February Message from our President

Please note that our Fashion Show, normally scheduled in March, is being moved to April to give people more time to feel more comfortable about attending larger group functions. CHICOS is excited about working with us again to create an exciting event. Soon, Connie Maynord will be gathering the names of and information for our volunteer models.

“ I was talking to one of these friends about a father-child activity that Dave is not here to do. We came up with a plan to fill in for Dave. I cried to him, “But I want Dave. I want Option A”. He put his arm around me and said, “Option A is not available. So, let’s just kick the shit out of Option B” .

Sheryl Sandberg

Dearest Newcomers,

Those who have been around me a lot know that the above expletive is one that (much to my mother’s dismay) is one that I use a lot to punctuate a statement about a person, place, or thing or behavior. In searching for a quote or something inspirational to use in my contribution to our February Newsletter, I couldn’t let this one go – nothing else resonated with me like this story and its message.

Here’s the thing: We all hoped the pandemic would be over for good in 2020; that didn’t happen, and our behaviors and how we live our lives are still impacted by the virus and its variants. Being an optimist, it’s sort of easy for me to say, “Well let’s make the best of things”. However, I think that just making the best of things isn’t good enough – we have to do our utmost to come up with Option B’s and then to focus our energies on making those options almost as special as Option A’s are.

Members have been interested to know what the Newcomers’ position was on attending luncheons and other group meetings. The following is the message sent out earlier this month from the Board of Directors:

Newcomers are going to continue to meet for luncheons and other special interest group meetings. It is strongly recommended that Newcomers get vaccinated to combat the effect of COVID. If a Newcomer is feeling feverish or has severe cold or flu symptoms or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID, that Newcomer should not attend the luncheons or other meetings. She will be enthusiastically welcomed back at the soonest opportunity. Related to our Luncheons: We will be asking the Bluegrass staff to set up the room to accommodate six-to-a-table seating and will be asking them for a plated lunch (instead of the buffet line). Masks will be required upon entry to the building and until it’s time to eat.

This protocol will continue for as long as the illness surges. The Board will reassess the situation and make modifications on a month-to-month basis.

Did you know that the third week in February is Random Acts of Kindness Week? Did you know that there is a National Do A Grouch a Favor Day and a National Thank a Mail Carrier Day this month? As Newcomers like to celebrate all women, it’s good to know that there is a National Girls and Women in Sports Day, A National Women Physicians Day and a National Send a Card to a Friend Day. It strikes me that there’s more to February than just valentines, flowers and candy.

Whatever you have planned for February, I hope your Option B brings you happiness and fulfillment.

Carol Gower