November Luncheon

Nikki Brovold, Supervisor at Rental Sales Gallery, Portland Art Museum is a gallerist working with nearly 40 volunteers, numerous artists and PAM clientele to create continued support for the vibrant Portland arts community.

Brovold was new to Portland nearly ten years ago, hailing from New York City and found a home at RSG first through volunteering, and then ultimately coming on staff. With a background in marketing and producing, she's excited to share how the gallery works and to introduce local artists, ultimately supporting the mission of the Portland Art Museum.

Located in Downtown Portland, the Rental Sales Gallery is part of Portland Art Museum. Founded in 1959, it is a nonprofit gallery representing some of our finest regional artists. We proudly showcase works by almost 200 artists from Oregon and Washington State. With a total inventory of over 1,000 original artworks, we have a wide range of 2D and 3D pieces, including paintings and sculptures in all mediums, drawings, collages, photography, fine art prints and more available for rent or sale.

Nikki's presentation will be about art appreciation, mediums and how you can bring more art into your life.

The luncheon will be on November 14, at 11:30:

Schedule

Venue

The Stafford Sullivan Theater
1200 Overlook Drive
Lake Oswego, OR 97034

Our venue is upstairs on the 2nd floor, in the Sullivan Theater. Elevators are available. Ample overflow parking is at the rear; off Stafford Road. Look for "C3 Church-Your Best Life" sign and follow that road. You can enter the building from the rear, past the outdoor patio and interior restaurant. Turn left to the main lobby.

TIP: Since most of the available parking is likely to be in the C3 church parking lot, here's a link to Apple Maps so your phone can direct you there: Church parking lot.

Register

The limit is 40 people, so sign up now. To reserve your spot, you must register online by Sunday, November 10th at 5:00pm. When you register, you’ll select your entree choice and whether you’ll bring a guest. Register by clicking or touching this button:

When you're finished registering, you'll receive a confirmation via email (check your spam folder). Now you have to pay. That's the second step below.

Cost is $34.00

This includes the gratuity. You may pay online by clicking or touching this button:

Pay online

...or you may bring a check made payable to Newcomers Welcome Club.

President’s Message

by Sandy Esterson, NWC President

As a member of NWC, it is important for us to appreciate the time and energy put into making each of our special monthly events a reality.

Let’s start with the monthly luncheons. Did you know there are three board director positions just involved with different aspects of each luncheon? We have Lisa and Brenda, continually looking for and finding venues and negotiating all the details. We have Ann and Lark finding speakers and arranging their presentation needs. And, we have Sarah, Merryl and Joan taking reservations, making badges and working on site to register each of us.

These days the challenges of finding venues big enough as well as trying to keep the price as economical as possible, is a very huge challenge. After working toward this end, the dedicated restaurant team decided on a new venue for the Holiday Luncheon which will take place on Tuesday, December 10th at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas.

The thoughtfulness put into this decision and hours spent considering prices, locations, venue sizes, etc, is huge.

We sincerely hope you will each have a great time on December 10th at the Holiday Luncheon. Mark your calendars, please! Much more info to come!

Other events, such as philanthropic activities, also take hours of planning. At the end of each event, the Philanthropy Committee headed by Barb, sits down and evaluates all aspects of the event. How much was charged, how much did it cost to put on and how much was collected for our charity are all considered and very carefully evaluated. Trying to offer the lowest price for our members to attend a quality event has to be carefully balanced against the desire to support our charity the best we can. We always appreciate your participation and generosity.

Another monthly activity for all to enjoy is the Saturday Night Social. Brilliantly organized by Merryl, she finds homes to host the event each month and makes sure the glassware is all up to snuff. If you would like to host, please notify Merryl.

I hope to see you at the November luncheon on November 14 at the Stafford. So many events to choose from! Enjoy your membership, you are what makes our club great!

Best wishes,

Sandy

A good time was had by all

by Barb Brannon, Philanthropy committee

The Tapas and Trivia Fiesta fund-raiser was a tremendous success! Thirty-one part-goers enjoyed a perfect Saturday evening and a gourmet, three-course Tapas feast. Harold and Deborah Linke devised a devilishly challenging Trivia game that really got the party started! They had challenging questions on sports, fashion, history, literature, music, pop culture…something for everyone! It was hilarious, good fun with prizes for the winning team.

Everyone had a fantastic time! Even better, we raised $1500 for Hunger Fighters Oregon, through ticket sales and the generous donation of time and food by our awesome party team.

The party would not have been possible without party-committee leader, Sherry Kuntz, and our volunteer chefs: Brenda Henderson, Sher Ireland, Susan Muhm, Nancy Shebel, Sarah York and Barb Brannon. Darlene Conklé and Jeanne Delver procured supplies/wine and Brenda also provided beautiful flower arrangements and trivia prizes. The whole team pitched in to help our hosts with set-up and clean-up. Many hands make light work…and keep it fun!

Our special thanks to Dan and Judy Meyer who hosted the group in their beautiful West Linn home. It was perfect Fall weather, complete with occasional glimpses of Mt Hood from their outdoor entertainment area.

October Luncheon Photos

These are photos from the Thursday, October 10 luncheon at the Spaghetti Factory in Clackamas.

Calling all Crafters, Artists and Bakers!

by Barb Brannon, Philanthropy committee

Our NWC December Luncheon and Holiday Bazaar is just around the corner! The Bazaar is very popular and we need NWC members and vendors to bring things to sell. If you would like to reserve a spot for your creations, or know someone else who might be interested, please reach out to Barb Brannon to reserve space for your craft items, jewelry, sculpture, pottery - whatever you wish to bring.

We will also have a table of homemade baked goods - cakes, pies, cookies, candy and other holiday treats. So Bakers, let us know what you will bring! All proceeds from baked goods will go to Hunger Fighters, and we hope those selling art and handicrafts will also consider donating a portion of their sales.

December 10, 2024 at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas.

New members

Rhonda Moreno is from Pleasanton, California. Elizabeth Dreyfuss is from Temecula, California. Tamara (Tami) Ellis is from Santa Cruz, California. Michele Dunlap is from the Portland area.

November birthdays

Philanthropy Committee News

by Barb Brannon

We are off to a great start with fundraising for Hunger Fighters, and we have a few more activities already in the works. At November’s luncheon there will be a Fall-themed raffle basket, created by Nancy O’Neill, with donations from our Book Club members.

We will also be collecting canned goods and shelf-stable food for Hunger Fighters’ pantry patrons. It would be great to have things on the shelves that are special for holidays- perhaps canned pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce or other fruits and vegetables? Boxed mixes for cakes, cookies, muffins and other desserts would also be appreciated, as would sugar, flour and other baking essentials. Please make sure nothing is past its expiration date! And, it is always nice to remember the pets; the pantry has a pet food section too! We will have a Hunger Fighters collection box at the luncheon.

Sunshine cards

by Nancy Jacobson

Send a little sunshine to someone, in the form of a card. Email Nancy Jacobson their name, address, and why they need a bit of cheering up.

LO Adult Community Center

by Sally Roach

Thank you to all the generous members who have signed up to serve lunch each month. We do not need additional volunteers at this time but feel free to contact Sally with questions or to be added to a reserve list. We set up and serve lunch on the 4th Monday from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm at 505 G Avenue, Lake Oswego.

Contact Sally Roach.

Welcome to Newcomers Activities

by Barbra Crumley and Nancy O'Neill

We are an inclusive group of women and men that have formed a vibrant community and welcome new and old members to join in our many offerings. If you would like to see a new activity offered, come forward and we will work with you to make it happen by arranging co-facilitators and mentoring. It’s fun to co-create and a great way to make friends who enjoy the same activities as you. From our recent survey, participants would like:

• a gourmet dinner club
• an intermediate bridge group
• travel companions - an opportunity to connect with like-minded travelers and destinations
• travel experiences and recommendations
• cribbage
• an outdoor cooking class

We are in the process of creating another Book Club. If you're interested, please contact us.

Let’s work together to make these new activities happen. Contact:

New group—WaCo Fun

by Joyce Porter

There's a new group named "Washington County Fun in Beaverton and Hillsboro", or its short form, WaCo Fun.

Enjoy fun in Washington County with other Newcomers who live in, or near, or far from Beaverton/Hillsboro. We will enjoy various activities in the local area including: Bowling, Bingo, Cultural events and festivals, Dining, Game Nights, Movies, Music in the Park, Walks, and more! We will launch WaCo Fun in January, 2025. Those interested, please contact Joyce Porter.

Reading Between the Wines

by Jami White

Our lively book club combines our love of books with a happy hour theme. We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 4:00-6:00 pm at members' homes. Book guidelines; no fantasy, supernatural, or horror. The menu for our late-afternoon meeting time follows our happy hour theme with light appetizers and beverages. Our reading list is created from participant suggestions and group votes. We are a newly formed group and will provide more details once we are fully up and running. Cheers!

Reading Between the Wines is currently at capacity.

Kristin Lewallen created the graphic that appears above.

NWC Travelers

by Ed Sawicki

Douro River bridge, Portugal

Given that the recent member survey shows a strong interest in a travel group, I’ve kicked things off by providing a way for you to share your travel photos and short videos with other members. Go here: Travelers and click “Photos.”

These are photos and videos we’ve collected in the past few weeks. Send me your photos and captions to have them posted. You may have to send them one at a time to get around email size limits. Contact me if you have trouble.

I’m also linking to webcams around the world that allow you to see live video of places you might want to travel to.

Saturday Night Social

by Merryl Sawicki

This monthly Saturday evening social is an opportunity for newcomers, their spouses, and single members to meet other members in the warmth and comfort of a member's home. Please bring an appetizer to share & your own beverage that is not shared.

We need hosts for our Saturday socials for January, February, October, November, and December of 2025. If you are interested in hosting please me.

The November Saturday Social is on November 16, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and hosted by Sherry Kuntz

To RSVP, text or email Sherry Kuntz.

Coffee & Conversation

by Darlene Conklé and Karol Burke

Enjoy getting to know other Newcomers in a small group setting. You’ll meet current members who will share their experiences and find out about the different activities.

We meet on the 4th Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m., at various locations. Mark your calendar for November 22th.

New, prospective, and longtime members are welcome. Please RSVP by Nov 15th if you wish to receive an invitation and location where we will be meeting. Any questions, contact Darlene or Karol.

To RSVP, text or email Darlene or Karol.

Friendship Luncheons

by Lissa Willis and Carol Jo Bays

Newcomers Friendship Luncheons offer the opportunity for you to develop new and lasting friendships in a quieter setting, perfect for conversation. The format is for six to eight ladies to meet monthly, rotating homes. If someone's home is not large enough to accommodate their members, they can possibly co-host with another member. Each hostess can prepare a casual meal - or select a restaurant at which to meet, with each member paying for her own lunch. Groups set their own meeting day—for example, second Tuesdays—so that everyone can mark their calendars ahead.

These smaller gatherings are ideal for getting to know one another better, so please contact us if you wish to be part of the fun! New groups are forming all the time.

the Book Nook

by Lynn Pappas

Book Nook meets on the second Monday of each month. Please contact Lynn Pappas if you would like to join.

Date/Time:  Monday, November 11, 2024 at 10:00 AM to Noon

Book/Author: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Presenter: Lisa Taylor

Location: Lisa Taylor home

RSVP to Lisa.

Tea, Cookies, and a Good Book

by Anne Dantzig

Our meeting for November is cancelled. Our Holiday luncheon will be December 2. Details will be sent to members. If you would like to join our book club in 2025, please contact Anne Dantzig to learn more.

Memories to Memoir

by Linda Morris

Hello to all Memoirists and potential Memoirists,

We have just (barely) met the minimum numbers to make the group viable, so we are still actively recruiting members. Because of my travel commitments, we plan to relaunch in January 2025. We will meet twice a month online through Zoom, probably 1st and 3rd Wednesdays between 10:00 and 11:30. The final time and day will be determined by members.

If you have stories bursting out of your head and trying to jump onto paper or have questions, please contact me.

Linda Morris

Bridge Lessons

by Alyce Grissom

"If you still think you want to learn bridge in a relaxing and fun way. Sign up for my bridge lessons." Tuesdays, 11 am to 1pm: or Wednesday, 11 am to 1pm or 1 to 3pm. The lessons will be held at my house. 5102 SE Gladstone St, Portland, OR 97206. I have had some response but we need 4 to sign up.

Please call or text your interest to Alyce Grissom.

Bunco #1

by Sherry Kuntz

The Bunco #1 group meets every third Thursday, and is run by Sherry Kuntz.

Date/Time: Thursday, November 21, 2024, begins at 12:00 noon

The Bunco group will meet at the home of Julie Coari. If you are unable to attend, please contact Julie with the name of your sub.

Bunco #2

by Paula Sorensen

This group meets in the evening on the second Wednesday of the month and is managed by Paula Sorensen.

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 13, at 7:00 pm, and is held at:

Hostess: Joy Miller

RSVP to Joy Miller.

Dominoes and Dinner

by Cindy Lindstrom

We have a new group activity for 6, 7, or 8 people with a casual dinner and a game of Mexican Train Dominoes afterward. The host provides a simple entree, and participants bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert. Think burgers or baked potatoes with the fixins or tacos/burritos or (you get the idea). Double 12 Domino games with easy instructions and a few twists to challenge us to pull the fun and laughter into the evening.

It will be held on Saturday, November 2th at 6pm. at the home of Andy and Kathy Papachristopoulos

We will have a Greek dinner, and participants are to bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert. Please RSVP to Kathy.

Please email Cindy with interest and/or questions.

Mah Jongg

by Cheryl Robins and Susan Muhm

American Mah Jongg is a tile game loosely based on the original Chinese version. Players use the tiles to make hands, chosen from an official card that changes annually. We play at 1:00 pm on the first four Mondays of the month.

Nov 4 Darlene Conklé

Nov 11 Joan Baines

Nov 18 Cheryl Zents

Nov 25 Rita Bond

Men’s Breakfast Group

by Dave Hull

The Breakfast Group meets on alternate Tuesdays at 9:00am at Biscuits on Mercantile Drive in Lake Oswego. It is a time for camaraderie, good food, and just catching up. This month, the breakfasts are:

November 5th
November 19nd

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please email me. I will send out a email the Sunday morning before our next breakfast.

Men’s Discussion Group

by Marc Bond

In September, we held our Discussion Group session. There were 12 who attended, and we had a good discussion on the topic of polarization in society and politics. Our next meeting is planned for early December, and we hope to make it a festive occasion with everyone bringing a dish to share.

The Men's Discussion Group is coordinated entirely by email. It meets at the home of Chris Jacobs.

For more information, contact Marc Bond via email.

Singles Dining Divas

by Sharon Harvey

The Single Dining Divas have two events each month.  Each dinner is hosted by a Diva member in their home. One of the monthly dinners is hosted on the second Tuesday of each month, and the second is designated by the host.  That designated host Diva chooses from Brunch, Lunch or Dinner as their preference, as well as the date. All of our Diva members take turns hosting the monthly gatherings in their homes and should be able to accommodate at least 10 people. The host sets the menu and provides the entree; guests bring the side dishes, desserts, and beverages designated by the host.

If you are a single Diva and are interested in joining our fun group for home-hosted potluck meals,  contact Sharon Harvey.

Wine Enthusiasts

by Joanne Nowak

The holidays are upon us which means friends and family gathered to celebrate the seasons with decisions on what type of wine would be perfect with a Thanksgiving meal or maybe a sparkling one to lift as we toast to a special occasion.

With so many choices how do you choose which bottle to purchase?? Do you confer with the stores wine buyer, maybe you subscribe to a "wine newsletter" or magazine like Wine Enthusiasts, does the artwork on the label grab you, perhaps an app on your phone that you found helpful or the advice from Uncle Google:))

Marla and I are working on a holiday gathering of some kind, but at this time have not confirmed anything definite. Please watch your inbox in the coming weeks for an email from me with the details and date of a "hopeful holiday happening."

Joanne and Marla

Contact Joanne Nowak.

Bocce Ball

by Dave Hull and Carole Hull

Each Friday afternoon in the summer we meet at Foothills Park in Lake Oswego at 3:00 for an hour and a half of Bocce followed by Happy Hour. It is a great time to meet with friends and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. A sign-up email goes out every Tuesday evening for the following Friday. A Thursday email will disclose teams and the playing schedule.

The 2024 Bocce season concluded the end of September.

If you are not currently on the email list and would like to join the group for 2025, please send an email to Dave or Carole.

Frequent Walkers

by Sher Ireland

Get Fit! Join in with frequent walkers in getting a little more fit. We walk at least 5 days a week for about an hour each time in the L.O., West Linn, Tualatin, and Tigard areas.

Contact Sher Ireland.

Weekly Walkers

by Sherry Kuntz

The weekly walkers meet on Tuesdays at 9:00 am and walk for one hour. During the summer and in clear weather, we walk in various parks; in the winter and cold and wet weather, we walk in the Washington Square Mall. If you wish to join us, contact Sherry Kuntz.

Undaunted Saunterers

by Perry Esterson

The ‘Undaunted Saunterers’ is a men's walking group that walks every Wednesday between 8:30 and 9:30. Members take turns finding walking destinations, leading the walks, and arranging for a congenial lunch spot. Examples of our closer-in walks include along the Tualatin River in old West Linn, the Portland inner harbor, George Rogers Park, and Foothills riverfront trails. In the summer, we also go into the Columbia River Gorge and the Mt. Hood area.

The Saunterers recently toasted the passing of one of their long-time members, Steve Boyle.

Contact Perry Esterson.