Here Come the Holidays!

A message from WPF President, Cecelia Anderson

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. The leaves have changed, I’ve switched out the last of my summer wardrobe in place of sweaters and boots, and I’m already working on my holiday gift list (one word for you – Bazaar!)

My favorite thing about the holiday season are the traditions. Growing up, I was the one in my family who insisted we always do everything the same as we did the year before. I guess that’s the planner in me- I like knowing what to expect, when to expect it, and how everything will play out. Things don’t always goes as planned or as they went in previous years but that’s ok; that’s how new traditions are formed.

As my kids get older, I love seeing how traditions from my childhood have become their traditions. Passing traditions on from one generation to the next is what keeps the tradition alive. Sharing traditions is also a great way to connect and strengthen relationships, whether with family or with friends who have become family.

Some of my favorite holiday traditions:

• Greensboro’s Running of the Turkeys Thanksgiving Day 5k

• Picking out one ornament a year for my kids, just like my mom used to do for me, that represents something important about the year.

• Gathering with the same group of friends every year since 2013 for the Running of the Balls.

• Brunch with our closest friends every year on Christmas Eve.

• Christmas Eve family meatball dinner while watching The Polar Express.

• My husband’s homemade French toast on Christmas morning, made using Print Work’s Bistro recipe that they kindly shares with me years ago.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? It’s never too late to start one!

 

Come ready to shop! 25 vendors offering  art, gifts, accessories, jewelry, fashion, and tasty indulgences. Proceeds benefit the WPF Foundation whose mission is to create opportunities to empower women and girls in Guilford County to achieve their leadership and professional dreams.

 

There will be two unique “experiences” to bid on during our “Silent Auction” this year!  All bids start at $1,000.

A Performance by “Taboo Sue”

Enjoy a two-set musical experience in your setting – and enhance your fundraiser, party or birthday celebration with positive energy and uplifing music spanning the genres of rock, folk, funk, and more. Taboo Sue covers Bonnie Raitt, REO Speedwagon, Rolling Stones, Toto, Fleetwood Mac and more! Band members include WPF members Frenesa Hall and Christina Rama, Lyn Koonce (married to a WPF member) and Kami Rowan.

Value $ 1,500! Performances are available in the greater Greensboro area, including sound equipment and sound technician.

One Week in Duck, NC on the Outer Banks

Enjoy a week of relaxation and fun at “RX OBX PRN,” a 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the Barrier Island Station.  The condo is convenient to Duck’s restaurants and shops, with a short walk to the beach and many amenities including a large outdoor pool, tennis courts, pickle ball courts and more.  This condo sleeps six and is well-equipped for your stay.

Value is $1500-$3900 depending on season. Owner will be as flexible with dates as possible.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: 

 

LUNCH SPONSORS:   .     

BAG SPONSORS:

BAG SPONSORS:  A Fine Line Striping Service, Belvedere Properties, Davenport & Company LLC, Hutchinson Family Offices, Mobility Plus, Smith Partners Wealth Management, & Window Works Studio

 

During my college years, I learned an important design rule: “Form follows function,” a concept by American architect Louis Sullivan. This rule became my life’s guide, making me regularly check if my current shape and purpose stick to the basics.

My life’s path has been a mix of different experiences. I began as an art teacher while studying, then worked at a print shop. After undergrad school, Kyunghee university, I became a glasses designer Seojeon optical company in Korea and Isiyama optical company in Japan. I designed OEM models for Christian Dior, Masuda, Louis Viuitton etc.

After marriage, I was studying at Academy of Art University, San Francisco, to earn my graduate degree, but family issues led me back and I completed my master degree, Kyunghee University, in Korea. I’ve worked as a pharmacy manager to help with my husband’s family business. After moving to America, I also had other jobs such as working at a hotel and a restaurant.

Marriage and moving to the United States brought big changes with both tough times and opportunities. Despite the challenges, I found my true passion after unexpected problems following my move. I realized that I was best at crafts and design. This discovery led me to open and run my own handmade craft shop, Craftroomgso in Greensboro, which has been very satisfying. I’ve been making handmade bags, crochet dolls, and small pottery. Through my craft, I’ve met great people, including those who excel in the world of WPF.

For me, learning a new language and culture has been a powerful way to broaden my perspective. In any field, language helps you express yourself. My work involves finding meaning by exploring new things and pushing my limits. Living in the United States as a Korean-American showed me subtle cultural differences that challenged my initial thoughts. I’ve always been intrigued by reinterpreting elements from different cultures. This often means taking things apart, breaking them down, and putting them back together in new ways.

Steve Jobs’ speech at Stanford University has been a big inspiration. It talks about being yourself while recognizing connections, reminding me to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at me. My ongoing design research and experiments continue to explore how my different roles and experiences shape my life’s form and purpose. This journey keeps evolving, and I’m very grateful for the chance to share my story as a new member of 2023

NEWS & UPDATES

FOUNDATION NEWS

From Kim Eder, WPF Foundation President

Welcome to November, and the season of Thanksgiving!  The Foundation Board wants to thank all of our Sisters for the help and support you give the work of our Foundation.  None of the impact we make is possible without you.

Have you been thinking about your 2023 gift to the WPF Foundation?  Now is the time!  Again this year the Foundation Board has combined to create a $1500 matching fund! Your gift of $50 or more by November 30 will be matched by $50 from the Board. Why?  Because we are really excited about the Foundation’s work for girls and women and we want more of you to enjoy knowing that you are helping create these opportunities.

Whether you’ve given before or this is your first gift, we’ll match your November gift to the WPF Foundation.

Here are four ways you can make your gift:

• You can donate at our table at the November Bazaar

• You can click here to donate:  www.wpforum.org/Donate

• Mail a check – payable to WPFF – to: PO Box 38594, Greensboro, NC 27438

• TEXT to GIVE at: “WPFF” to 44-321

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Proposed Revisions to our Bylaws

The Board of Directors is asking WPF members to approve a set of amended and restated Bylaws. The notion of amending the Bylaws came up in 2022 in connection with a reconsideration of the duties of the Secretary, given the organization’s engaging an administrative assistant. WPF’s Bylaws were first approved by the membership in January 1982 and have been amended 10 times thereafter in various ways. Much has changed since 1982. The North Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act has been amended and electronic transactions have become a way of life. Although the Bylaws could have been amended simply to address the question of the Secretary’s duties, scrutiny of the Bylaws showed that a greater overhaul was warranted than merely making that one change and perhaps correcting typos.

The following describes the more significant items set forth in the proposed amended and restated Bylaws that do not appear in the current Bylaws or are dealt with in a different or more comprehensive manner:

• The name of the organization has been corrected. “Inc.” has never been part of the name of WPF. The name is set out in the WPF articles of incorporation. The Bylaws should conform to the articles.

• The statement of purpose has been deleted. The statement of purpose already appears in the WPF articles of incorporation. It need not be repeated.

• Clarified that membership in WPF is open only to women.

• Clarified that “greater Greensboro area” means Guilford County. This change or clarification was previously adopted in the Policies and Procedures.

• Added that Supporting members may not sponsor new members. This has been the practice and is set out in the Policies and Procedures. The Policies and Procedures may not override the Bylaws and hence this change is necessary.

• Added provisions about electronic transactions, voting by written ballot, electronic voting, and remote meetings.

• Included provisions for proxy voting, which is already permitted to WPF members because neither the articles of incorporation nor the current Bylaws disallow it.

• Added clarification about who is on the Board of Directors, including who is elected by the members versus those serving in an ex officio capacity, and what other persons are elected by the members to various positions, notably membership, programs and nominating committee positions.

• Added standard conflict of interest language.

• Expanded the indemnification provisions.

 

Membership will have the opportunity to vote on the approval of these changes at the December 2023 meeting. Please contact Cecelia Anderson, WPF President, with any questions.

Special Interest Group Upcoming Events

LADIES OF LEISURE

Friday, November 3 @ 10:15 AM
Revolution Mill Tour & Lunch

 

Nick Piornack, Revolution Mill General Manager, is delighted to provide a tour for us. Please arrive by 10:15, as the tour starts at 10:30 AM. We should finish around 11:30 and can dine onsite. Restaurant operating days/hours might shift; therefore, we will finalize a reservation in October. Parking is TBA. RSVP via email to retired@wpforum.org. Please contact Beverly Williams with questions.

SERVICE TO OTHERS

Saturday, November 4th from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM
Reconsidered Goods
4118 Spring Garden Street, Greensboro

 

Service to Others will be working at Reconsidered Goods sorting, bagging, pricing, testing, and/or preparing items. Reconsidered Goods takes donated materials from manufacturers and individuals and helps divert them from the landfill. Instead, these items and materials are put into the hands of artists, makers, teachers and kids to create something new.  Their mission is to promote environmental awareness, community engagement, and creative expression through reuse, education, and the arts – they imagine a world where nothing is used once nor thrown away but instead reused again and again.

Our own Catena Bergevin is the Executive Director of Reconsidered Goods. Thanks, Catena for sponsoring the November Service to Others.   RSVP to Jody Susong at jsusong@triad.rr.com.

SIPPIN’ SISTERS

Third Anniversary Celebration: Mystery Mixology Night! Tuesday, November 14 @ 6:30 pm
Christie Soper’s house

 

Time to cleanse your palettes! You will put your taste buds to the test when you try to guess the ingredients of the mystery cocktails. The winners get a little prize and of course, bragging rights. Anne Smith and Christie Soper are hosting and pouring at Christie’s house. Cost is $30 per person. Please RSVP to annefsmith@gmail.com and send payment via Venmo to @Anne-Smith-4.

WOMEN OF WALL STREET

Thursday, November 16 at 6 pm
Mt. Pisgah UMC, 2600 Pisgah Church Rd.

 

The WOW Investment Club will have its final Business Meeting of the year. We will review the portfolio and make any necessary changes for year end.  Please plan to attend (enter from the farthest door to the left as you are facing the building).

We will not meet in December as everyone is busy with the holidays.  Our Holiday Party will be held on January 25, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the home of Cathy Nosek who has graciously agreed to host the Club.

The Investment Club will be open for new members on January 1st.  Please contact Peggy Ward, SIG Chair, at peggy.ward8@icloud.com if you have questions or wish to join.  The purpose of the Club is the learn about the financial markets and strategies in a comfortable setting.  There are currently 45 members in the Club and it has been in existence for over 30 years.

BOOKS & ARTS

Friday, November 17 5-9 PM
Alamance Arts in Graham

Join us for the 7th annual Alamance Arts Mistletoe and Martinis event in Graham.  This event offers an exclusive shopping experience AND a sneak peek at the 36th annual “Experience Christmas” event at Alamance Arts, an Artful Gathering of Gifts. This is a ticketed event ($50/ticket) with a limited number of spots available.  Mistletoe and Martinis 2023 will feature three selections of specialty martini offerings and hors d’oeuvres, in addition to a selection of artisan and holiday gifts.  All participants will receive a 10% discount off any single item purchased that evening.  The event is limited to 75 guests and proceeds support Alamance Arts’ programs and services.

We are organizing a group to attend this fun annual event.  We usually gather a group and carpool to the event in Graham.  If you are interested, please purchase a ticket at www.alamancearts.org/mistletoe-martinis.  The event tends to sell out, so if you are interested, please buy your tickets online via the link.  If you are interested in carpooling with the group or if you have questions, please reach out to Laura Burton at lburton@foxrothschild.com or 336-337-1942.

WORKING MOMS

Tuesday, November 21, 4-5 pm
The Borough Market and Bar
600 Battleground Ave.

 

Join us for happy hour at The Borough.  Moms of all ages welcome. RSVP to Marlee Foster at marlee.foster@conehealth.com

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WPF ANNUAL HOLIDAY BRUNCH

Sunday December 3rd @ 11:00 a.m.
Print Works Bistro
702 Green Valley Road

 

Join hosts Laura Burton and Jody Susong for this annual event. Only 12 seats available, so register asap!  RSVP via the following link… https://forms.gle/H4cyZeqD6Frcajcp6

Questions: Laura Burton at lburton@foxrothschild.com or Jody Susong at jsusong@triad.rr.com

FINANCIAL DIVAS

Wednesday, November 22 @ 9-10 am
Weaver Park Center, 324 W Wendover Avenue, Suite 140

Financial Divas will gather and discuss “Eldercare Planning – What You Need to Know”. The cost of a nursing home, assisted living facility or home care can be ruinous. Plan ahead by considering strategies and resources to help provide for and pay for eldercare. After all, aging adults have different legal needs than younger adults when it comes to health care, caregiving costs, retirement, disability, guardianship, long-term care and estate planning. Join us in the “O” to share and learn.  Questions? Contact Paula McMillan at pmcmillan@stearnsfinancial.com or 336.337.9507.

The Financial Divas have changed the November meeting date to Wednesday, November 22nd to accommodate Thanksgiving travel with family. We will not meet in December due to holiday commitments, but will resume monthly meetings in January during our regular meeting time – the same fourth Wednesday of the month (Wednesday, January 24) at the same time/location. Look forward to seeing everyone then!

LAIDES OF LEISURE

Friday, December 1 @ Noon or 12:15 PM
Afternoon Tea at the O’Henry Hotel

Join us for afternoon tea at the O. Henry Hotel. We have two reservations – 8 people at noon and another 8 people at 12:15 p.m. RSVP to retired@wpforum.org  for your time preference by Nov. 28. Please contact Dawn Kane at daka1@att.net with any questions.

 

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BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, December 5 @ 7 PM
Location TBD

Join us as we discuss Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Social time at 7:00; book group discussion 7:30. To RSVP, text or call Polly Sizemore at 336-202-6188.

BOOKS & ARTS

Blowing Rock Summer Trip 2024 Reminder

We have reserved two houses in the Misty Mountain neighborhood of Blowing Rock for our summer weekend and can accommodate 18 to 20 women (depending upon room sharing).  We already have 15 of those spaces taken.  If you’re interested in participating in this weekend of shopping, tubing, hiking, spa visits, hanging out with friends on decks with beautiful views or in a hot tub, dining out and attending an outdoor symphony (complete with fireworks) at Chetola, contact Kris Landrum at klandrum@tuggleduggins.com.  Anticipated cost for housing is $220 to $230 for the weekend.  Other costs include symphony tickets (around $45), dining out costs, spa visits, and tubing (around $30).  A deposit of $100 toward housing is required to hold your spot.

Porto, Portugal old town skyline from across the Douro River.

BOOKS & ARTS

Foreign Travel Update

First, thanks to all who attended the recent travel planning interest session. We appreciate your feedback and elaboration on the responses gathered during the travel survey.

DESTINATIONS

Survey results indicated that most are interested in Portugal as the #1 destination. The rest of the Top 10 in order of preference are: Spain, Thailand, Norway, New Zealand, Morocco, France, Iceland, Egypt and Vietnam. The group in attendance also requested that Hawaii be added to the list.

SCHEDULE

We landed on trying to schedule a trip approximately every 6 months beginning in the fall of 2024 for those WPF members who would like to participate. Here’s a tentative schedule:

• Portugal with the option to include Spain – October ‘24

• Thailand combined with at least one other country – Feb ‘25

• Hawaii – Fall ‘25

• New Zealand – Spring ‘26

Given the interest in both Portugal and Spain, I recommended we entertain offering a tour of Portugal and, for those who are interested in extending, we identified a Spain tour that begins the next day after the Portugal tour ends.

TOUR APPROACH

Rather than create a customized itinerary for our small group of travelers, we’ve decided to pursue pre-organized small-group tours, which provide more flexible and affordable options for us.  I have vetted small group tour companies and created a short list of suppliers who specialize in this type of travel and have a consistently good reputation within the travel industry for handling risks and issues before and during trip experiences.

G Adventures offers a guided tour of Portugal (Lisbon to Porto) in partnership with National Geographic Sunday – Sunday, Oct 6-13, 2024. Then they have another tour for southern Spain with Nat Geo Sunday – Sunday, Oct 13-20. Each tour is $2449 per person, so if someone chooses to do both tours back-to-back, the total cost for tours would be $4,898 per person, and dates of travel would be Oct 5 (depart the day before for the overnight travel) – Oct 20. Note: the tours don’t include all the meals; I’d say add another $350-500 per person per week for meals, and then add international flights and tour guide gratuity.

Here are the links to both tours. These are a good value and can work with different levels of activity within a group. A note on the guides – they are more generalists, like a cruise director, than experts on specific topics, so if folks wanted an expert art guide in the Prado museum as an example, that would be extra cost, but easily arranged and reasonably priced depending on the number of travelers.

GUESTS

We have received feedback from both those who would like to keep the trips as ladies only and those who would like to invite male spouses/significant others. One idea we are entertaining is setting up two group tours, one for women only and one for mixed groups/couples, that would run the same dates. There may be a bit of overlap in terms of both groups meeting up for a meal as an example, but the tours would be operated separately, eg separate transportation, guides, dining, etc. Whether we run one or both depends on the demand from you all.

At this point, we need to know who would be interested in Portugal, Spain, or both tours and if you would prefer to be on a women’s only tour or a mixed couples’ tour. Once we have a preliminary idea of group size(s), we will circle back with more details on flight pricing, which should be published in November. Please let me know if you’re interested and any questions you have. Thanks, Christie Soper

Portugal: https://www.gadventures.com/trips/ngj-portugal/EPENG/

Southern Spain: https://www.gadventures.com/trips/discover-moorish-spain/ESMNG/