CWF Newsletter - March 2023
President's Message

Spring is in the air, and it feels amazing! Warm temperatures and a bit of rain in February makes me anticipate everything beginning to bloom. I hope the vibrant colors, spring air flowing into your home ( I love open windows), and amazing sunrises and sunsets that are on their way will empower you in new ways.

As members of CWF we help empower our fellow sisters, the recipients of the President's Charity, and women attending Craven Community College.

Empowering women has always been at the heart of the CWF’s mission. Through our Scholarship Program, begun in 2017, we have empowered DeAnne, Christine, Jennifer, Sylvia, Tabita, and Albina to complete their area of study at Craven Community College. It is our goal to continue this important program, however, due to price increases and budget constraints, our ability to do so is at risk.

To help fortify the future of this program, we have opened a donation page on our website, https://coastalwomensforum.com/Scholarship for any member who would like to personally contribute to this fund. Historically, we have provided an annual scholarship of $2,000 and hope to meet that level this year. We must decide on the amount we are able to donate to next year’s scholarship recipient by March 1st and any donations made by our members will significantly impact our ability to do so. I thank you for your consideration and will keep you all updated on the status of our scholarship program.

One final note, I offer each of us a March challenge: intentionally slow down, to whatever degree you can, and acknowledge that it is okay to do so. We are often our own worst advocates, putting needless pressure on ourselves that we don't deserve. Be Kind (to yourself) and engage in things that add value to your day.

Look forwarding to seeing you all at our March daytime meeting and of course, CWF's Annual Trade Share Event!


Gratefully yours,

Kelly
Upcoming Events
Join CWF's Next Pop Up Event!
Wine and Design
Thursday, February 23 from 6-8:00pm
It's A pARTy 

Event Date: Thursday, Feb. 23rd From: 6:00pm - 8:00 PM
Price: $35 per person
Location: Wine & Design
1910 S Glenburnie Rd. Suite E\F

This pARTy is BYOB, bring your favorite beverages and snacks. Everyone is encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early as we will start the pARTy right on time. 


Reservation deadline is Sunday, Feb. 19th at 4:00pm. Book Your spot now!

Everyone in the studio must have a paid ticket to be present.

Here is the link to YOUR event on our calendar:
https://www.wineanddesign.com/calendar/newbern-nc/event/cwf-pop-up-wine-design
Once you click on it, you will need to put in the unique code-
Guest Code: CWFPOPUP
Coastal Women’s Forum's March Daytime Meeting
March 15th, 2023, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm


It’s Show Time!

It is an exciting time at The New Bern Civic Theatre!

The Theatre held a gala Grand Re-Opening Open House on February 10 to celebrate major renovations to the Athens Theatre that showcased its first production in 1911.

Renovations include all new seating, state-of-the-art sound system, new lighting, new stage, new bathrooms and the Hearne Jewel Box Balcony. 

The renovations were made possible through generous community support, volunteerism, and contributions. 

New Bern Civic Theatre Board of Directors Vice President, Amber McCracken, will join Coastal Women’s Forum at our March 15 meeting to share the vision and hard work behind the Theatre’s transformation. She will also share insight into the new productions scheduled for 2023!    

To learn more about the beautiful renovations, creative fund-raising campaign, and amazing shows planned for this season, join Amber at our March 15 meeting at 11:30 AM at The Flame Banquet and Catering Center.  
Thank You to Our March Daytime Meeting Dessert Sponsor
I have been a Real Estate Broker/Realtor for over 30 years and I just love what I do!!!
 
I am very fortunate to be associated with RE/MAX Homestead.
 
The last 3 years I could only due "Referrals" due to my Heart/Health problems. But I have just started back to working full time. I am excited to be working with buyers and sellers again.
 
I work with both buyers and sellers in 4 counties: Craven, Carteret, Pamlico, and Jones Counties. I help them with their real estate needs for Relocation, Investment Properties, Primary, Second, or Vacation homes.
 
I especially love helping first time buyers--it is very exciting for them.
 
I give back to the community through different local charities and the RE/MAX association with the Children's Miracle Network.
 
Please call me--"Miss Julia" 252-514-7270
Coastal Women’s Forum's Annual Trade Share Event
March 23rd, 2023, 5:30 am to 7:30 pm

Spring Into Trade Share on Thursday, March 23
and join us for a fun-filled evening!
We are excited to announce we will be opening the event to the PUBLIC this year, so help us spread the word! 
Trade Share is an opportunity for CWF Members to display their products and services to their CWF sisters and attendees in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. 
Place: The Flame Restaurant on Neuse Boulevard
Time: 5:30 -7:30 pm.
Cost: $30.
Want a table to display your goods and services?
Please email Deedra to reserve your FREE spot today. Tables are six foot and will be covered. Tables are limited and will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. deedradurocher@gmail.com.
Trade Share is also a wonderful opportunity for non-exhibitors to meet their CWF sisters and learn more about their businesses. We will have door prizes throughout the evening! And yes, there will be food!
If you would like to donate door prizes please email Lisa - lisaesposito27@yahoo.com 
Welcome to Our New Members
  • Kiana Breckenridge - SOS Global Express
  • Deirdre Kiernan - Independent Author & Editor
  • Valerie Phillips - Seniors Choosing to Live at Home
  • Olivia Thompson - Seniors Choosing to Live at Home
  • Marilyn Ramsey (invited by Katy Pugh)
  • Mistral Myers
  • India Murray - Providence Hair Studio (invited by Bonita Simmons & Kelly)
  • Heather Atwater (invited by Ginger Goff)
  • Katie Shorter - Pamlico Community College Small Business Center
Member News
The Secret!
The secret to our over 96%+ Reorder rate is EXCEPTIONAL Products! Everyone who tries a Melaleuca product for the first time is completely unfamiliar with it. Except that someone recommended it, or even shared a product.

There has been no advertising, no celebrity endorsement, no reviews on social media. And you won’t find any melaleuca product on a store shelf. Yet, Melaleuca products enjoy some of the highest customer satisfaction of any consumer-packaged goods.  

We are a different kind of company. We offer our products directly from our manufacturing facilities to our shoppers. You are referred to shop by someone like me, Martha Massaad. 

I would love to do a zoom call with you to tell you about products that are backed by science and proven to be better and different. 252.269.5171 or schedule a time…..https://tidycal.com/investinyourwellness4ever/30-minute-meeting

There is one thing that matters & that is YOUR health"

Saha - to your health   
Martha Smith Massaad

252.269.5171

A Huge Thank You to Our CWF “Sister’s”

We were honored to be selected as this year’s President’s Charity and want to sincerely thank Kelly Michaud for seeing Tried By Fire, Inc. and My Sister’s House as an example of her theme of “Embracing Empowerment Together”.

Our thanks to all the CWF members who donated a very generous total of $1,674.00!

My Sister’s House will be the first transitional home specifically designed to assist women as they are released from prison so they will have a viable address and support while working on reentry and reunification with their children. Our December speakers, Nigeria at our dinner meeting, and Cathy at our luncheon meeting, shared their personal and powerful stories of turning their lives around from a past mistake to a more self-reliant and impressive present.

As we look forward to welcoming our first guests at My Sister’s House later this spring, we are grateful for our CWF sisters who share our vision of a safe, supportive shelter “Where your past doesn’t matter.”

Bonita Simmons, Executive Director & Chief Vision Officer, TBFI
Deedra Durocher, Volunteer & Resource Coordinator, TBFI & MSH

Greetings Ladies!

Welcome March, In like a Lion and out like a Lamb.  

Isn’t it time to take care of you? As women we are always caring for everyone in our lives.

Reflect upon this and give me a call to set up your much deserved Massage Therapy Session.

The mattress warmer and stones are just the right temperature to relax those tight muscles.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Elise


Elise A. Medenbach, LMBT #327 Massage Therapy
Tyson Professional Center
1425 South Glenburnie Road, Suite 6
New Bern, NC 28560
252 474-6118

Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour

The New Bern Historical Society invites you to an exciting storytelling event, the Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour, March 23, 24; 25, 6-9pm at New Bern Battlefield Park.

You will be taken on a 60-minute guided, lantern-lit walk through the wooded battlefield trails, where spirits from New Bern's Civil War past will share their inspiring stories of courage and conviction. You will hear from:

  • A devoted wife who bravely fought disguised as a man
  • A tale of friends who found themselves on opposing sides of the war
  • An influential freedwoman who was instrumental in the recruitment of Black soldiers
  • A skilled nurse who was also a plucky Confederate spy
  • Plus Music and tales about daring escapes via the Underground Railroad
  •  And more!

Tickets and more information at www.newbernhistorical.org.
Submitted by Mickey Miller, New Bern Historical Society; ph. 252.638.8558; email director@newbernhistorical.org.
Calling for Volunteers!

The first Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour in 2021 was an enormous success. The NBHS is running the event again Thursday, March 23 – Saturday, March 25 from 6pm-9pm. It is very much like the Ghost Walk in that visitors travel in groups from “skit” to “skit”, listening to characters recite their scripts that reflect historical events of the Battle of New Bern.

One of the most important roles is that of our Lantern Guides. They guide each visitor group from site to site along the trails in the battlefield park. As the Lantern Guide coordinator, I am looking for a few more good guides; our CWF members are so perfect for this! It is loads of fun!
Requirements:
  • Memorization and delivery of six, short introductions that you will recite to the visitors, so comfort with public speaking is necessary
  • Ability to navigate the (mostly) flat trails in the park
  • Availability for one rehearsal and the evenings of the event.
  • Attire: White top, black bottoms and dark shoes with dark soles.

If interested, please contact Katie Shorter ASAP at 252.670.2468 or
shorter.ka@gmail.com. Thank you!"
Don't Forget to Submit!

Remember to submit your 150 word blurb to cwfnewsletter@gmail.com along with a jpeg or png image by the 10th of the month for the next newsletter.