Hello 2026! A new year is a time for fresh beginnings. We often make New Year’s resolutions to reflect on the past year and set goals for personal growth and improvement in the coming year. Make Newcomers one of your New Year’s resolutions this year… come to a new event you haven’t tried before, or come back and join us if you may have been less active in the club lately. We would love to expand our interest groups, so maybe you want to get a new group going. I have heard talk of wanting to bring bowling back so watch for that in the coming months, we will need a chairperson for it. Many people have expressed an interest in doing crafts. Can you be the one to help make this group or others happen for the club? Please consider it.

2026 membership forms and annual dues are due January 1. If we have not received your renewal form by the first of the year, we will begin making phone calls to check on your status of membership with our club. I hope everyone will renew their membership and stay active in club activities. Your form and dues must be received by February 1 to be included in the directory.

Many of our members enjoyed a beautiful Holiday Luncheon at the Country Club of Lexington on December 11. There were more than 20 door prizes given away. We had many members go home as winners. A huge thank you goes out to our organizers of the luncheon!

Finding indoor locations to hold our monthly coffees has become a challenge. If anyone knows of a place we can use, or if you have access to a clubhouse, church facility, meeting room, etc. please let Arlene R, our coffee chairperson, know! Member’s homes make a wonderful setting for our coffees. Please give a thought to hosting a coffee in your home this year if you are able.

Beginning in January 2026, the club will support a new charity for 2 years. The charity we voted for in October was Midlands Orphan Relief (MOR). We will collect monetary donations for MOR at each coffee and luncheon.

I am beyond grateful to announce that new member, Jenny Brown, has volunteered to be co-president with me. The board will vote her in at our first meeting on January 6. We are still in need of a treasurer. PLEASE consider volunteering. It is not a time-consuming job. We installed all of our newly-elected (at the November luncheon) 2026 officers at that December coffee and are excited to work together in the coming year.

As we embark on a new year of fun and friendships with the Newcomers, we look forward to the possibilities ahead. Remember we are alwayw here for you and want to know your thoughts, concerns, and praises!

Your 2026 Co-Presidents,
Kari & Jenny