Sep 13, 2023

NHWT Trivia Time

These September and October related trivia questions are brought to you by the USWT and  www.triviaquestionquiz.com. How many can you answer?

1. In the Harry Potter books, what is the day on which the Hogwarts Express departs for the start of school?

2. What was the name of the first Beatles release on October 5, 1962?

3. According to US stats, more babies on average are born in which month than any other month of the year?

4. Why is October the perfect time to go stargazing?

5. Shakespeare never mentioned which month in any of his plays or sonnets?

6. When is Patriot Day in the USA?

7. Halloween is better known by what name?





Trivia Answers Below 





1. The Hogwarts Express departs on 9/1. 

2. The Beatles released “Love Me Do” on 10/05/1962. 

3. On average, more babies are born in the month of September. 

4. October is perfect for stargazing because the night sky is much clearer. 

5. Shakespeare never mentioned October in any of his plays or sonnets. 

6. Patriot Day, a day to remember/thank veterans for their service is September 11. 

7. Halloween is also known as All Hallows’ Eve. 


Sep 6, 2023

NHWT Member Spotlight – Rachel B

 


Our September Member Spotlight is Rachel. This year she our chapter Community Connections LPM. She is the author of our monthly Eco-Minute articles and keeps our chapter informed on ways we can be more ECO friendly as a group.  Rachel says (referring to the photo) “We went geocaching when I was able to finally come out of quarantine. I didn't make it much longer after this photo. I was still quite sick, actually.”



Rachel’s Favorite Color: Green

Rachel’s Favorite Snacks: Snickers

Rachels’s Favorite Project/Social: Cards Against Humanity was probably the most fun.

Rachel’s Recipe to Share:

Kale chips

Ingredients:

  • Kale
  • Oil
  • Soy Sauce

Directions:

  •  Take off the spine from the kale and rub with oil and soy sauce.
  • Bake at a lower heat (300F). Flip every 5 minutes until crispy, but not too dark.

Aug 30, 2023

NHWT at the Minnesota State Fair

New Hope members joined others from across the state to visit the new Women of Today bench at the Minnesota State Fair. As a chapter we are very proud of this bench, as it was our very own Jennifer A who not only proposed the idea to the MNWT, she did all the initial planning and set our organization up with the fund initial raising needed.  






Aug 23, 2023

New Hope WT and Social Media

 Instagram

NHWT has an Instagram account and has pretty cool stuff on it, check it out! www.instagram.com/new_hope_wt/

• #1 Follow our account

• #2 Share our account information on Facebook

• #3 Like and comment on our pictures

Facebook

New Hope Women of Today – http://www.facebook.com/NewHopeWomenOfToday

New Hope Women of Today Cooper Craft Fair – www.facebook.com/NewHopeCCF

• Take time to like our Facebook pages and share our posts and events.

YouTube 

https://www.youtube.com/user/NewHopeWomenOfToday

Aug 16, 2023

Cooper Craft Fair

By Rita Johnson

We're getting closer to our big fundraiser Cooper Craft Fair in October, so we will be posting the Sign Up Genius link on our website and emailing it out to the members to sign up for shifts for the weekend. We need as much help as we can get both on Friday night when we mark the spaces and all day Saturday when the craft show is being held. Friends, relatives and older children are always welcome to volunteer as well.

Aug 12, 2023

NHWT Member Spotlight – Zac F


Our August Member Spotlight is Zachary. This year they are our chapter Youth of Today LPM. You can find them at chapter meetings, socials, and youth projects. A member of less than a year, Zac has already been reaching outside their comfort zone to try new things.  

Zac’s Favorite Color: Pink/Teal

Zac’s Favorite Snacks: Anything sour

Zac’s Favorite Project/Social: I miss duk duk daze!  I loved interacting with all the kids and local community.




Zac’s Recipe to Share:

Peanut Butter Pie

·        Ingredients:

o   1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust

o   1 cup creamy peanut butter

o   8 ounces cream cheese, softened

o   1 cup powdered sugar

o   1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip

·        Directions:

o   In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Fold in Cool Whip until completely incorporated.

o   Pour into prepared graham cracker pie crust. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.


Aug 9, 2023

Service From The Heart

Our members are outstanding. In July we collected over $300 in children's pajamas for the children's hospital and assembled 50 birthday bags for our local food shelf. 






Aug 6, 2023

Woodland Restoration Project - New Hope WT Day at the Park

Four members, three NHWT guests, and two community members came together to pull the buckthorn trees at Hagemeister Pond in Crystal. The event started with a tour of the pond learning about the different native plants and how they support the local wildlife. There was a short training on identifying and pulling the buckthorn followed by fun and hard work by all. 


For more information on upcoming restoration events contact the city of Crystal Parks and Rec. The New Hope Chapter will be back next year to sponsor a day or two. 

The buckthorn with orange are too large to be removed by volunteers.

Hagemeister Pond, Crystal

A few of the many Buckthorn pulled during the 90 minute event.



Aug 3, 2023

Road to Wellness with District 8

 By Anna Nichols

People have asked me what is next after competing my second hip replacement surgery this year. I love this question. I get very excited and shout out, "I'm going to do a 5k!" That is when the odd looks start. Not this year, but next year. I'm walking, not running, my goal isn't speed. I am looking forward to the accomplishment of crossing the finish line. This is where the 'Road to Wellness with District 8' comes in. Our District is inviting members to join together and complete a 5K race (walk).

April is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the warming fresh air. April is the perfect time to enjoy chocolate. The Minneapolis Hot Chocolate 5K will be held oApril 13, 2024 and District 8 is coming together to do this race. This is not a volunteer project, but instead a self-care activity. As a district members are encouraged to sign up and participate (do/run/jog/walk) in the Minneapolis Hot Chocolate 5K. Everyone at all levels is invited to join in the fun. Some of us will run faster than others. Some of us will walk slower than others. Find someone in the chapter or district to walk/run with or go alone at your own pace. We will all meet up at the end for Hot Chocolate, conversation, and a photo or two.  

Details:

  • Hot Chocolate Run - Minneapolis , April 13, 2024

Location & time:

  • Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 - 5k start time: 8:10 am

Cost:

  • $5 Discount Code: DUZIMLGYWK
  • $44.00 through February 4th, 2024
  • $49.00 through March 3rd, 2024
  • $59.00 through March 31st, 2024
  • $64.00 until registration closes

Register:

Post-run party:

  • A chocolate lover's oasis awaits at the post-run party! Celebrate your accomplishment with a finisher mug that includes fondue, dippables, and our very own hot chocolate, while checking out our exciting vendors and listening to great tunes!

Photos & timing:

  • Professionally timed results and free high-res photos will be emailed to all participants as soon as they cross the finish line. The link below will also be updated on race day, so be sure to check back then!


5K FYIs: 

(Referenced from "(Referenced from The 10-Week Couch to 5K Training Plan for New Runners, www.runnersworld.com)

 

1) 5K is short for five kilometers, where one kilometer is equivalent to 0.62 of a mile, making a 5K race 3.1 miles in length. 

2) Between settling into a new routine and sore, achy muscles, you may feel like you’re not improving. Be patient. Running does get easier over time. The physiological changes that need to occur within your body to make running feel more comfortable typically take four to six weeks. So don’t give up before that.

3) Example Run-Walk Progression:

  • ·        1-minute run / 1-minute walk
  • ·        2-minute run / 1-minute walk
  • ·        3-minute run / 1-minute walk
  • ·        4-minute run / 1-minute walk
  • ·        5-minute run / 1-minute walk
  • ·        3-minute run / 30-second walk
  • ·        4-minute run / 30-second walk
  • ·        5-minute run / 30-second walk

4) Some days you’ll be flat-out tired, unmotivated, or just dislike running. The planned workout may seem like an enormous undertaking. That’s fine, and you may very well have a valid reason. When these days happen, it’s essential to do something. Anything. Even if just a fraction of what’s planned, that’s better than nothing.

5) If something feels off or there is pain present, it’s far better to rest that day, let it calm down, and live to run another day.

6) You don’t have to pay attention to (or push) exact numbers, but you do want to pace yourself, which simply means making the first part of your run slower than your last part. This can take some practice—it’s common to go out too fast—so keep trying out what pace works for you. Start even slower than you think you need to and that might start you off on the right foot.

Aug 2, 2023

July Lunch Bunch Update

 El Loro was a great Lunch Bunch location in July! Pictured left to right: Rita, Mary Kay, Diane, Kathy, Delores and Meg.





August Lunch Bunch

Location: Dancing Ganesha, St. Louis Park

Date: August 9th ( 2nd Wednesday each month )

Time: 12:30 pm

Hope you can join us! RSVP to Delores

Aug 1, 2023

August Note from President Tawn

August finds us in the dog days of summer. With the very warm temps that we have been having, it seems like we have been there for a month already. I continue to be busy with kid activities. Abigail and her traveling softball team won state for their league and are on to Nationals in South Dakota. Later this month I will be packing her off to college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

We have been having a fantastic 1st trimester. Thank you to everyone that renewed their membership for 1st trimester. If you haven’t renewed and would still like to, the final deadline is August 15th. I truly am grateful to all our members and the unique talents that each of you bring to this organization. Congratulations and welcome to our newest member Carol. I look forward to learning more about you.

Thank you to everyone who made it to all the fun events we had in July. Thank you to those who donated new PJ’s at our “slumber party” July general meeting. A great time was had by all. We assembled 50 birthday bags for the food shelf. We are still in need of 22 sets of birthday plates and napkins. If you find yourself at the dollar store, please consider picking some up. After the meeting, Abigail, taught us how to make friendship bracelets. The membership social at Pocket Square looked like a blast. I was getting updates while I was studying sleep medicine in balmy Phoenix.  Even if it is dry heat, 115 degrees is hot. We also celebrated Founder’s Day, had a policy and bylaw review, The Lunch Bunch lunched and the Book Worms met to discuss. We learned about nature as we walked and enjoyed some excellent theater in the outdoor amphitheater at New Hope City Hall.

I look forward to our August activities. We are kicking it off with the President/State Delegate retreat, packing hygiene kits at Dottie’s house for One Good Deed, Day at the Diamond, A fun event at Como Park for kid’s week and a picnic for our general meeting at my house. There is room in the calendar to have a craft night if anyone would be interested in hosting one.

The question I would like to pose is, Who do we and how do we want to be in our words and actions?

I hope you will be able to join us for some of the August events as you continue to enjoy summer.

Tawn H.

Jul 30, 2023

Safari at the Zoo

By Zach Fincher

Join us at Como Zoo to kick-off Youth of Today Week, Sunday, August 20th, for our Safari at the Zoo. Activities will be planned for all who attend. Bring your children, grandchildren and invite friends. 

Jul 27, 2023

An Introduction to the 23-24 Year Women’s Wellness (WW) Area

 Sharon Bergquist from Duluth WT is the 2023 – 2024 MNWT WW SPM. Her emphasis this year is Women’s Heart Disease. Her 1st trimester challenge to chapters is to make sure your members understand their numbers.

What Are Your Numbers? And Where Do They Fall In The Chart?

Blood Pressure            Systolic (upper)            Diastolic (lower) 

Normal                        Less Than 120                  Less Than 80

Elevated                      120 – 129                               Less Than 80

High Blood Pressure   130 – 139                              80 – 89 (hypertension stage 1)

High Blood Pressure   140 or Higher                   90 or higher  (hypertension stage 2))

Hypertensive Crisis      Higher Than 180      Higher Than 120  (Consult your physician  ASAP)

 

Cholesterol Levels should be under 200

 

Consider being the NHWT WW Local Programming Manager (LPM) this year. This project can take anywhere from one to three hours a month. Each trimester you will receive an information packet from the state with option ideas to share with the chapter. You along with all members, can also come up with your own unique ideas to support the area. If you have a passion for Heart Health, this is the place to be.




 

Jul 24, 2023

A Few Fun Photos

 

Lunch Bunch
May Lunch Bunch


Hugs for Hunter Project



Coffee At Caribou


Social at Bella's


MN I-35 Bridge Turning Blue for Women of Today



BINGO



Happy Hour


June Lunch Bunch


District 8 Recognition and Team Work Activities



Hugs for Hunter - Completed Basket

Jul 22, 2023

An Introduction to the 23-24 Year Priority Area (Crescent Cove) Programming Area

Sara Rocksted from Monticello WT is the 2023-2024 MNWT Priority Area SPM. This is the third and final year supporting Crescent Cove as the statewide project. 1st trimester she is asking chapters and members  to donate craft supplies from the requested wish list . If you donate an item please let President Tawn know when you donated and the value of what you donated.

Consider being the NHWT Priority Area Local Programming Manager (LPM) this year. This project can take anywhere from one to three hours a month. Each trimester you will receive an information packet from the state with option ideas to share with the chapter. You along with all members, can also come up with your own unique ideas to support the area. New Hope has been supporting Crescent Cove long before it was a MNWT Priority Area and will continue to support it in different ways for years to come. If you are passionate about this organization being the LPM is a great way to transition us into future years of support.




Jul 19, 2023

Writing Competition Open to All WT Members

 By Deb McDonald, USWT Wellness and Personal Development

Do you enjoy writing? Are you looking for an opportunity to try something new? All members have an opportunity to participate in the USWT writing competition this year. Entries are due postmarked by September 15, 2023. For questions, contact Deb at wpd@uswomenoftoday.org.

·        Topic: What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic? How it affected your job, family and life in general?

·        Length: 600-800 words

·        Due: September 15, 2023

This is a great way for members to expand our skill sets and try new things a little out of our everyday activities.

Participating is as easy as one, two, three.

1.     1. Write your article.

2.      2. Email your entry to WPD@uswomenoftoday.org.  Include in your email the following Information.

Competition Stat Sheet – Writing

v  Chapter/State:

v  Name:

v  Email:

v  Street Address:

v  Topic: What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic?

v  Title:

3.      3. Mail the $5 fee (made out to USWT with writing competition in the memo line) to Deb McDonald 2709 NE Lyndon CT Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64086.




Jul 17, 2023

August Service Project in Conjunction With One Good Deed

  By Dottie Voigt

New Hope Women of Today will be participating in the Backpacks for Bridging service project. This event constructs backpacks filled with personal care items, snacks and school supplies for homeless teens. We have been asked to provide 50 menstrual kits and 50 men's hygiene kits. We will need the following supplies or cash donations by 08/01/23:

  • 100 1 gallon Ziploc bags
  • 100 mens razors (2 per kit)
  • 50 mens shaving cream
  • 50 mens deodorant
  • 50 2 oz hand sanitizers
  • 50 travel size wet ones
  • 400-500 tampons, various types (8-10 per kits)
  • 400-500 pads, various types (8-10 per kit)

We will also accept any other personal care items, snacks (granola bars, beef jerky, etc.), and school supplies if you are interested in donating additional items.

There will host a social at my house to construct the kits prior to the 08/15/23 deadline. As always, there will be food, beverages and prizes. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Thank you for your support of this worthwhile project.


Jul 15, 2023

GET SIGNED UP WITH RAISERIGHT

Help New Hope Women of Today fundraise with RaiseRight.

Our chapter can easily earn $1,000 or more each year simply by paying for everyday things with gift cards instead of debit or credit cards. Up to 20% of every gift card purchase from RaiseRight automatically goes toward our organization’s earnings, directly supporting the cause you care about—no extra time or money spent. (It's as easy as it sounds!)

Instructions for signing up

Sortable listing of businesses 

Jul 13, 2023

An Introduction to the 23-24 Year Living and Learning (LL) Programming Area

Pat Undersander from Albany WT is the 2023-2024 MNWT LL SPM. She is asking every member to consider completing the Living and LearningCertification this year. In addition to the basic sections of the Living and Learn Certification, each year the State Program Manager may additional items of their choice. Her additions this year are  1. Plan a day to help a “person in need” who would like to simplify their life in some way; with organizing their home, a room, a closet, or anything of their choice. 2.  Write in a journal every day for “a week” three things you are grateful for to help instill “Gratefulness” in your life.

Consider being the NHWT LL Local Programming Manager (LPM) this year. This project can take anywhere from one to three hours a month. Each trimester you will receive an information packet from the state with option ideas to share with the chapter. You along with all members, can also come up with your own unique ideas to support the area. A few fun items the state offers are certifications and impromptu competitions. The USWT offers a certification and writing competition.



Jul 10, 2023

Join Us At Caribou!

Who
WhenAnyone and Everyone
Sundays, 12pm – 2pm
WhereCaribou Coffee, 4345 Nathan Ln N, Plymouth, MN 55442
WhatJoin a New Hope WT member or two to learn more about us. This is a great way to learn about the impact New Hope WT has on the community, the benefits of being a member , and make connections with others in the community. 

Jul 6, 2023

USWT Presidential Pin Recipient, Mary H

Congratulations to 22-23 USWT Presidential Pin Recipient Mary H. Mary served our chapter as President last year and this year is representing us as Past president and Parliamentarian.   



Jul 3, 2023

NHWT Member Spotlight – Rita J


Our July Member Spotlight is Rita. This year she is our chapter MVP. She is currently on her last year of Chairing the Cooper Craft Fair. You can find her at most of our chapter meetings, socials and projects. Rita was our chapter’s president in 2018/19 and again in 2019/20.

 

Rita’s Favorite Color: blues, especially royal and turquoise

Rita’s Favorite Snacks: popcorn & Cadbury bars.

Rita’s Favorite Project/Social: craft fair & game nights (bingo, cards, whatever)





Rita’s Recipe to Share:

Sloppy Joe's also known as Sloppy Rita's

·        Step 1

1 1/2 - 2 pounds of ground beef and 2 Tbsp dried chopped onion or 1 medium onion – browned

·        Step 2

Add: 1 can tomato soup, 1/2 C ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp chili powder, salt and pepper to taste. Can add more chili powder or brown sugar to your taste also.

·        Step 3

     Simmer until thickens to serve.


 

Jul 1, 2023

July Note from President Tawn

Happy July!

We have finally gotten to summer. June was such a whirl wind of starting a new NHWT year, graduation, graduation parties and sporting events. As we navigate these hectic months, please take a moment to enjoy the gifts of summer. Beautiful weather, long evenings and time spent with family and friends. You will be able to find me at most NHWT events and the softball fields Tuesday and Thursday evenings. When I am not out and about, I enjoy spending time on my back patio. This month, I am looking forward to the Pocket Square social, coffee chats at Caribou, the slumber party at our general meeting and the Off Broadway Outdoor Theater. I hope you will join me at these events.

If you have any questions about events, ideas for new events or concerns, please contact me.

Tawn H




Happy WT Founder's Day!

Today, we celebrate our national organization. July 1 has been designated as United States Women of Today Founder’s Day. The national organization was founded on July 1, 1985.

Women of Today is about people.
Women of Today is about community service.
Women of Today is about leadership training and development.
Women of Today is about fostering friendships and developing relationships within your community.
Women of Today is about making a difference, making a friend, and having an impact on your community through community service efforts.
Women of Today may look a little bit different in each community because each community is unique. That’s what the Women of Today is all about.



Jun 29, 2023

New Hope WT is on Instagram

NHWT has an Instagram account and has pretty cool stuff on it, check it out! 

    #1 Follow our account

    #2 Share our account information on Facebook

    #3 Like and comment on our pictures





Jun 22, 2023

Metro Dining Cards

By Rita Johnson

New Hope WT will be selling Metro Dining Cards again this year. The cost is the same as last year, over 130 cards, usable every month until May 31, 2024. These cards are good for businesses in the west and southwest metro and give discounts from $5 up to about $15 for the meal BOGOs. This is a great opportunity to try new restaurants.

If you think friends or relatives would benefit from the deals they offer, please share the information. Our chapter receives $10 for each box to help pay for our chapter expenses.

I will bring the cards to the June meeting and you can pick up boxes to sell if you are interested. At this time, there is no cut off date, we will sell until we decide we are done.


Jun 15, 2023

Bingo at Outtakes

By Deb C

Back by popular demand! Tuesday, June 27th we will meet at Outtakes to socialize and try to take home a win or two. 6:00pm if you want to eat first or 7:00pm, if you're just coming for Bingo! Cost for all 10 games with stand- and 3 cards is $10. You can bring your own dobber or we have a bunch that you can borrow. Outtakes is located on Winnetka just north of Medicine Lake Rd. Guests are welcome, but if attending please contact me and let me know how many are coming. I will re- serve tables for all.

Jun 10, 2023

Crystal Woodland Restoration Project


This is a team of community volunteers, led by New Hope WT member Rachel B, proud of the pile of buckthorn they’ve removed on June 1, 2023