Our newsletters are lengthy, so new things may not be noticed by the casual reader. Here's a quick summary of what's new.
Accessibility
This newsletter uses the Braille Institute's new Atkinson Hyperlegible™ font designed to make reading easier and
less of a strain for individuals with low vision. Also, if you use a screen reader, please let me know so I
can be sure this newsletter supports it.
New calendar
We have a new calendar that is our most up-to-date way of learning about the dates, times, and locations of events—and the rare last-minute
cancellations. It's designed to be easy to read on your phone. Look for more information about it below.
New Groups and activities
The club has many members who are world travelers. Barbra Crumley and Nancy O'Neill are starting a travel group for
those with an interest in traveling. Look for the information below.
Lucia Reynolds and Pat Filip have started a Bridge group. Look for the information below.
Gary Crumley is resurrecting the once-popular Men's Poker Group. You'll find information about it in the Men's
section near the end of the newsletter.
Ed Sawicki has started a new group named SeniorNet for people of a certain age who have difficulties with and have questions about
technology. It's going to offer discussions, advice, and training on topics like staying safe when using your computer, tablet, and phone on the
Internet. Check it out here: SeniorNet. Tap the SeniorNet button.
March Luncheon
Our luncheon speaker will be Linda Beutler, Curator of the Rogerson
Clematis Garden located at Luscher Farms in West Linn.
The Rogerson Clematis Garden contains the most comprehensive
collection of clematis within a public garden in North America. In 2018,
the Rogerson Clematis Collection was awarded full accreditation in the
Plant Collections Network, an initiative of the American Public Gardens
Association in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Food selections come with a choice of beverage (soft drink, coffee, iced or hot tea)
and brownie for dessert:
Chicken Fajitas served with beans and rice
Three Baja Fish Street Tacos served with beans and rice
Carne Asada Enchilada Rojas and Carne Asada Taco with beans and rice
Live Fit Veggie Taco Salad in a Tortilla Bowl
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
You must register before March 9 at 5:00pm. To register, select your entree, and indicate that you are bringing a guest,
click or tap this button:
You may pay online by clicking or tapping this button:
...or you may bring a check made payable to Newcomers Welcome Club.
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
What a great time of year! I like to think the worst of the cold and rainy season is just about over and Spring flowers could be
right around the corner!
Board positions are filling up for next year! However, there are still some openings to fill. Did you know that you and a friend
could be co-presidents? Or co-vice-presidents? This concept has worked in the past and gives lots of flexibility in
each position. Please consider. I will gladly talk to anyone interested and help with the transition.
Please remember that if you receive the printed newsletter in the regular mail, it arrives AFTER the online version has been sent out
to all members. For events like monthly luncheons, wine events, and philanthropy parties, spots do often fill quickly. It is necessary
to register for these events when you receive the newsletter online. It is so hard to have folks not be able to attend events we know
they would enjoy, so check your phone or computer and register to reserve your spot! We all must appreciate the difficulties
in finding venues to accommodate larger groups and understand that space is limited for certain activities.
I have been so impressed and gratified to hear of the friendships being made through our club. Several folks have recently
expressed their excitement and surprise at how, by attending a few activities, they have made some special friends and many acquaintances.
At the end of the day, this is the strength and real value of organizations like ours!
As always, your participation in making these opportunities available for others is the only way our club will continue to flourish.
I am feeling confident that members will step up and help us continue to grow!
Till next month,
Sandy
Our members
This month's new members are Karen and Carl Twisselman from Salinas, California.
March birthdays
Click here
for a list of birthdays
Philanthropy Committee News
by Barb Brannon
The Philanthropy Committee has met and begun the search for candidates for a charity to sponsor next year. The
membership was asked to volunteer any suggestions, and all possibilities were carefully vetted and then discussed in
committee. Following the guidelines in our bylaws, the committee will report three choices to the board. Upon
approval, it will then send the choices to the membership for a vote.
Our present charity, Hunger Fighters, could be included.
Coming Soon: Mad Hatters Tea Party!
Barb Brannon, Philanthropy Committee
Wear your favorite “Mad Hat” and join us for a fabulous afternoon tea on Sunday, April 6th, at 3:00 pm.
This fundraiser is for Hunger Fighters, and it promises to be a fun and delicious occasion.
The sumptuous tea will feature sandwiches, scones, pastries, and other treats—and of course,
tea and bubbly, too! Tickets are $40 each, and seating is limited to 30 guests. Watch for an EBlast
in mid-March announcing ticket sales.
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: SeniorNet!
by Ed Sawicki
There's a new group that we've named SeniorNet that's for people of a certain age who have difficulties with
and have questions about technology. It's going to offer discussions, advice, and training on topics like staying safe when
using your computer, tablet, and phone on the Internet.
Check it out here: SeniorNet. Tap the SeniorNet button.
New calendar
Our new, always up-to-date online calendar, named EZ-CAL, is easy to read on your phone, tablet, or computer. Members who have used it have said:
Board meetings are held every month on the first
Thursday. Any member may attend, just notify
the President in advance. The next meeting is
March 6, 2025.
WashCo Fun
Washington County Fun in Beaverton and Hillsboro
by Joyce Porter
WashCo Fun met on February 21 at Amelia’s Rustic American Restaurant. We deepened our familiarity with each other, and discussed the
launch of our Activity Season. Our next event is Games and Lunch on Tuesday, March 11 at 12:30.
All Newcomers are welcome to join and enjoy events in Washington County, in or near Beaverton/Hillsboro. At least monthly,
we’ll enjoy a variety of activities which may include Bowling, Bingo, Cultural events and festivals, Dining, Game Nights, Movies,
Music in the Park, Walks, Wine Down, and more!
If interested, please contact Joyce Porter.
Reading Between the Wines
by Barbra Crumley
Newcomers newest book club. We enjoy reading novels, memoirs, biographies, historical fiction, and history as we gather with a glass of wine and a
bite to eat and discuss the book of the month. We gather in each other’s homes and enjoy friendship and lively conversation.
Please contact Barbra Crumley for information.
NWC Travelers
by Ed Sawicki
NWC Travelers is a photo album for NWC members who have traveled to interesting places. 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 March Saturday Social is on March 15, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and hosted by
Kathy and Andy Papachristopoulos.
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 March 28th.
Please email Darlene Conklé by March 21st, if you wish to receive an invitation and location where we will be
meeting. Any questions, contact Darlene or Karol.
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 is Monday, Mar 10, 2025, 10:00 am to noon
Book: The Elements of Marie Curie
Author: Dave Sobel
Presenter: Nancy Taussig
Location: Home of Lynn Pappas
Presenter: Nancy Taussig
RSVP to Nancy.
Tea, Cookies, and a Good Book
by Anne Dantzig
On March 17 from 1:30-3:00 pm, our book club will be discussing Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. The novel has a
multilayered friendship, love, and video games. Carol will lead our discussion. Our book club is currently full. If you are interested in joining,
please contact Anne who will add your information to a waiting list.
Memories to Memoir
by Linda Morris
Our group meets by Zoom on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 10:00 to noon.
Each week, members share a 5-7 minute piece followed by positive feedback from the group.
The March meetings are Mar 5 and Mar 19. 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.
New: Bridge Group
This bridge group is not for beginners or super advanced bridge players; it is a bridge group to have fun; and it
is for men and women, singles and couples. There will be 3 tables. There will be a potluck. The hostess provides a
main dish and beverages; members bring appetizers, salads, desserts. We will meet once a month on Thursday or Friday
from 4:00-8:00pm.
The first meeting will be at my house. Please contact me,
Lucia Reynolds or my co-chair
Pat Filip
Bunco Afternoon #1
by Sherry Kuntz
The Bunco #1 group meets every third Thursday, and is facilitated by Sherry Kuntz.
Date/Time: Thursday, March 20, begins at noon.
The Bunco group will meet at the home of Barb Brannon.
If you are unable to attend, please contact Barb 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, March 12, at 7:00 pm
Hostess: Paula Sorensen
RSVP to Paula.
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.
The new card is ready to be ordered from the National Mah Jongg League. The cards are mailed at the end of March and we'll begin
using the new 2025 card in April.
Mar 3 Pat Filip
Mar 10 Rita Bond
Mar 17 TBA
Mar 24 Cheryl Robins
Please contact Cheryl or Susan if you can host March 10 or 17.
Friendship Luncheons
New Groups Forming NOW!
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!
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:
March 11 March 25
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 will meet on March 4. The discussion topic is Cognitive Bias in Decision Making. 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.
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: March 2, 2025, 11:00 am
Divas at February dinner
Wine Enthusiasts
by Joanne Nowak
I am so excited to offer this next winery to all of you for our March tasting. Ghost Hill Cellars started as a cattle farm in 1906 and fast forward
to 1999 when some of the family members deciding that they wanted to use some of the acres to try their hand at planting grape vines. Now in 2025 this
multi-generational farm has 235 acres of Willakenzie soil using only 1/3 of the planted vines to make exceptional wine and selling the rest to other
wineries in the Carlton area. The dream of opening an event space/tasting room came to fruition just recently with an amazing modern farmhouse in the
middle of the land that offers magnificent panoramic views.
They are excited to welcome us at Noon on Sunday, March 9th for a tasting of six red, white, and pink wines for $25. We can bring our own food to
enjoy while we hear the history of the family, the land, the wine, and finally get the answer to the question why Ghost Hill? Perhaps a ghost has been
seen?
Please RSVP to me to make your reservation. Boo!!!
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.
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 fourth Monday from 11:00 am
to 1:30 pm at 505 G Avenue, Lake Oswego.
Area history
Marylhurst Christie School 1908
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