Important Thanksgiving Tip

SeniorNet offers an important tip for keeping your family safe from Deep Fake technology with a Thanksgiving activity.

Tips to get the most out of this newsletter

This is an audio tutorial.

You can send your feedback to Ed Sawicki via Email

“Making Friends and Supporting Our Community”

More than just a motto, this phrase for years has been the guiding light of the Lake Oswego Newcomers Welcome Club. What better way to get to know the people in your new home than to team up with them in support of our community?

Introducing: Heart to Heart

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We are excited to share that the Newcomers Club is reinvigorating the spirit of volunteerism within our club and reinstating Heart to Heart .  In recent years, many of our valued outreach activities were put on hold due to the Covid pandemic. As we move forward, we are seeking both men and women who are interested in dedicating whatever amount of personal time they can to support a variety of charitable organizations throughout the Portland area. Whether you have a lot or just a little time to give, your involvement can make a meaningful difference in our community.

Mary Chancellor and Nancy O’Neill are very enthusiastic about leading the Heart to Heart group.

If you have a particular charity, agency, or organization that you know could use our help either on a monthly basis or by project, please let us know so that we can organize a volunteer event. Mary and Nancy will be organizing volunteer events starting in November. Look for an announcement at the beginning of November. If you are interested in participating in this group, please contact Nancy or Mary.

With Love Oregon logo Clackamas Women's Services logo Family Promise logo Hunger Fighters Food Pantry logo Senior Citizens Council of Clackamas County logo

December Luncheon Program Preview

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Since there is no luncheon scheduled for November, we are thrilled to share details about the upcoming December luncheon. This special event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Clackamas, Portland (formerly the Monarch Hotel) on December 11.

Be sure to save the date and prepare for a memorable and enjoyable time. The luncheon promises to be filled with entertainment and festive activities.

We are pleased to announce that Steve Knox, the director of the Lakewood Theater, will be joining us for the occasion. He will be accompanied by several cast members from the December show, who will provide an entertaining and uplifting presentation. Early reviews for the performance have been excellent, ensuring a delightful experience for all attendees.

In addition to the entertainment, there will be a holiday bazaar and bake sale available during the luncheon. This is a wonderful opportunity to find gifts and treats to support your holiday shopping needs!

We can’t wait to see you there.

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Leadership

President’s Message

by Darlene Conkle, NWC President
darlenec.nwc@gmail.com

Darlene Conklin

Dear Members,

November always brings back cherished memories from our time living in Valparaiso, Indiana. Initially, moving to a small town was not my preferred choice, but joining a Newcomers Club again turned the experience into a blessing.

At the time, my daughters were six and nine years old. Thanksgiving was a special occasion when families gathered, reflected on what they were grateful for, and shared a wonderful meal. Since we did not have family nearby, we were fortunate enough to meet another couple through the Newcomers Club. They also had two daughters who were about the same age as ours. My husband and I quickly realized that we shared many common interests with the parents, and our hope was that our daughters would get along. Thankfully, they did.

Life is never perfect, and after we began sharing holidays with this family for a few years, they were transferred to Ohio. I was heartbroken when they told us they were moving but felt thankful and touched when the husband suggested we could continue spending Thanksgiving together by taking turns hosting. For thirteen years, every other year, we made the five-hour drive to Hudson, Ohio on Thanksgiving Day to spend the holiday weekend with them, and they did the same for us. We always planned something special for those weekends together.

Our families remained close throughout the years. One of their daughters eventually moved to Portland, and now I have three daughters living nearby, which is a wonderful reminder of the connections and traditions that began so many years ago. It’s never too late to start new traditions.

Since Thanksgiving is about giving and sharing. I’m excited to let you know we’re bringing back, as part of the charitable/volunteering arm of the Club, “Heart to Heart.” Nancy O’Neill and Mary Chancellor will be leading to organize monthly volunteer opportunities for those interested. Watch for more details.

NOTE:

We want to remind our members that there will be no Newcomers Luncheon in November. I would like to encourage members to plan to go out to lunch and invite another member or two to get to know each other better…try a new restaurant in Lake Oswego or somewhere close to you.

Coffee and Conversation will be meeting the 3rd Friday, on November 21st. RSVP to Birgit Woodward.

Warmly,
Darlene Conklé
President, Newcomers Welcome Club

Philanthropy Committee News

by Barb Brannon
brannonbarb@yahoo.com
703-973-5486

philanthropy

Our annual Holiday Boutique and Bake-sale takes place at the at the December Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn Clackamas (formerly The Monarch Hotel). The Boutique and Bake-sale is one of our main fundraisers for the year and all proceeds go to Hungers Fighters Oregon. We invite those who sell art and handicrafts at the Boutique to donate a portion of their sales, and 100 percent of bake-sale proceeds go to the charity.

For the Boutique, we are looking for club members and outside vendors to bring their creations to sell. If you, or someone you know, make craft items, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, fabric goods etc. and would like to participate, please let us know as soon as possible to reserve space. We have several bakers/candy makers who are bringing goodies to the Bake-sale but still have room for more! Please contact Barb if you wish to contribute to either the Boutique or Bake-sale at brannonbarb@yahoo.com or (703)973-5486.

Hunger Fighter’s most recent newsletter included some key messages that highlight the importance of this organization to our community. Food insecurity is increasing in our area, and so is the number of families who rely on Hunger Fighters to supplement their food supply.

Over 40% of Hunger Fighter’s current guests also receive SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and/or Medicaid benefits. Both programs were subject to major cuts on October 1, 2025 when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA; H.R. 1) took effect. A few key takeaways:

  • New rules mostly affect seniors and immigrants
  • Refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed non-citizens who were eligible for SNAP have lost their eligibility.
  • New work requirements for “able-bodied adults ages 18 through 64 with no child under age 14” may cause the loss of benefits to more after 3 months.
philanthropy

The role of Hunger Fighters and other food pantries is even more critical as people navigate these changes. These days the problems of the world can seem overwhelming. We can each make a positive difference by supporting organizations that help those in need and, if we work together, our impact can be exponentially greater.

Welcome to Newcomers Activities

by Barbra Crumley (barbracrumley@gmail.com, 925-785-1142) and

activity groups

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. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Is there an activity you would like to see in our club? Let us know. We will work with you to make it happen including arranging for a co-leader and mentoring. Some of our newest groups include Canasta, Ladies Cooking Class and a Women's Discussion Group.

Do you enjoy Friendship Luncheons?

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In order to continue to make them happen, we are in need of two new leaders to head up this activity and facilitate new groups. It does not require a lot of time. We encourage co-chairing so that it allows for backup and sharing of time. Carol Jo and Lissa have done a great job the last three years and are ready to pass the baton. If you would like more information or are willing to help out, please contact Nancy O’Neill.

Thank you,
Nancy

Help Wanted: Co-leads for Friendship Luncheons, Saturday Night Socials, & Single Dining Divas

Calling all new members! Newcomers strives to welcome and support all members by providing social gatherings to meet and support each other. In order to make this happen, we need new leaders to coordinate these activities. It is a great way to assimilate into the organization, and training and support are always provided.

We encourage co-leadership because we understand our members have other commitments with family, travel, personal time, etc. Partnership can share the load. Have you met someone in the club you’d like to get to know better? Reach out and ask if they’ll partner with you. If you are interested, we have job descriptions for your review that include the estimated time commitment.

A huge thanks to members who have been leading these activities for many years. Now it’s time for a second string to help out and lead us into the future. If we do not have anyone to step up to help with these activities, we will no longer be able to provide future new members a referral into these groups.

WE are successful because of YOU! Thanks for your consideration. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Barbra Crumley (925-785-1142, barbracrumley@gmail.com) or

LO Adult Community Center

by Sally Roach
sallyroach@comcast.net

If you enjoy volunteering, please contact Sally Roach to serve lunch at the community center located at 505 G Ave, Lake Oswego. We serve lunch on the 4th Monday of each month from 11:00 am to 1:15 pm, and we'll be doing this during the summer months as well. We set tables, serve lunch, and clean up. Volunteers receive a delicious, free lunch! We are a very flexible group so it’s not necessary to serve every month.

Board meetings

Monthly NWC board meetings are on the first Thursday, at 10am, located at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center. They are open to members. Simply notify the president (darlenec.nwc@gmail.com) in advance that you wish to attend.

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Our members

New members

chick hatching from egg

We welcome our new members:

  • Baby Kramer from Anaheim, California
  • Sharon Golub from Newport Beach, California

November birthdays

Happy birthday balloons
Click the above title for a list of birthdays

Sunshine cards

by sunshine card

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.

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Photos &Travel

Photo Album

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All of the photos that have appeared in the online newsletter for the past year are now in our Photo Album. All future photos will be there as well. The photos are organized by event name. For example, the photos from the September 2025 Luncheon are in the Luncheons section.

Click or tap this photo to go to the Photo Album, and listen to the audio tutorial. Then, click or tap Luncheons, followed by October 2025 to see the other photos from the October Luncheon.

Octoberber 2025 Luncheon

There are also new photos from the Mah-Jongg group.

Group leaders: Send your photos, with captions if possible, to Ed Sawicki. Please ensure that the people in your photos are agreeable to having their photo in the Photo Album.

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Social & Classes

Ladies Cooking Class

by and Mary Costa maryctoo@comcast.net

NWC Cooking Class

Would you be interested in a holiday cookie exchange on Thursday, December fourth?

Instead of a cooking class, each participant would bring 3 dozen home made cookies along with the recipe and containers for the cookies they take home. Let us know if you’re interested. If there’s enough interest sign up information will be in the December newsletter.

To keep this group going, we need hosts for the upcoming cooking classes. If you have a favorite recipe to demonstrate and share, and/or a large kitchen to host an event, please contact Mary or Susan.

Women's Discussion Group

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womens discussion

Engage, Inspire, and Explore… A group discussion is a structured exchange of ideas among participants aimed at sharing insights and perspectives. The most engaging discussions often touch on themes that are relevant in everyday life: education, technology, history, current events, ethics, diversity. The group will offer suggestions for prospective topics.

The Women's Discussion Group is currently full. If you're interested in participating, please stay tuned for future openings.

Coffee & Conversation

by Birgit Woodward
birgitwoodward@gmail.com
Phone: 626-590-1465

coffee cup

Enjoy getting to know other members in a small group setting. Prospective, new members and current members are cordially invited to coffee to hear more about the Newcomers Welcome Club.

This month (due to the Thanksgiving Holiday) we will meet on the third Friday at 10:00 am, at a location to be determined closer to the date. Please mark your calendars for Friday, November 21.

Please email Birgit Woodward by Monday, November 17th, if you wish to receive an invitation and location where we will be meeting.

Saturday Night Social

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wine glasses

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 November Saturday Social is on November 15, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and is hosted by Linda Anderson. Please RSVP to Linda at her phone.

Hosts Wanted: If you'd like to host a social at your house in 2026, please contact Merryl.

Friendship Luncheons

by Carol Jo Bays
cjbays503@gmail.com

Friendship Luncheon

Newcomers Friendship Luncheons offer the opportunity for you to develop new and lasting friendships in a quieter setting. Our format is for 6-8 ladies to meet monthly, rotating homes. Each host prepares a casual meal or selects a restaurant, with each member paying for her own meal. Groups set their own meeting day - for example, second Tuesdays - so that members can keep those calendar dates clear.

Happily, there are many ways to socialize with Newcomers; these smaller gatherings are perfect for getting to know one another better on an ongoing basis. Please contact me if - and when - you wish to be part of the fun.

Single Dining Divas

by Sharon Harvey
smharvey50@gmail.com
408-609-3430

spoon and fork

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 interested in joining our fun group for home-hosted potluck meals, please contact me, Sharon Harvey.

Wine Enthusiasts

by Joanne Nowak
nowakjzn@aol.com
503-655-4163

Vinyard with Mt Hood in background

There is a nip in the air, leaves are changing and falling, and one of my favorite holidays is around the corner. Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with family and friends around a table with a bounty of food and perhaps an Oregon bottle of wine or two along with expressions of gratefulness.

This holiday weekend also carries on a long standing tradition of a Thanksgiving in Oregon Wine Country. Live music, food pairings, savings on wine, rare bottles opened to taste and a truly magical experience at most of the wineries in Oregon. My husband and I have been there, done that, and I think we even bought a tee shirt along with having a memorable time sipping some award winning Oregon wines.

If this sounds intriguing to you, visit WINE COUNTRY EVENTS.

Cheers,

Joanne and Maria

SeniorNet

Seniornet

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SeniorNet helps keep you safe on the Internet and helps with your technological challenges. Visit the SeniorNet page for details.

WashCo Fun

Washington County Fun in Beaverton and Hillsboro

by Joyce Porter
portjoy24@gmail.com
860-209-2060

WashCo Fun

WashCo Fun is a coed group for all members of LONWC, and the spouses of WashCo Fun members. Our activities in Washington County include an event and a meal at an area restaurant. To join and participate in future activities, contact Joyce Porter. Your Welcome letter will list upcoming WashCo Fun activities, an optional preference Questionnaire, and a list of fellow WashCo members.

Upcoming events include a WineDown in November, and a holiday theater performance Play in December. Please let me know if you have questions or need more information.

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Books

Reading Between the Wines

by Barbra Crumley
barbracrumley@gmail.com
925-785-1142

grapes and wine

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.

Bagels and Books

by Lynn Chazin
petslovers61@yahoo.com
925-352-6698

Bagels and Books is Newcomers newest daytime book club. We read novels and historical fiction and gather to nosh and discuss the book. Meetings are held the third Friday of each month from 11:00-1:00. Members take turns hosting, selecting books, and leading the discussion. If you are interested in joining, contact Lynn Chazin.

Tea, Cookies, and a Good Book

by Anne Dantzig
dantzighome2@yahoo.com

Tea, cookies, and a good book

At our next meeting on November 17, we will discuss our final book of the year “And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln” written by Jon Meacham. The meeting is from 1:30-3:00 pm on the third Monday of each month in the hostess’ home. There is currently a waiting list to join our book club. If you would like to join, please send your name and contact information to Anne at Dantzighome2@yahoo.com.

From Memories to Memoir

Linda Morris
Linda.morris5@comcast.net
503-998-8925

Carol Jo Bays
cjbays503@gmail.com
503-941-8646

From Memories to Memoir

Memoir is really anything that impacts your life. We all have life stories. Each session we hear family memories, humor, poetry, musings and more. We don’t teach writing. We just read our stories and actively listen to others.

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.

November meetings are November 5 and 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 Morris or Carol Jo Bays.

Book It Forward

by Claire Vaeth
claire.vaeth@gmail.com
617-501-6672

We meet the 4th Monday of each month 10am-noon. Contact Claire for more information.

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Games

Bunco Afternoon #1

by Sherry Kuntz
Skuntz421@msn.com
503-860-9813

floating dice

The Bunco group will meet at the home of on November 20, 2025 at 12:00 noon. If you are unable to attend, please contact Julie by email or by phone with the name of your sub.

Bunco #2

by Paula Sorensen
demelza35@aol.com
503-680-8413

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

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 12, at 7:00 pm

Hostess:

RSVP to Jan.

Canasta: Hand Foot & Tush

by Judith Davies
davies24@gmail.com
310-600-6373

Canasta cards

We usually play this 5-deck Canasta game called "Hand Foot & Tush" on the 4th Wednesday of the month, at 11:00 AM. Due to the upcoming holiday, THIS MONTH, we will be playing Canasta on the 3rd Wednesday, November 19, 2025. We ask players to bring their own lunch and the hostess to provide drinks.

Please email Judith Davies if you are interested in playing. If you are a new player she will send you the rules and guidelines. Looking forward to seeing you!

Dominoes

by Judith Davies
davies24@gmail.com
310-600-6373

You are invited to join a new group to play Dominoes on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. This month we will play on November 18, 2025 at 12:30pm

Drinks and a light snack will be provided. Please contact Judith Davies if you would like to play

Mah Jongg

by and
Susan Muhm
sgmuhm@gmail.com
425-443-1862

Mah Jongg tiles

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 3 @1:00 —

Nov 10 @1:00—

Nov 17 @1:00— (Will be held at Cheryl Robin's home.)

Nov 24 @1:00—TBA

Best regards,
Cheryl and Susan

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Men's groups

Men’s Breakfast Group

by Dave Hull
davehull2008@gmail.com
503-703-0256

Men's breakfast plate

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:

Nov 4
Nov 18

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
marcbond55@gmail.com

men's discussion

Tuesday evening 7th October we held an excellent discussion on the topic of ‘Where Should Responsibility End?’. There were 12 of us in attendance, which allowed for a lively and great discussion, with several great thoughts and ideas expressed.

Our next MDG is planned for December, and as with last year, we would like to make it a bit festive with a pot-luck.

If you have any questions or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact Marc Bond for further information.

Undaunted Saunterers

by Gary Crumley
doctorcrums@gmail.com

hikers

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 looking forward to the fall foliage and return of rain to the PNW.

Contact Gary Crumley for more information.

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Walking & Sports

Frequent Walkers

by Sher Ireland
503-620-1500

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
Skuntz421@msn.com
503-860-9813

footprints

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.

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November Calendar

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat NOV 1 NOV 2 NOV 3 Mah Jongg NOV 4 Weekly Walkers Mens Bkfs NOV 5 Saunterers Memoirs NOV 6 NOV 7 NOV 8 NOV 9 NOV 10 Mah Jongg Book Nook NOV 11 Weekly Walkers Dining Divas NOV 12 Saunterers Bunco 2 NOV 13 NOV 14 NOV 15 Saturday Night Social NOV 16 Wine Enthusiasts NOV 17 Mah Jongg Tea, Cookies Good Book RSVP for Coffee NOV 18 Weekly Walkers Mens Bkfs Dominoes NOV 19 Saunterers Canasta Memoirs NOV 20 Bunco 1 NOV 21 Coffee & Conversation Bagels Books NOV 22 NOV 23 NOV 24 Mah Jongg LOACC Book It Fwd NOV 25 Weekly Walkers NOV 26 Saunterers NOV 27 NOV 28 NOV 29 NOV 30

Newcomer's events are also available in an alphabetized list format via: EZ-Cal

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