August 2024 

From Mark Kennedy

The summer is approaching its mid-point, which means that the Newcomers & Neighbors Summer Picnic is just around the corner!  The picnic is always one of the best events of our year, and one at which we have the opportunity to talk to members we haven't seen in a while.

Information regarding the picnic immediately follows along with a link to sign up for it.

This year Newcomers & Neighbors will be participating in the Whatcom Council on Aging's Senior Day in the Park, which will take place on August 7th.  More information is provided below.

Our booth will be managed by Tina Wyder, our Vice President, but she needs three or four volunteers to help over the course of event.  She is also asking if anyone can loan a tent since the event will be held in the open during an August morning and early afternoon, and coolers for water bottles.  If you can volunteer your time or equipment, please contact Tina at katinawyder@gmail.com.

The Board of Directors has also decided to make changes to the monthly luncheons to reduce costs and increase participation.  We will of course continue to schedule speakers of interest to our members and community, but will no longer be offering a catered lunch for purchase.

The monthly meetings will resume in September as scheduled and will continue to be held on the second Wednesday of the month.  More information on the changes will be provided in the September newsletter.

I also want to draw your attention to the volunteer opportunity with Bellingham At Home described below.

And of course I want to encourage each and everyone of our members to volunteer to host not only our regular monthly activities such as Dinner Bunches, Happy Hours, Potlucks, and Game Nights, but also to think outside the box in regard to other types of events.

If you would like to facilitate a bowling or axe-throwing night, an excursion to a museum or historic sight, or a local event such as a Bellingham Bells game, please let us know and the Board will help you facilitate it.

The vitality and success of Newcomers & Neighbors depends on the willingness of each and every one of us to contribute!  On behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, I want to thank the members who have planned and scheduled events and excursions either as part of an activity such as the Garden Club or entirely on their own.

I look forward to seeing you at the picnic!

Mark