Moore Stories

We welcome stories, biographies, and even recounting of brief incidents that tell the story of Moore County politics. If you have memories, thoughts, or something to recount, send it to contact@mrwnc.org. We'll be happy to hear from you!

"Some people give time, some give money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life's blood.

Mary Wittpenn

Bill and I arrived in Pinehurst from New Jersey on November 4th, 1980....it was my birthday (won't tell you how old I was!) and it was election day (Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States)! Within the next two years I became a part of a new Moore County Republican Women's Club. I was a charter member. We didn't even have a Men's Club at that time.

The name of the gentleman who introduced me to this start-up group was Tom Hicks. Beverly Shebs gave me more information at the MRW meeting on June 4th. I remembered the name of the 1st President.....and the names of several of the ladies (when Beverly mentioned them). Right now they are all OUT OF MY MIND!!!! Beverly will know them. I don't believe I have any copies of minutes or anything like that.

Bill and I have been here a long time.....Lots of "water under the bridge" as they say.

After many years of raising our five wonderful children, and after many years of my trying to make the New York State Senate look good to their constituents (graphic arts.) my late husband and I came to Seven Lakes to retire. He played golf and tennis, and I doodled around in the garden, and got involved in a local group. That’s where I met my very dear friend, Dawn Parr. Dawn was from England and saw first hand WWII. She then became a flight attendant with American Airlines, met George, and settled in the States. Dawn was involved in everything cultural and Republican! She took me to my first MRW luncheon back when we met at Belle Meade. Joyce Omer was president then. I was impressed, and joined immediately, being a dyed-in-the-wool Republican. Brenda Parks was secretary, and when Joan Thurman took over the presidency Brenda was in a new marriage and a new house in Seven Lakes. She was ready to give up the secretary job. Sure, I could do that, and did it for four years.

My dear, chatty, friendly Dawn was silenced by a major stroke. How sad to see what a stroke could do to such a bright and lively friend. Her death left quite a void. I had already endured the loss of my husband, Jim, to a massive stroke that took him quickly. Dawn lingered for several months.

Well, one thing usually leads to another, and after Joan’s great leadership, I became President. I thank you, Dawn, for getting me involved in the Moore Republican Women. It is a wonderful group of women. I have gotten to know such delightful people, and we’re all on the same track.

I wish our Country would get back on that track. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I worry about what kind of Country and world our grandchildren will have.

After the last luncheon meeting for the summer (June), I was waiting for valet parking. Sitting on the bench next to me was a fellow Republican woman. We started to chat and I asked her how she liked the meeting. Her reply was "it was all very good expect for that first speaker who was long winded". I thought about that for a minute and then replied to her "that would be me" She got up walked to her car and never said another word. I guess that I will need to remember this and be less long winded in my future reports. No snoring please.