Newcomers elect new officers, plan fall meetings

Meet the Rockwall County Newcomers & Friends officers for 2014-15: (Back row, standing) Judy Buffington and Ann Maas; (front row, seated) Jo Anderson, Jean Lakner and Kathy Weintraub.

ROCKWALL, TX (September 8, 2014) The Rockwall County Newcomers & Friends Club recently elected officers for 2014-15. Their first luncheon meeting of the new year will be Thursday, September 11 at Occasions at Stone River in Royse City.

Officers are: President Jean Lakner, 1st Vice President/Programs Kathy Weintraub, 2nd Vice President/Membership Judy Buffington, Treasurer Ann Maas, and Secretary Jo Anderson.

Meet the president

As president, Jean Lakner is a perfect fit for the job as she is outgoing, fun-loving, and has a great sense of humor. She enjoys meeting new people and making new friends. She was born in South Dakota, and lived in Pierre with her husband John until approximately three years ago when both retired from their respective careers and moved to Texas. Jean was a school counselor and later a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Pierre. John was a principal in the Pierre School System. Both began their careers as teachers.

Jean and John chose to relocate to the Rockwall area, making their home in the Woodcreek subdivision of Fate, in order to be close to their three daughters and their families. The three families include five grandchildren — ages three to ten — which Jean says was the big draw. Their son and family still live in South Dakota but hope to move to Texas at some point in the future, along with their five children whose ages range from thirteen to twenty-two. Lots of wonderful grandchildren to love and spoil in the Lakner family!

The Lakners are avid pickleball players, and usually play three times a week. They are also active members of Elevate Church in Murphy. Jean also enjoys her Red Hat group, running 5Ks and 10Ks, reading, playing mah jongg and bunco. As if Jean is not already busy, she volunteers with Vitas Hospice, Rockwall Pets, and One Man’s Treasure.

Prior to moving to Texas, Jean learned about Rockwall County Newcomers & Friends and joined immediately upon their arrival. She is very grateful that she made that choice as she quickly became involved with activities and organizations in the Rockwall community. Jean is excited to be leading RCN&F, and looks forward to reaching out to new members. It is her hope that others may experience the warm welcome, fun times and friendship that our organization espouses.

About Rockwall Newcomers

Rockwall County Newcomers & Friends is a social organization that provides a social outlet for women who live in Rockwall County. The Club welcomes new residents and women who have lived in Rockwall County for many years.

The club organized in 1977 and has a membership of over 200. The club meets from September thru May on the second Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Occasions in Royce City.

November Luncheon

Next up following the September 11 luncheon meeting is a luncheon on Thursday, November 13 featuring Kathleen Cunningham, a speaker, reviewer & professional dancer, who will present a program on Fred & Adele Astaire. The program will begin at 10 a.m. at Occasions inRoyse City. RSVP by November 3 by calling Patty, 469-236-4270 or Marion, 972-722-9896.

Visit newcomersrock.com for more information.  

Submitted by Barbara Bowman, Rockwall County Newcomers and Friends.

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