In February, love is in the air, reminding us to be kind and love one another. The Newcomers’ Club is full of lovely members, but will that include you this year? Have you turned in your 2026 membership renewal form and $25 annual dues? Time is almost up to be included in the 2026 directory. We need your form and payment by February 1. To date, we have received just over 80 renewals, so we are missing about 40. We will start making calls soon to members we have not heard from. You don’t want to miss out on any of the fun, mail your renewal today (and email Shirley B. to let her know it’s on the way)! The renewal form is included one more time on page 7 of this newsletter for your convenience.

The co-presidents are working on the annual budget and will present it at the February Board meeting. The Club has always been very conscious of the budget, which allows us to be able to add in a couple fun things this year. Stay tuned!

Jayne has chosen to continue as treasurer instead of assuming the co-assistant treasurer position, which we are very thankful for. That does leave us needing someone to fill the co-assistant treasurer position. This is the person who collects the RSVPs and money for the luncheons and gives the meal count to the 1st vice president to give the country clubs a week before the luncheon. This is a minimal time commitment job, please consider volunteering!

Our annual spring social is right around the corner, and we had a wonderful suggestion at our January board meeting to check out Columbia’s new open-air dining experience, Gather COLA. We are working on the plans for this fun, social evening.

We look forward to a wonderful year of love in the Newcomers Club! We are always open to suggestions and solutions. We welcome your input.

Your 2026 Co-Presidents,
Kari & Jenny