May 14, 2026

Dear BNC Members,

Happy Spring! We’re excited to gather for our General Meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church Community Center. The Hospitality Committee welcomes donations of treats for our pre‑meeting social time.

Featured Speaker

Our featured speaker will be representatives from the Salvation Army of Cape Fear to talk about their new Center of Hope Shelter and Community Center that recently opened in Wilmington. This brand new 75-bed facility and community kitchen for those in need will also serve as an emergency disaster shelter for our Cape Fear communities. The Salvation Army working at “Doing the Most Good” for the most people in need. Learn more about how to support this community resource and how to get involved through volunteer opportunities.

Table Topic Guests

Our Table Topic Guest will be Lois Moore from Encore Creativity for Older Adults. The Encore Choir in Southport sings Broadway songs, is low pressure and good for both experienced and inexperienced singers. The choir is directed by Lois. New members are welcome. Visit their website to learn more: Encore Creativity | Creativity for Older Adults

Membership Special

Join the Club in May to participate in summer activities, and your membership will carry forward into the 2026–2027 BNC season. Please download and complete the membership form and bring it with your payment ($20 per person; cash or check payable to BNC) to the Membership Table. The updated form is available on our website under Membership Form.

May, June, July Birthday Raffle

If your birthday is in May or June or July, fill out a raffle ticket at the Membership Table for a chance to win BNC Birthday Bucks! These may be used toward BNC events requiring payment by check, including Membership, Lunch Bunch, Social Events (non‑refundable RSVP deposits), Singles events, Wine Tastings, and Special Interest events not payable to a foundation.

��2026–2027 Executive Board Nominations

Board terms are typically two years. To support continuity, current officers have agreed to serve one additional year. The nominations are:

President: Kathleen Ragan
1st Vice President: Leslie Walsten
2nd Vice President: Pat Booth
Secretary: KC Hastings
Treasurer: Eileen Kersius

2026–2027 Committee Structure, Anticipated Chairs & Vacancies

Give Back to Brunswick- Chairperson: Debbie Krusius

Membership Committee -Chairperson: Shelly Leestma

Join Shelly and Cindy at the welcome table to assist with check‑in and the birthday raffle. A welcoming smile is the only requirement!

✈️Travel Committee- Domestic: Chair Wanted

Pat Booth has led Domestic Travel for three years and will continue advising the committee as we identify a new Chair

International: Bev Mastrovich

Social Committee and Lunch Bunch - Chair or Co‑Chairs Wanted

Dawn Smith has led Lunch Bunch for three years and will continue serving on the committee.
El Lambert has led Social for seven years; she and her husband, Bob, will continue serving on the committee along with six volunteers.

The Board is reviewing opportunities to consolidate the remaining committees to reduce the number of chairs needed while maintaining robust volunteer involvement.

Special Interest- Chairperson: Linda Sausville

Committee Members Wanted — Help coordinate tours, classes, and local events. This committee has a rich history of offering engaging programs and highlighting local festivals.

Singles - Chairperson: Gloria Fischer Bigelow Assistant: Susan Brown

Committee Members Wanted— Join this fun‑loving group to help plan outings and social gatherings for singles.

Wine Tasting Committee Chairperson: Marion Quigley

Committee Members Wanted — Events are held in host homes and local establishments, often with creative themes.

Please stop by any committee table to speak with current volunteers, or email Kathleen at brunswick.newcomers@gmail.com for more information.

Upcoming Activities & Sign‑Ups

Committees are winding down for summer, but there are still fun activities available on the calendar. Please stop by the tables on May 19 to sign up—and remember to bring cash or checks.

Social Committee

Thursday, June 11 7pm for 7:30 pm departure-The Yacht Basins Sunset Cruise, $35. Only 8 slots remaining.

Special Interest

Visit the table for posters highlighting Brunswick County events.
Friday, May 29, 9:45–11:00 a.m.— Oak Island Lighthouse Tour — $10 payable to FOIL (Not eligible for BNC Bucks as a tender)

Singles

Saturday, May 30, 6–9 p.m.— Cape Side Brewing: Rusty Bones Band + food truck

✈️Travel Opportunities

Domestic -Trips by Patty Trips by Patty - Home

Hamilton— June 7 Matinee — SOLD OUT DPAC Orchestra, Section 3
The Great Gatsby— October 15 Overnight in Charlotte
Charlottesville— October 18–20, 2026

International - River Cruises, Small Ship Cruises, & Land Tours | Grand Circle Travel & Grand Circle Cruise Line

Ireland In Depth— July 11–25, 2026 — SOLD OUT
Mekong River Cruise— January 31–February 14, 2027
Holland & Belgium in Springtime— March 26–April 6, 2027

��Give Back to Brunswick

We are asking you to support a charity of your choice this month.

Wishing you a very fun filled summer! Stay connected through our BNC Facebook page and website for the latest updates. We look forward to seeing you again in the fall on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. You won’t want to miss signing up for our opening event, Sunset Buffet at American Fish, on Tuesday, September 22 at 5p.m. (Rain date-September 29).

Warm regards,

Kathleen Ragan President, BNC