The President's Message

Welcome to Summer in the South. 

We welcomed the first day of summer on June 20^th.  Let the vacations begin!  The beach, the mountains, Italy, France, and Portugal are just a few of the destinations our members have already visited.

When I think of summer, I think of my childhood and the many picnics with the red checked tablecloths, hot dogs, hamburgers, grandma’s famous Jello salads and my grandpa making homemade ice cream.   We all took turns cranking the handle until it was done.  It took so long but it was always worth the wait.   Some of you may be able to relate to the Old-Fashioned Days, as I call them. Now everything is automtic, and you can make it in minutes…have someone deliver it to your front door or even have it dropped by drone to your driveway in some areas of Charlotte.  Our grandparents would never believe it!

Whatever summer memories or plans you have this year, I encourage you to take time and gather friends and have a good old-fashioned picnic.   What better time to dust off your picnic baskets than during the month of July when we do not have an NFC luncheon.  Invite some new and old friends and take some fun pictures (especially of your picnic basket) and send them to our historian, Mare Walker. (For privacy purposes, you can find Mare’s contact information in our printable directory found on the toolbar on the website home page.)  You never know, your photo might be selected for the best NFC picnic of July 2025 or maybe even win a prize to thank you for your participation.

As we begin the 2025–2026 year for New Friends of the Carolina, I’d like to ask you to consider trying a new activity in the club that you have never attended before.  Also, reach out to a new member...as we all know that personal gesture makes such a difference.  Let’s see if we can “unplug” and enjoy each other the Old-Fashioned way this year. 

Our social chair, Laurel Chivari, has been working hard planning some wonderful events already.  Watch for more information on Bunco with a Friend, Friendsgiving, and our most beloved Shenanigans event will return in March.  I am excited about what is in store for us, and I hope you are too.

Remember to take time and enjoy your friends and family this summer.