PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - NOVEMBER 2024
As the end of the calendar year approaches, we all look forward to the "busyness" with part excitement and part trepidation. Thanks to our dynamic Activities Director, Joan Phillips and her minions, there are lots of special holiday options coming up for our members to socialize, eat, drink and learn more about our area, and each other. There are still spots available for the “Christmas Musical Show at the Alabama Theatre” and Thalian Association’s production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” at Thalian Hall. Please check the website for more info.
Your Board of Directors has been hard at work discussing ideas to uncover new ways to improve the experiences of our members. The speakers whom Ron has secured have been engaging and informative. Nothing but positive feedback so far! I know many of our members who can’t always make the meetings are so appreciative that they can view the presentations online. Thank you Marla and JJ. The speakers for our next meeting on Friday, December 13th, will be Michelle Ly, NC Conservation Coordinator, Southeast Coastal Plain Office, The Nature Conservancy and Lt. Colonel Jim Fink, Executive Officer, 596th Transportation Brigade, Military Ocean Terminal, Sunny Point. Don't forget to sign up to bring snacks, if you are able. Any of our leftover goodies are donated and taken to Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their clients and their families. We also leave some for the terrific staff here at Leland Cultural Art Center.
One major change we are looking at is modifying the By-laws to allow for non-termination of membership. This would allow members to stay with Newcomers Club for however long they wish, with no limitation on years of eligibility. We would love to hear your feedback on this change. We will be presenting this specific idea with the rationale at our December meeting, with follow ups in January and hopefully voting on the change after that meeting. I will be sending out a survey to our membership for their thoughts and input.
If you are away for the Thanksgiving holiday, please take our best wishes for safe travels with you. Some of my favorite literary characters are those created by A.A. Milne living in the Hundred Acre Woods, and here is one of my favorite passages. “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude” -AA Milne
