Alumni Group of Newcomers (AGN) Opportunities for Active People

New Bern, NC

February 2018

AGN got the new year off to a good start at our membership meeting on January 15th; over50 members were in attendance. Michael Dunlap of Carolina East Health Systems had some great ideas on how to keep our new year resolutions to stay healthy and exercise. Activities Director Kay Melvin and those activity leaders present gave a rundown of all thecurrent AGN activity groups. Back by popular demand was the 50/50 raffle, with the AGN share going towards refreshments for our meetings.

While the weather may restrict some of our outdoor activities, there’s still plenty to keep busy with heading into February. Check out all the activities listed here in the newsletter. Our next membership meeting will be on March12th at 7PM at our usual location, the Christ Church Ministry Center on Middle Street. We have a speaker lined up to present information of interest to many, if not most, of us: estate planning & asset protection in North Carolina. Hope to see you there!

Mark & Michelle LeonardCo-Presidents mmleonard@centurylink.net

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Please check the appropriate activity description on the following pages for details about these events:

Date Activity

Thu, Feb 1, 18 Tennis, 1:00 pm, Creekside Park, New Bern

Sat, Feb 3, 18 Outdoor Adventure, 10:00 am, Hike at Lathum Whitehurst Nature Park

Mon, Feb 5, 18 Scrabble, 12:30 pm, Books-A-Million

Tue, Feb 6, 18 Tennis, 1:00 pm, West New Bern Recreation Center

Tue, Feb 6, 18 Singles Mingles, 5:00 pm, Appetizer Get - Together at Linda Guthrie's Home 1823 Caracara Dr, Fairfield Harbour

Thu, Feb 8, 18 Tennis, 1:00 pm, Creekside Park, New Bern

Tue, Feb 13, 18 Tennis, 1:00 pm, West New Bern Recreation Center

Wed, Feb 14, 18 Dining Out, 12:00 pm, Casa San Carlo

Thu, Feb 15, 18 Tennis, 1:00 pm, Creekside Park, New Bern

Thu, Feb 15, 18 Singles Mingles, 2:00 pm, Moore's BBQ - HWY 17 South New Bern

Thu, Feb 15, 18 Mexican Train Dominoes, 7:00 PM, Email Lynn Wilson for location

Fri, Feb 16, 18 Sip & Snack, 6:00 pm, location of the gathering willbe emailed to those that registered with Jane Olstad

Mon, Feb 19, 18 Scrabble, 5:30 pm for sandwiches, 6 pm for the game, Schlotzsky's Deli

Tue, Feb 20, 18 Tennis, 1:00 pm, West New Bern Recreation Center

Thu, Feb 22, 18 Tennis, 1:00 pm, Creekside Park, New Bern

Thu, Feb 22, 18 The Book Babes, 1:00 pm

Thu, Feb 22, 18 Wine Group, 6:30, Dessert and Wine Tasting Event, see enclosed flyer

Tue, Feb 27, 18 Tennis, 1:00 pm, West New Bern Recreation Center

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Date Activity

Wed, Feb 28, 18 Original Book Club, 1:00PM, My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor

Wed, Feb 28, 18 Singles Mingles, 5:00 pm, Dinner at Floyd's 1921 Restaurant - 400 Bridge St. Morehead City

Mon, Mar 12, 18 AGN General Meeting, General Membership Meeting, 7 PM in the Christ Church Ministry Center on Middle Street.

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Newcomers Alumni Club offers a variety of activity groups designed not only to provide you with new friends and fun, but also opportunities to learn, lead and most importantly, laugh! You may participate in as many activities as you desire. We also offer special activities throughout the year. In the following pages is a description of each activity group currently available including any scheduled events/activities. Some activity Groups are not active during the summer, but theywill all resume in September.

Participation in any Alumni or Joint Newcomer/Alumni Group Activity or Event requires that the prospective participant be a member in good standing in the AGN.

How do you sign up? To join a group, contact an activity leader or co-chair directly.

If you have a suggestion for a new activity, and you are willing to lead the group, please contact our Activity Director:

Kay Melvin kdmelvin@gmail.com

252-288-6101

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Purpose: The Newcomers/Alumni Bicycling Group is forthose individuals who like to get exercise while enjoying thescenery around New Bern. We feature 'no drop' rides--which means we don't leave anyone behind! We have beenworking to design options that allow more serious bikers to enjoy a longer distance at a faster pace, but also provide a choice for more leisurely riders to go at a more comfortablepace. We take breaks as needed. Routes will vary, allowing participants the chance to see different neighborhoods and the surrounding countryside

Requested Gear:

1. A working bicycle (brakes, gears) with adequate safety items - lights, reflectors

2. A Helmet is mandatory.

3. Carry adequate water (minimum – 1 pt. / 500 ml).

4. Casual clothing (shorts) and top with bright colors.

Air pumps and/or lights are an option.

Meeting Place:

A group email, including directions to a starting point, is sent out for weekend rides.

We would love to have you join us!

Activity Leader Home Cell EmailKeith Jackson 573-795-1837 jacksk59@yahoo.com

Dave Gerde 252-288-4371 631-759-6412 dgerde@netzero.net

Scheduled Events:

Weather is nice today--hope you were able to get out!

My eagle-eyed wife noticed an announcement in the paper about an upcoming bike ride to benefit Rose Haven, a female veteran reintegration home in Washington.

The ride is scheduled for June 2, with 20, 54 and 103 mile bike routes. The website has a map of the three routes, and it appears that all of them start and stop at Festival Park in Washington, NC The link to the ride:http://www.pamlicorose.org/bike/

If anyone wants to be notified of rides, they can email Keith at jacksk59@yahoo.com.

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There are currently two Book Clubs active in the AGN. THE BOOK BABES has alreadyclosed off new membership because they have 22 members and feel that is all they can support. With all the interest in participating in a book club the AGN is open to creating a third at this time.

Original Book GroupActivity Leaders Home Cell EmailBarbara Miller 252-514-4591 earlmiller123@gmail.com

The “Original Book Group” meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month in members’ homes If you have any questions please send them to Barbara Miller (email: earlmiller123@gmail.com).

We do have a few openings for new members, please call Barbara Miller at 252-514-4591 if you would like to join us!

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Book Meeting location

Wed, Feb 28, 18 1:00 PM My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor

June Dowd's Home

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“THE BOOK BABES” Book GroupActivity Leaders Home Cell EmailJan Manning 252-638-5588 janmanning@suddenlink.net

Alumni has formed “THE BOOK BABES” Book Group which meets 1-3 pm on the 4th Thursday of each month. We have 20 members and thus are not taking any more at the moment. For more information please contact Jan Manning at 252-638-5588 orjanmanning@suddenlink.net.

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Book' Meetinglocation

Thu, Feb 22, 18 1:00 pm

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ActivityLeaders

Home Cell Email

Bill McHale 252-288-6549 bmchale@aol.com

Dining Out is an opportunity to experience restaurants in New Bern and the surrounding areas. It’s a chance to sample the chef’s specialties and enjoy the company of other alumni.

The Dining Out group meets monthly for either lunch or dinner. We try to sample a variety of cuisines within a range of proves (nothing too expensive!) Depending on the location, there may be a group size limit; sign up early! Each monthly event requires an RSVP via email to Mark.

Dining Out is probably one of the most attended activities within the AGN and is a fun group to participate in if you enjoy eating out and exploring new places (and some old favorites) to dine in the area. You must sign up by email to Bill (bmchale@aol.com) to receive notice of each month’s planned event.

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Location

Wed, Feb 14, 18 12:00 pm Casa San Carlo

February’s Dining Out adventure we will be venturing down to Moorehead City where we

will be eating lunch at Casa San Carlo. It is located on the Corner of 10th St and Arendell (913 Arendell St). There is a parking lot between 10th & 11th for easy parking.

Please RSVP back to Bill McHale at bmchale@aol.com by February 9th if you would

like to join us. Seating will be limited to the first 36 people responding, so don’t wait until the last minute to RSVP!

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December Dining Out: (Pollock Street Pub & Oyster Bar in New Bern)

Our January Dining Out at the Pollack St Pub & Oyster Bar was so popular thatwe had to schedule an extra night to accommodate everyone who signed up. The total turnout for the two nights was 54 people!

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The board gaming group does not have anything on the calendar for February. Lori will be taking sign ups at the general meeting for a night of bunco on March 10th. If folks are not able to make the meeting but wish to play, they can email me at 007ljack@gmail.com.

ActivityLeaders

Home Cell Email

Lori Jackson 007Ljack@gmail.com

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Location

March

Lori has indicated the activity is planning on a March gathering for Bunco

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Newcomers / Alumni Golf is based on the premise that the game should be fun. Making friends is paramount; proficiency is immaterial. We welcome all skill levels. Rules are what each player wants them to be. Some players adhere to the stricter rules of the USGA, while others follow the lax GW rules -- count every stroke that you like. If you don’t like it, don’t count it; or finally, don’t count anything and pick up your ball any time you wish!

We schedule a golf outing once a month, normally on a Wednesday or Thursday, and play 12 months of the year. We travel to courses in the New Bern area and tryto keep within a one-hour drive. We also arrange carpooling for the out-of-New Bern trips. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, come join us. You will have a good time!

Activity Leaders Home Cell Email

George Sheptock 252-649-1684 pbreinin@gbmail.com

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Golf Course

No Golf reported for February

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Mexican Train Dominoes

Activity Leaders Home Cell EmailLynn Wilson 252-288-4388 lynnwil85@gmail.com

The goal is to have fun while playing Mexican Train Dominoes. Dominoes are a simple, easy to learn game played by people of all ages for centuries. You sit at a table of 6; you do not play with partners. The object of the game is to be the first player to place all of their dominoes. Dominoes may be placed onto the player's train, onto the Mexican train if available, or on the trains of other players under special circumstances. This game is a great way to socialize in a small group.

The Host will provide a dessert (and a table for six players). The other players will bring an appetizer or snacks to be shared, PLUS any beverage that you would liketo personally drink that evening.

Now we are using a matrix to accommodate 18 players which are divided among three households. So many people still want to play from last year that the space available is for only one couple or 2 singles. If there is enough interest, I will try to find a matrix to accommodate more people. We have an alternate list for people to fill in when some of the 18 players can't make it that month. It happens frequently. Please sign up even if you have signed up already by sending me a request via email.

Participants will be notified by e-mail of the location prior to the event. Activity is held the 3rd Thursday of the month and will start at 7:00 pm. Advance sign-up or show of interest by e-mail is required.

To sign up for Mexican Train Dominoes or to indicate interest in future Dominoes events, contact the Activity Leader by e-mail or phone.

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Location

Thu, Feb 15, 18 07:00 PM Email Lynn Wilson for location

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Activity Leaders Home Cell EmailJune Dowd 252-571-5210 junedowd515@gmail.com

Steve Spaziante 252-571-3880 sfspaz@hotmail.com

Throughout the September – May season, we try to choose outdoor activities that are appealing to everyone. The adventures are not competitive in nature. The adventures have included: kayaking/ canoeing, hiking, kite flying, bicycle riding, and boat rides. We either bring our lunch or stop by a nearby restaurant.

We don’t have participants sign up unless it is an activity that must be more stringent in head count. Our slogan is “No sign-up, just show up at the event” and rain-out is constituted by already raining or bad outlook during the time of the adventure.

Scheduled Events:

Sat, Dec 30, 99 Time Adventuer

February 3, 2018 10:00 AM Hike at Lathum Whitehurst Nature Park

Sat, Mar 17, 18 28th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Nags Head

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Outdoor Adventure

Hike at Lathum Whitehurst Nature Park(www.newbern.com/latham-whitehurst-nature-park.html)

1095 Broad Creek Road

(from New Bern towards Bayboro: Route 55 eastturn right onto Broad Creek Road

2.4 miles to park on left)

Saturday, February 3, 2018, 10:00 a.m.

with lunch afterwards at Big Apple PizzeriaBrices Creek Road across from park

The park also features a series of nature trails which range from .16 miles to .8 miles long, and which can easily be combined for a longer trek through the scenic Craven County woods. Facilities are available.

Contacts: June Dowd 252-571-5210 junedowd515@gmail.comSteve Spaziante 252-571-3880

Outdoor Adventure Policy: There is no sign up with “contacts (June or Steve)”.Just show up if you are interested.

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OUTDOOR ADVENTUREOvernight, end of winter trip to the Outer Banks, which

includes seeing the 28th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Nags Head on Sunday, March 18.

(Parade starts at 1 pm at the intersection ofBladen St. and Virginia Dare Trail (Beach Road)

and continues north to Driftwood St.)

March 17-19, 2018 Some area attractions:

• *Wright Brothers National Monument and Museum (Kill Devil Hills) • *Aviation Park (Kill Devil Hills)• *Whalehead (Corolla)• *Island Farm (Roanoke Island)• *Roanoke Island Maritime Museum (Manteo)• Tanger Outlets (Nags Head)

For additional attraction information on these attractions, go to outerbanks.com (Visitors’ Guide)

Tentative Schedule andHotel Recommendations TBA Group Dinners Saturday and Sunday

If you are interested in this trip, contact June Dowd junedowd515@gmail.comfor further

information.

Steve Spaziante 252-571-3880 (call only)

June Dowd 252-571-5210 (call or text) email: junedowd515@gmail.com

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Activity Leaders Home Cell EmailCammie Armstrong 757-650-5469 cammiearmstrong@gmail.com

The Scrabble Group meets the first Monday of the month from 12:30 pm at Books-A-Million Coffee Shop in the New Bern Wal-Mart Shopping Center at 3005 M.L. King Blvd.; and the third Monday of the month from 6:30 pm at Schlotzsky's 3335 M L King Blvd (several individuals come at 6:00 to eat dinner). Watch your email for changes when there is a holiday on a Monday.

Playing Rules:

1. Two players per board (unless there is an odd number)2. Dictionary can be used a maximum of two times per move3. Use of "The Cheat Sheet" allowed4. Turns limited to six minutes each

Please Bring:

If you have the following items, please bring them to each meeting: A Scrabble Board, an Official Scrabble Dictionary and a 3-minute timer.

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Game Location

Mon, Feb 5, 18 12:30 PM Books a Million

Mon, Feb 19, 18 05:30 PM for Dinner06:00 PM the game starts

Schlotzsky's Deli

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Activity Leaders Home Cell EmailLinda Guthrie 724-622-1568 lindaguthrie50@gmail.com

Paula Guarnere 609-335-7111 Guarnp1@verizon.net

Garnet Jeffrey 304-563-1723 pomgarnet@aol.com

Singles Mingles is a combined activity of Newcomers and Alumni members and has events twice a month for coffee, lunch, or dinner in various restaurants near New Bern or in a member's home. Singles Mingles is a singles-only activity that meets to socialize, but is not a dating service.

Scheduled Events:

DATE TIME WHERE

Tue, Feb 6, 18 5:00 pm Appetizer Get - Together at Linda Guthrie's Home 1823 Caracara Dr, Fairfield Harbour

Thu, Feb 15, 18 2:00 pm Moore's BBQ - HWY 17 South New Bern

Wed, Feb 28, 18 5:00 pm Dinner at Floyd's 1921 Restaurant - 400 Bridge St. Morehead City

For more information, want to receive emails or interested in hosting a get-together at your home please contact: If you are interested in hosting a get-together at your home just let us know we can always add a date on our calendar.

All Singles Mingles Activity members will be contacted by email, announcing each event. Please RSVP so we have an accurate expected head count.

Important: Dates & Places are subject to change. Watch your email, as places may change, at the last minute, due to unforeseen reasons.

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SIP & SNACKActivity Leaders Home Cell EmailJane Olstad 252-514-0634 jolstad27@gmail.com

Looking for a casual night with friends? Sign up for Sip & Snack!

If you like to visit with friends while sharing food and drink, join fellow alums for Sip & Snack. This event will be the third Friday of each month at an alumni's house at 6 pm. Attendees will bring an appetizer or dessert to share, plus whatever they want to drink.

If you would like to be automatically notified about each month's location, please email Jane Olstad to register with the activity. At the beginning of each month Jane will send outan email to those registered, and you can RSVP to the host (identified in Jane's email) to reserve your participation. The number of participants will typically be limited.

Scheduled Events:

A Sip & Snack is scheduled for February 16th at 6:00 pm. Jane is looking for hosts in the spring period of 2018. If you would like to host any month in 2018 please contact Jane.

Come join the fun!

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The January Sip & Snack was held atJune and Gary Dowd's house .

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TENNIS CLUB

Activity Leaders Home Cell EmailBernie Frank 252-631-2469 917-783-3036 frank_bernie@hotmail.com

The Tennis Club offers two levels of play. Our Recreational level is for any level of ability for those who enjoy relaxed doubles play. For those who prefer more competitive play for doubles or singles we also have our Challenge level.

Schedule

Tennis Group Tuesdays & Thursdays (call for time)The group will be meeting at 10:00 am.

Location:

Tuesday: West New Bern Recreation Center1225 Pinetree Road, New Bern.

Thursday: Creekside Park, New Bern

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Game Court Location

Thu, Feb 1, 18 1:00 pm Creekside Park, New Bern

Tue, Feb 6, 18 1:00 pm West New Bern Recreation Center

Thu, Feb 8, 18 1:00 pm Creekside Park, New Bern

Tue, Feb 13, 18 1:00 pm West New Bern Recreation Center

Thu, Feb 15, 18 1:00 pm Creekside Park, New Bern

Tue, Feb 20, 18 1:00 pm West New Bern Recreation Center

Thu, Feb 22, 18 1:00 pm Creekside Park, New Bern

Tue, Feb 27, 18 1:00 pm West New Bern Recreation Center

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The Wine Group meets various times throughout the year for good food paired with greatwine. It could be in an Alumni member’s home or somewhere in the community.

Activity Leaders Home Cell EmailDee Dricks 252-633-9671 dricksdee@gmail.com

June Dowd 252-633-2667 junedowd515@gmail.com

Joan Baumann, Treasurer

Scheduled Events:

Date Time Location

2/22 6:30 pm Dessert and Wine Tasting Event

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Dessert and Wine Tasting Event

Thursday, February 22nd

6:30- 8:30pm

$30p/p Deadline is February 14th

Cravin' Wine

1706 A Hwy 70 EastNew Bern, NC

We will be tasting 5 wines paired with desserts. The wines offered will be 3 dry, 1 sweet and 1 sparkling. We have to guarantee 20 participants with a maximum of 25-30 Additional information will be forthcoming, but reservations are now being accepted.

Checks made out to: AGN Wine Club and mailed to:

Joan Baumann 1354 Pine Valley Dr, NB 28562

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~ NOTICE ~

CLUB TAKING AND USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF MEMBERS

This is to notify you as a member of Newcomers Club of New Bern orthe Alumni Group that, in the course of Newcomer and Alumni Club activities, photographs of members may be taken and used by New-comers Club of New Bern or the Alumni Group, at their discretion without compensation to or approval by such members, for club-relat-ed purposes including but not limited to club promotion, newsletter and other website content and contests.

New Bern Newcomers/Alumni ClubOfficers and Directors

For 2017-2018

Co-President : Mark & Michelle LeonardVice President for Programs: Betty ToddVice President for Activities: Kay Melvin Secretary: Mary Lou Snyder Co-Treasurer: Lori & Keith Jackson

Executive Board MembersFor 2016-2017

Membership/Advisor: Sandie SwigartNewsletter: Bud CurtisData Base/Directory: Carole McHaleSocial Committee Diane Koonce (Chair),

Mickie Wittmeyer,Carole McHale,Betty Todd

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DUES FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2017, THROUGH June 30, 2018ALUMNI GROUP OF NEWCOMERS MEMBERSHIP

APPLICATION/WAIVER AGREEMENT

Please complete the application, sign the waiver, and enclose your check made payable to AGN, and mail to:

Carole McHale211 Nyon Court

New Bern, NC 28562-7065

MEMBERSHIP: (___) New OR (___) Renewal

(__) Family Unit $25.00 OR (__) Single $15.00 OR(__) Single whose partner does not participate in any club activities $15.00

(__) Yes, I would like a printed Directory $5.00 (in addition to my membership) (An electronic copy of the directory will also be e-mailed to you.)

PHONE: HOME________________ CELL________________ CELL_________________

NAME(S) ___________________Please print

ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ ZIP______________Please print

E-MAIL(S) _________________________________________ ________________________________________Please print

* * * * * * * *

WAIVER AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

In consideration of being allowed to participate in the functions and activities of the Alumni Group of Newcomers:

I/We____________________________________________________ do hereby agree to hold the Alumni Group of Newcomers free from all liability and claims for damages and injuries of any kind whatsoever, from any cause or causes whatsoever, which I/We incur or sustain while participating in any of the functions and activities, includingDay Trips and Outdoor Adventure, sponsored by the Alumni Group of Newcomers, and I/We further agree to hold harmless the Alumni Group of Newcomers from liability, loss, cost (including without limit, attorney fees) and other obligations arising out of any such damages and injuries, however they are incurred or sustained.

________________________ ___________________________ ____________Signature Signature Date

We appreciate and thank you for your prompt payment of dues.

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