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When I first heard about the New Bern Woman’s Club I was under the misconception that it was a group of ladies getting together for lunch. I was very wrong! They are a public service organization and are willing to do whatever it takes to make a difference in New Bern, NC!
The New Bern Woman’s Club was founded in 1905. During this era, it was highly unusual and sometimes forbidden for women to belong to a public service organization.
Who knows if New Bern’s landscape would be the same today if it wasn’t for determined women wanting to set a path to New Bern’s future!
The New Bern’s Woman’s Club (NBWC) was instrumental in providing services to local residents affected by the Great Fire of 1922. Last year, they received a special award for helping the 3,000 people who were left homeless in the frigid temperatures on December 1st, 1922.
I can’t help but mention Agnes “Aggie” Derda, an active member and “mover and shaker” in the New Bern community. She recently received the Governor’s Award for lifetime community service. President, Paula Lindsay said, “She’s a Real Service Angel”.
The Woman’s Club was also responsible for the initial funding of the Gazebo at Union Point Park. The Gazebo is now a gathering place for community groups, class and family reunions, weddings, and local media conferences.
The NBWC is very active in the community. They are currently working on taking orders for 2011 New Bern themed Christmas Cards: http://newbernnow.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-bern-womens-club-selling-2011.html for the Little Red Bookmobile and Promise Place among numerous other community outreach efforts! They also actively support Merci Clinic, Good Shepherd, RHA Howell Center, Coastal Women’s Shelter, and Meals on Wheels.
The New Bern Woman’s Club is also working on an initiative to revitalize the 900th block of Pollock St. with Kathy Adolf.
The above efforts are only some of the initiatives of the New Bern Woman’s Club is working on!
You can make a difference and meet new people with like minds by contacting Kathy Fannin, Vice President of the New Bern Woman’s Club, at nbwcmembership@gmail.com or call 252-514-2936.
Thank you, President Paula Lindsay for taking time to share information about the New Bern Woman’s Club. You and Thea Kincaid did a fantastic job with the interview!
Wendy Card