Rockwall County, TX (October 22, 2024) – In 1974, Sheila Flannery moved to Rockwall and began searching for an organization to meet people. Not finding anything that offered exactly what she was looking for, a purely social connection, Sheila decided, along with another friend, Glo Dodd, to form their own organization.
Now, 50 years later and with over 200 current members, Rockwall County Newcomers & Friends continues to create a bridge to long-lasting friendships!
Sheila is proud to see how the organization has thrived and grown and believes the longevity is due to the sense of community members find in a social organization – where everyone belongs!
The organization welcomes all ladies residing in Rockwall County. Many guests and members are new residents, but some seek opportunities to make friends and find social outlets following a life change, such as retirement.
Current Newcomers & Friends president, Kim Lawrence, moved to Rockwall in 2017. Introduced to the group by her realtor, the newcomer from Austin found a place where she could meet people and play one of her favorite card games, Canasta.
“When I became a member, I found so many friends. For people who just moved here this is a great way to meet people and form relationships” says Kim. “While we have a lot of social events, these are real friends, and I could not have made it through this past summer without them.”
Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Kim has been encouraged by her friends who jumped in and helped her throughout her surgery and recovery making sure she had everything she needed. Without any family nearby, Kim says she would have been “lost” without them.
With dozens of activities each month to choose from members find plenty of opportunities to gather. The monthly luncheon, held September through May, sees over 100 ladies gather at Occasions of Stone River for a time of fellowship followed by a speaker or entertainment.
But there is so much more than lunch! Newcomers & Friends hosts numerous weekly gatherings for a wide variety of interests including book clubs, trivia, card and board games, and craft groups. Some regular groups focus on exercise and wellness and others, dining and cooking. They also plan several larger socials and annual events including the chili cook off, Great Balls of Fire, planned for October 24.
Complementing the social mission, members do not promote their businesses, talk religion, or politics. It is truly a place for everyone!
Rockwall County Newcomers & Friends next luncheon is scheduled for November 14 and is open to all ladies, whether you are a true newcomer or not! Register lunch at https://newcomersrock.com/monthly-luncheon/
You can see all the luncheon details including the many social gatherings Newcomers & Friends offers on their website https://newcomersrock.com/ and contact newcomersrock@hotmail.com with any questions.
Story by Melanie Mayfield. Courtesy photos.
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