By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Mesquite Women’s History and Culture Center (WHCC) held an Open House event and a Have-a-Heart rock hunt as part of Mesquite Days festivities on Saturday afternoon, May 7.
The Mesquite Cafe Blues Band provided music in the patio while cookies and beverages were served inside.
On display at the event were the new 2022 mint quarters featuring five notable women in history on the back of the coin.
“The display of quarters was the highlight of the day,” WHCC founder and Director Jean Watkins said. “Many were interest in seeing them.”
This distinguished group of women include Maya Angelou, Black American Poet and writer; Sally Ride, first American woman to go to space; Willma Mankiller, first female principal chief of the Cherokee nation; Anna Wong, first Chinese film star in Hollywood; and Adellina Otero-Warren, a suffrage activist and educator who served as the first female Superintendent of Instruction in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Watkins said that there are books available at the WHCC about each of the five ladies featured on the coins. These books are free to check out and read.
The Have-a-Heart rock hunt was a fun activity at the open house. There were 24 painted rocks hidden in and around the Center. Participants had to find and count them, without giving away their location.
The best rock hunter was Charri Cochran. She won a $50 gift certificate.
Greeters were on hand to pass along information to newcomers about the center. One of these, Tammy Close is the instructor for the “Empowerment of Women” a four-month class at the center which meets twice a month. A new empowerment class will begin in January.
“I am so impressed with the center and Jean Watkins for having the courage to start something like this for all us women to be able to meet here and share things,” said Close.
The ladies had a great time dancing to the always invigorating Mesquite Blues Café band. Those who did not dance took a little respite time relaxing before the next event of the busy day.
The next event at the WHCC will be the Ladies Tea with the wearing of hats on May 21. This is a reservation only event.
There will be a contest and the three hat categories are: 1. Cute-as-a-Button. 2. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. 3. A Day at the Races.
To make a reservation to attend email WHCCmesquitenv@gmail.com.
