What's new

by Ed Sawicki, Newsletter Editor

You didn't have to login to read this newsletter, but private information of members is still protected. You won't see email addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, or home addresses. If you need to see that information, there are two ways:

1. Use the NWC Membership Directory.
2. Click on any name that's in green text (such as my name above) and you'll be asked to login. You were told the username and password in the email you received. That person's contact information will appear, and you've unlocked the newsletter—you won't be asked for the username and password when you click on other names.

January Luncheon

Our luncheon guest speaker is NWC member, Barb Brannon (AKA Major General Barbara Brannon, USAF, NC (ret)). Barb will talk about her 31-year Air Force career, from nurse in a Medical Center ICU-CCU to Assistant Air Force Surgeon General (SG) for Medical Force Development and Assistant SG for Nursing Services - two jobs, same time…How did that happen?!

DATE

January 9, 2025

You must register by noon on January 2, 2025

VENUE

Nicoletta's Table and Marketplace
Franco's Room
333 S. State St.
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503-699-2927

SCHEDULE

COST

$29 per person, including gratuity

LUNCH

Lunch includes sparkling water, iced tea, or coffee, and a brownie. Please pick one of the three plated entrees listed below:

1. Caprese panini and cup of minestrone soup (vegetarian option)
2. Turkey Panini with cup of minestrone soup
3. Kale and Apple salad and cup of minestrone (gluten free and vegan) No Cheese

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

The luncheon is full. We are not taking any more registrations.

If you need to cancel, contact Joan Baines or Merryl Sawicki ASAP.

If no one can take your reservation, you are responsible for the cost of the lunch.

President’s Message

by Sandy Esterson, NWC President

I would like to take this opportunity to officially thank all the dedicated folks who have done so much for the club in 2024. The entire board of directors has done a wonderful job. Each of them has been stellar in tackling their responsibilities in a friendly and professional manner. The activity leaders, a dedicated group, enjoy their areas of interest and promote their activity in a friendly and open fashion. I have always tried to name and thank each of you every opportunity I have and hope you each have felt the appreciation and the love! ♥

The most recent example of people working together for the benefit of all was the December luncheon. From the delicious food to the busy bake and crafts sale, it was a wonderful event. Thank you again to all who helped make it such a great event!

Moving forward, 2025 may be the year for your greater involvement in the club! We hope so! The Nominating Committee is just getting started, let Alisha Rossini or Susan Gray know if you are interested in more information and getting involved!

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Best wishes,

Sandy

New members

Karen and Carl Twisselman from Salinas, California.

January birthdays

Philanthropy Committee News

by Barb Brannon

The 2024 December Luncheon Holiday Boutique and Bake Sale was a tremendous success! We raised $1892 with a couple of donations still expected from outside-vendors. For the Bake Sale, 15 club members contributed candy, cookies, cakes and elaborate cookie sleighs with reindeer, holiday trees and other amazing displays. We had gluten-free products and even dog treats! Everything was beautifully boxed, wrapped and suitable for gifting-or keeping to enjoy at home. We completely sold out and made $509 from the bake sale alone!

Our Boutique featured items from 10 different crafters and artists, seven club members and three outside vendors. They each had a beautiful display of great gift choices - it was perfect for holiday gift shoppers!

We also had a silent auction for a beautiful basket assembled by Nancy O’Neill and sponsored by the Book Clubs. The winning bid by Elisa Chacin was $100. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event; your generosity will help feed many hungry families this winter.

Simone Coker-Kamna, Hunger Fighter’s Executive Director, was our luncheon guest, and we presented her with a check for $2100, which represented our fundraising efforts from July to November. She expressed great appreciation for the generosity and commitment of our members and commented several were also regularly volunteering at the food pantry.

Tap the photo below to see a video and photos of the luncheon.

Sunshine cards

by Nancy Jacobson

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

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.

Welcome to Newcomers Activities

by Barbra Crumley and Nancy ONeill

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.

We have started a wait list for another book group.

New group—WaCo Fun

by Joyce Porter

Enjoy fun in Washington County, in or near Beaverton/Hillsboro. We have eight Lake Oswego Newcomers who have joined to enjoy various activities including: Bowling, Bingo, Cultural events and festivals, Dining, Game Nights, Movies, Music in the Park, Walks, Wine Down, and more! Our first Meet and Greet is lunch in mid/late January 2025. If interested, please contact Joyce Porter.

Reading Between the Wines

by Edisa Chacin

Our lively book club combines our love of books with a happy hour theme. 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's suggestions and group votes. We are a newly formed group and will provide more details once we are fully up and running. Cheers!

If you're interested, contact Edisa.

NWC Travelers

by Ed Sawicki

We've added photos from Dave Hull's trip to Scandinavia, Spain, and Gibralta to NWC Travelers. To see them, click or tap this photo to go to the NWC Travelers page, then click “Photos”, then "Dave Hull".

If you have photos or short videos, send them and their captions to me. You may have to send them one at a time to get around email size limits. Contact me if you have trouble.

On the NWC Travelers page, you'll see links to webcams around the world that allow you to see live video of places you might want to travel to.

Calling all Travel Adventurers!

by Barbra Crumley and Nancy ONeill

Some feedback from our survey indicated an interest in travel: sharing your experiences, vendor recommendations, bucket list interests, and establishing a network to interact with each other about travel companions. This network could be a monthly meeting (in person or virtual) with online postings of do's and don’ts from a recent excursion, or asking members about considering a travel companion for future travel. Meetings could also include sharing educational information (seminars) about certain countries, vendors, or travel groups. For us to get this off the ground, we need some interested volunteers to facilitate the design of this adventure group. If interested, please contact either Barbra or Nancy with your level of interest, suggestions, and ideas.

Bon Voyage!

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 and your own beverage that is not shared.

The January Saturday Social is on January 18, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and hosted by Deborah and Harold Linke.

This event was cancelled due to illness.

Coffee & Conversation

by Darlene Conklé and Karol Burke

Prospective, new members and current members are cordially invited to coffee to hear more about the Newcomers Welcome Club. Enjoy getting to know other Newcomers in a small group setting. We meet on the fourth Friday of the month at 10:00 am, at various locations. Mark your calendar for January 24th.

Please email Darlene Conklé by January 17th, if you wish to receive an invitation and location where we will be meeting. Any questions, contact Darlene or Karol.

Friendship Luncheons

by Lissa Willis and Carol Jo Bays

Newcomers Friendship Luncheons offer the opportunity 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 (even co-hosting if space it tight). Each hostess prepares a casual meal for the group, or selects 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 lunch gatherings are ideal for getting to know one another better, and new groups are forming all the time. Please contact us if you wish to join in the fun!

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.

Next meeting: Monday, Jan 13, 2025, 10:00 AM-noon

Book: The Lost Bookshop
Author: Evie Woods
Presenter: Lynn Pappas
Location: Home of Lynn Pappas

RSVP to Lynn.

The December meeting of the Book Nook was a Christmas brunch. The photo shows those attending. Seated from left to right: Patty Keeley, Birgit Woodward, Sue Moore, Margi Hitzl, Eileen Gerrie, Gaylin Johnson, Nancy Taussig. Standing from left to right: Vickie McConnachie, Paula Glauber, Lynn Pappas, Karin Lukins, Sharon Muchmore, Lisa Reiser, Ann Billig

Memories to Memoir

by Linda Morris

Our group is now active. We will meet by zoom on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 10:00 to 11:30 or 12:00 noon. Each week, members share a 5-7 minute piece followed by positive feedback from the group. In January, we will only meet once: Wed, Jan 15. Members will get a link a couple of days before.

If you are interested in joining the group, or would like more information, please contact Linda.

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 1 pm: or Wednesday, 11 am to 1 pm or 1 to 3 pm. The lessons will be held at my house. 5102 SE Gladstone St, Portland, OR 97206. I have had some response but we need four people to sign up.

Please call or text your interest to Alyce Grissom.

Bunco Afternoon #1

by Sherry Kuntz

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

Date/Time: Thursday, January 16, begins at noon.

The Bunco group will meet at the home of Jami White.

If you are unable to attend, please contact Jami by email or by phone 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, January 8, at 7:00 pm

Hostess: Sarah Martinez

RSVP to Sarah

Dinner and Dominoes

by Cindy Lindstrom

There will not be a get together in December and January because of the holidays. We may be changing the monthly game night starting in February. A suggestion was made for a Friday game night. So let’s try the second Friday of the month, starting February 14 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Valentine Day’s Dominoes and Dinner.

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.

Jan 6 Gailyn Johnson (at Cheryl Robins house)

Jan 13 Lisa Tsukamoto

Jan 20 - TBA

Jan 27 - Brenda Gilman

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:

January 14
January 28

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

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.

Undaunted Saunterers

by Gary Crumley

The ‘Undaunted Saunterers’ walk every Wednesday with members taking turns to find walking destinations, leading the walks, and arranging for a congenial lunch spot. We are now in our winter walk season and some examples include walks along the Tualatin River in old West Linn, the Portland inner harbor, George Rogers, and Foothills riverfront trails. Contact Gary Crumley for more information.

The December 4 saunter sallied forth under sunny skies for a Holiday stroll through Lake Oswego of a bit over 4 miles in length. Our party included 17 walkers on the saunter, followed by a pub lunch at The Dullahan:

Photo taken at ’the Dullahan’ left-to-right: Richard Testut, Gary Crumley, David Johnson, Phil Shipkey, Ivor Samson, David Bower, Ed Bettencourt, Larry Wasser, Warren Saltz, Bill Hall, Marc Bond, leader John McMunn, Michael Heyn, Michael Dotten, Greg Filip & Ray Kouguell. Off camera: Bob Cassidy & Gunnar Sedleniek

Poker group

by Gary Crumley

Some of the guys are interested in resurrecting the once popular poker group and are looking for more men to join. Games would be played in participants' homes once a month. Please contact Gary Crumley if interested, and/or you have questions.

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.

Next event: Saturday Jan 11th @ 5 pm

Wine Enthusiasts

by Joanne Nowak

As Oregonians and Wine Enthusiasts we truly celebrate the fact that the Willamette Valley is the epicenter of world class wines. Marla and I are often contacted by many Newcomers to name some of our favorite wineries that created a special tasting for our group, with panoramic views, reasonable tasting fees, personable and knowledgeable staff, and lastly, good wine. Here are just a handful of the wineries that checked those boxes: Monksgate, Avidity, Cristom, Holloran, Elk Cove, Deponte Cellars, David Paige, Bjornson, Bryn Mawr, and Cougar Crest Tasting Room in Lake Oswego did a wonderful event for our group.

I must mention these two that are in our area: Pete's Mountain Winery and Villa Catalana Cellars, both we have been to more than a couple times.

Joanne and Marla

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.

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.