approached me at the coloring night at Frankie’s, asking if there is something that could be done about all the waste created at the Cooper Craft Fair each year. I was so grateful to her, for bringing this to my attention. 

It was a big opportunity to make a big difference. Luckily, Theresa and Rita were also at coloring night, that night and we were able to put our heads together right away. 

The first concern mentioned was about all the single-use plastic bags that were given out by crafters, so Bonnie and I set a date to make signs for the parking lots. We figured most people probably have reusable bags in their cars, and they probably just need prompting to bring them in. All together, 234 people brought reusable bags this year to the Cooper craft fair. THAT’S something to be proud of! 

The second concern was about waste being created by the coffee bar. Theresa put in a request at her work for funding, for compostable serving ware, and we waited and waited anxiously day after day, for their answer. As soon as they approved the request, Theresa ordered them from Amazon, but then they weren’t going to get here until the day of the fair! Theresa ended up actually purchasing new compostable options the day of. What a trooper! 

Bonnie and I weighed the compost after the fair, and it came to 17 lbs. 

Rita was the one who sent out the email offering crafters the opportunity to contribute to our GO GREEN efforts. In all, 17 vendors chose to contribute a total of $262.95 for the prize basket. The winner-takes-all winner was Linda Lubansky. Congratulations to her! 

Rita was also the one who contacted WCC to promote the Cooper Craft Fair and our GO GREEN initiative. Theresa and I teamed up to do the interview. We were both SO nervous! Theresa spoke about the Cooper Craft Fair and New Hope Women of Today in general, and I spoke about our GO GREEN initiative for people to bring reusable bags.

- Rachel Braaten 

Message from the President, November

Mid-Year Reflections 

When sitting down to write this message, I realized that we are halfway through the Women of Today year. It’s a good time to reflect on what I think has worked, where I think I/we can do better, and what I want to see happen in the next six months. 

What I think has worked: • Lunch Bunch-Generally held the 2nd Wednesday of each month, Delores plans a fun social time to connect. • Book Club-I love reading books and love talking about books. It’s great getting different perspectives and opinions. Held the odd numbered months on the 2nd Thursday, this is a great way, if you cannot make our monthly Monday business, to spend some time with each other and start or continue a connection. • Backpack project with One Good Deed-We all rocked it with all the school supplies, persona supplies, and the notes of encouragement for at-risk teenage girls • Birthday Bags dropped off at North-Suburban Emergency Assistance Response (NEAR). They were so excited when I dropped off the 25 bags that we put together in July. • Cooper Arts & Craft Fair-I appreciate all the hours of work that went into the planning and execution. This is our largest fundraiser and I appreciate that a large portion of the income goes to supporting the school district. • Go Green at Cooper Craft Fair-Thank you to Rachel and Bonnie for collaborating on making the craft fair a little more environmentally friendly. We had over 230 shoppers bring their reusable shopping bags, and we used compostable plates and cups as much as possible. • Supporting community organizations with monetary gifts. Sponsorships of New Hope Parks & Recreation Safety Camp, Concerts in the Park, and Movies in the Park.

The next 6 months: • More members contributing ideas for how we can help our community with either monetary donations or service projects. Unfortunately, most of our projects are suggested by only about 6 to 8 people of our 40 members. My challenge to each of you is to contact me with an organization or project you would like to see New Hope Women of Today support in the next 6 months. Suggesting an idea does not mean you have to be the one to plan the whole thing. Email me marykam@msn.com, call or text 612-998-1381 • For the Holiday Shopping Spree on December 10th, that most of the Shopping Helpers be New Hope Women of Today and not have to rely on non-members to make this event a success. Mark your calendars NOW to be at the Crystal Target that morning. If you don’t want to shop with a child, there will be other help needed. • Hold a Domestic Violence Awareness community event at the YMCA. In addition to the speaker event, do a hands-on project with Home Free or other shelter or with the residents. This would be subject to any COVID or other health restrictions. I am grateful for all you, your friendship and passion to do good for our community. 

Keep “Living, Giving & Sharing” Mary

Kids Halloween Party

Calling all princesses, pirates, witches and scary creatures! Round up your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, friends and their children and bring them to Holy Nativity Church on Friday, October 21st for a howling good party! There will be snacks, Boo Bingo, Plinko, Pumpkin walk, prizes, fun activities and of course candy! Party starts at 6:30, costumes are not required to have a great time! 

- Kathy Nevils 

Message from the President, October

 October is gearing up to be another busy month of activities. I hope that each of you can find something that sparks your interest. 

• Trick or Trot & Transylvania-October 8. Sponsored by the City of New Hope Parks & Recreation department we will be on the trail handing out candy from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

 • Lunch Bunch-October 12 at New Bohemia Golden Valley at 12:30. RSVP to Delores 

• Chair Yoga-October 13 at Holy Nativity Church at 6:30 PM. Please RSVP to Colleen 

• Halloween Party-October 21 at Holy Nativity Church at 6:30 PM. Please RSVP to Kathy at mamakathy411@gmail.com 

• Monthly Meeting-October 24 we will be collecting winter coats and accessories 

• MNWT District 7 Meeting-October 27 hosted by Maple Grove 

• Cooper Arts & Crafts Fair-Friday night set-up (October 28). Saturday October 29th 

What I love about Women of Today is that we can support the interests of each other. Is there a cause that you support that you would like to share with others? Is there something that you would like to learn about or do you have something that you would like to share with others? Let me know and let’s plan to make it happen! Each member who sends me an idea to marykam@msn.com will get their name in a drawing for a prize. 

Keep Living, Giving & Sharing MARY

Membership Renewal Ceremony

At our August meeting, we recognized the continued commitment of our members with a Renewal Ceremony for those who renewed in the 1st Trimester. Thank you to Anna N., Becca P., Brenda B., Deb S., Diane WC., Lee L,., Lori W., Meg E., Merrin B., Rebekah B., Renee W., Tawn H., and Teri B for renewing your commitment to Service, Growth and Fellowship! 2nd Trimester Renewal Ceremony will take place at 6:30pm before the December meeting.

- Theresa Carpenter 

Message from the President, September

Summer is ending and we completed the 1st trimester of the Women of Today year. Since May we have done the following: 

• Monthly Lunch Bunch 

• Learned about the benefits of drinking water, how much to drink each day and ways to make it a daily habit. In addition, Colleen shared information about setting up positive sleep habits and healthy snacks lists. Members attended a Cardio-drumming class 

• Rachel got us involved with the Habitat Restoration at Bassett Creek Park, led a nature walk and shared information about composting. 

• Donated over 20 birthday bags to NEAR Food Shelf

 • Donated and attended the Crescent Cove Back to School Event, painted and donated suncatchers to Crescent Cove 

• Teamed up with One Good Deed to provide school supplies and personal care products for 100 teenage girls 

• As a sponsor of the Off-Broadway Theater presentation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, members had front row reserved seating 

• Members purchased or sold Metro Dining Cards, and signed up for the Raise Right (scrip) fundraiser 

• Book lovers held their bi-monthly book club in May & July. 

• Members attended District 7 meeting in July and District picnic in August. 

• Members of the Cooper Arts and Craft Fair committee were busy making plans for the upcoming Cooper Craft Fair.

 For the 2nd trimester things on the agenda include: 

• Attending State Convention to renew old friendships or make new friendships; celebrate successes, and learn about upcoming events

 • Plan and Hold a Domestic Violence Prevention community presentation at the YMCA 

• Cooper Arts and Crafts Fair 

• The Holiday Shopping Spree If anyone has any ideas for activities, want to help plan a social, or share a talent with the group let me know! 

Continue Living, Giving and Sharing! Mary

Lunch Bunch!

August Lunch Bunch will be at Rachel’s home on the 2nd Wednesday, at 12:30 pm. 

Rachel is planning a fun and unique dining experience for us. She will be choosing for us and serving an assortment of foods from A to Z African Deli in Brooklyn Center, and will be hosting Lunch Bunch at her home. 

Weather permitting, we will dine outside. 

There will be coconut juice and regular bottled water. IF you want to bring your other beverage, please do. Your cost will be approximately $10.00. 

- Delores Hoseth

Message from the President, August

The Women of Today year is in full swing as we enter the last month of the first trimester. We finished off July with Cardio Drumming and attending the Off-Broadway Musical Theater presentation of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. At the play, we were practically part of the show with our priority up-front seating as a sponsor. In August, there are multiple ways for all of us to get together and get involved. 

For those that love food we have two opportunities to lunch. Friendship Day is August 7th and NHWT members can gather with members from other District 7 chapters, and on the 10th Rachel is hosting the monthly Lunch Bunch. I am looking forward to the Backpacks for Bridging social to fill backpacks for homeless students and teens. There are multiple activities planned for Kids Week covering many interests. In addition, we can partner with other Women of Today chapters for Mini-Golf and the Crescent Cove Back to School event. I hope that everyone can find something that sparks their interest this month. 

If you have any ideas of other socials, service projects, or fundraising ideas please reach out to me!

Mary

Call for Paper Bags!!

I will continue to collect paper grocery bags for Prism. Feel free to drop them off at my house or bring them to a meeting.

- Diane W Carr

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Message from the President, July

So far for July we have had a busy month with activities still to come. We started the month with an impromptu Happy Hour to celebrate the USWT/MNWT Founders’ Day on July 1st. Five of us enjoyed cocktails, chatting and laughs at Pocket Square. Although I was unable to attend the Lunch Bunch on the 12th, I am sure everyone had a great time eating and possibly shopping at The General Store. On Thursday, July 14th nine members had a lively discussion at the bi-monthly book club regarding “The Bookish Life of Nina Hill” by Abbi Waxman. There was a lot of discussion about who keeps their books, shares books, or donate after reading. It was a fun and light read. '

Coming Events: I am looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting some new friends at the MNWT District 7 meeting on Wednesday, July 20 hosted by the Brooklyn Park Women of Today. One of the main reasons I love being a MN Women of Today member is all the friends I have met and hearing about all the fabulous projects that we do. I enjoy planning an annual Birthday Bags activity each year during the month of July since everyone should have a birthday cake. It will be great to see everyone Thursday, July 21 at the Rockford Road Library. Monday, July 25-Monthly Meeting with Orientation prior to meeting. We will be having a speaker at our meeting from One Good Deed. Thursday, July 28 Cardio Drumming 6:30 pm. A free class for NHWT and guests at Rockin Nutrition in Plymouth. Also on July 28th as sponsor for the New Hope Off Broadway Theater presentation of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” we will be attending the play at 8:00 pm. Rock it out at Cardio Drumming and then rock it out at the musical!

Mary

Book Worms Book Club

Here's our list for this year. I've also included a link to our online bookclub where we have our meetings/ books, etc. 

Anybody can join us to see what we are reading. 

July 14th, 2022 - The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman 

September 15th, 2022 - Send for Me by Lauren Fox 

November 10th, 2022 - Safe from the Sea by Peter Geye 

January 12, 2023 - Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

 https://bookclubs.com/clubs/18167/join/5c5e04/https://bookclubs.com/

- Lori Windschitl 

Walking Indoors

No matter what weather we have like, raining, snowing, sleeting, hailing, or windy out, you can still walk. We are fortunate to have indoor walking tracks for us to use in our community. 

Here are a few for you to try out. 

• New Hope Ice Arena: 44949 Louisiana Ave N. New Hope 

• Plymouth Community Center: 14800 34th Ave. N 

• Plymouth Fieldhouse Walking Dome: (This is a dome next to the community center) 

• Maple Grove Walking Dome: 9880 Fernbrook Lane, Maple Grove

      - Colleen Todd

2022-2023 President Mary Kaminski, of the New Hope Women of Today, swears in 5 members of her Board for the upcoming year. Past President Jennifer A, Secretary Becca P, State Delegate Tawn H & Membership VP Theresa C. Missing is Treasurer Jodie M.

Message from the President, May

 Welcome to a new Women of Today year. 

A new year gives us a chance to review the past year, reflecting on the activities and achievements, celebrating the triumphs and making improvements. 

I chose the theme of Living, Giving & Sharing with the following thoughts: 

Living: My hope is that members live a good life, taking care of ourselves with healthy habits, and keeping our minds sharp by learning something new and stepping out of our comfort zones. 

Giving: Using our talents to give to others and giving ourselves grace to reach out to others when we are in need. Sharing: That each of us share our talents, hopes and dreams. Sharing and celebrating our lives and also feeling comfortable sharing when we need a helping hand. 

Live your best life. Give your best. Share the successes and the challenges. Let’s have a great year. 

Mary

Free Health Class for Women