| June 2026 THE CAROLINIAN
Editor: Sandee Henricks nfcnewsletter2024@gmail.com | NOTE: This newsletter contains hyperlinks for you to view club events.
Prior to reading the newsletter, it is advisable that you log into the
New Friends of Carolina website. Have your Username and Password available. | | Editor's note: After two years as your Newsletter Editor, this will be my last newsletter. It has been rewarding and fun serving on the board and getting to know so many of you. Beginning June 1, Lora Castello will be taking over this position. Please remember to send your articles and updates to her at nfcnewsletter26@gmail.com. | | |
Dear New Friends,
Most of us have seen the Sound of Music several times. So here goes my "So long, Farewell" letter.
First of all, I'd like to thank my elected board, standing chairs and interest chairs. Without you and your commitment we wouldn’t have the successful club that we have. To all the members, thank you for attending so many fun events and supporting the club this year. It was both an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to be your President this past year. All good things must come to an end, so I will step aside and assume the role of Advisor for the coming year in addition to continuing on as Data Protection Officer. I am excited for Dee Drobonick to step into the role of President on June 1st.
As a board we accomplished many things together.
- We gained 22 new members since June 1, 2025.
- We followed a truly balanced budget per the by-laws.
-Transferred reserve monies into a savings account so we no longer have co-mingling of our funds.
-Opened a safe deposit box which includes backup drives of documents prior to club express, our corporate seal and our original by-laws.
- Had all of our document library PDF files converted to Word documents and had the updated copies loaded back to the Documents Library. Future Presidents now have an editable copy of our documents instead of keeping manual notes or retyping from scratch like we have in the past.
- Generated an up-to-date digital copy of the President’s manual so when changes are made, they aren’t manual.
- Brought awareness about cancellations and no shows for calendar events and encouraged members to be respectful if you could not attend an event.
- Gathered information of club personal property assets from Interest Chairs.
- Each member received a personal birthday note and acknowledgement of a small gift if they attended the luncheon.
I was able to attend the majority of the club events and met many friends for the first time. It was truly a wonderful year for me. I loved that we sang Happy Birthday at every luncheon. I think the board bonded and had fun as shown in the enthusiastic program at the Christmas luncheon (especially Santa’s Reindeer) and you will all enjoy our farewell skit at the May luncheon, too. As I say, "So Long, Farewell", I say goodbye and you say Hello to Dee Drobonick as your new President.
One last time, thank you for being a New Friend,
Jeanne Deiger, President
New Friends of Carolina
|  | | Joanne Kiser 6/1
Louise Carter 6/3
Carol McPhee 6/4
Lin Celoni 6/6
Jessica Peach 6/7
Maia Clavin 6/9
Mary Therese Laughlin 6/9 | | Dora Sestito 6/11
Kathy Salvador 6/13
Mary Christine Dorociak 6/21
Sandee Henricks 6/21
Susan Brandenburg 6/22
Mary Lou Sussman 6/24
Kim Thorpe 6/25
Marcia Merrill 6/26 | | |  |
Wow! This year sure did go by fast! I have really enjoyed being the VP of Membership and meeting so many new members. We ended the year with 20 new memberships, 2 renewal memberships from previous years, for a total of 172 members!
Congratulations to Rebecca Leo for winning the New Membership Challenge we kicked off in February. Rebecca is the winner of a free 2026-2027 membership! She kept in touch with past member Alis Woodard and asked her to rejoin NFC. As a result of Alis rejoining, she brought new member Kim Gross into New Friends also! Please welcome Alis and also new member Kim. Our new membership challenge was short, so who knows...maybe we will open it up again sometime during the year 2026-2027.
As you all know, we put our membership on hold for the month of May. If you know of anyone wanting to join soon, membership will reopen June 1.
Also, beginning June 1, membership renewal will begin through the month of June. Please make sure you renew your membership sometime during that month so you can continue to enjoy all the events NFC has to offer! Renewal notices will go out after June 1 and will also show on your membership page each time you log in.
This is my last article for the year. Please welcome Kris Pacilio, our new VP of Membership for 2026-2027.
Thank you all for your support and being such great friends!
Dee Drobonick, VP of Membership
nfcmembership2025@gmail.com |  | Listed below are our members who have volunteered to take leadership roles in New Friends of Carolina for the 2026-2027 year. Please take a moment to say thank you to them for their contributions that keep our club a fun place to make friends and also serve our community!
| | Elected Board Members
President - Dee Drobonick
VP of Membership - Kris Pacilio
VP of Luncheons -TBD
Secretary - Angie Glender
Treasurer - Jean Rottmann
Newsletter Editor - Lora Castello
Webmaster - Lori Herzhauser
Calendar Mgr - Susan Brandenburg
Advisor - Jeanne Deiger | | Standing Committee Members
Community Volunteers - Chris Green
E-Librarian - Tanya Wells
Luncheon Reservations - Diana Congdon
Historian - Terri Hatcher
Social - Monya Thomas
| | | Interest Chairs
Appetizers with Friends - Pauline Trautman
Better Homes & Gardens - Sandy Cummings and Karen Berss
Book Lovers - Terri Hatcher and Debbie Williams
Brews and Bites - Sue Howard
Bunco #1 - Jean Rottmann and Cinder Shaw
Bunco #2 - Anne Warren
Care and Concern - Diane McCartney
Contract Rummy - Susan Brandenburg
Creative Adventures - Andrea Woods and Sandee Henricks
Drama Queens - Chris Green
Five Deck Canasta - Judy DiLiddo and Louise Carter
In the Know - Barbara Evers
Ladies Night Out - Merry Lee Wheeler and Mare Walker
Lunch Bunch 1 - Karen Dykes and Jan Pasek
Lunch Bunch 2 - Jan Pasek and Karen Dykes
Matinee Madams - Nancy Hunt
Mexican Train #1 - Kris Pacilio
Mexican Train #2 - Libby Joyce
Mexican Train #3 - Judy DiLiddo
Rummikub - Trisha McGinn
Samba - Jessica Peach
Scrabble - Patty Gotsch
Sip & Stitch - Carol McPhee
Swappers - Carol McPhee
Travelers - Mickey Key
Winers and Diners - Jean Rottmann and Lori Herzhauser
Welcome Coffee - TBD | | Joint Board Meeting
for Elected Officers and Standing Committee Chairs, Interest Chairs
Thursday, June 4, 2026
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Weddington Methodist Church
BONDS GROVE CAMPUS
8215 Bonds Grove Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173
Event Contacts:
Jeanne Deiger 704-607-3105
Dee Drobonick 704-641-5960
| | | | CARE AND CONCERN
If you know of anyone in our club who could use a card, a call, or a meal due to illness, hospitalization, and etc., please let me know.
Diane McCartney
(917) 399-9189
dianemccartney1@yahoo.com | | |  |
Check out these fun events happening in our area in June, supplied by our
Entertainment Reporter, Chris Green.
THEATER & CONCERTS
05/26-08/08 Not Just Another Love Story: NarroWay Theatre, Fort Mill
06/04-28 Charlotte Squawks 21: Booth Theater
06/20 Wizard Of Oz: Knight Theater
06/20 Chris Stapleton: BOFA (Free Event)
06/25 Charlotte Symphony Patriotic Concert and Fireworks
06/27 Charlotte Symphony Celebrate America: Symphony Park
SPORTS (Home Games)
Charlotte Knights Baseball: Truist Field
05/30-06/03, 06/10-14, 23-28
FESTIVALS & MISCELLANEOUS
05/26-07/05 Titantic Exhibition: The Park Expo & Conference Center
06/06-08 Taste of Charlotte: Tryon Street Downtown
06/07, 14, 21, 28 Charlotte Symphony Sunday Summer Pops: South Park
06/13 Matthew’s Playhouse 30th GALA Celebration: Reception, Cocktails, Silent Auction, and Variety Show
06/25 Patriotic Concert and Fireworks: Pineville Park
LOOKING AHEAD: 250th Independence Celebrations
07/03 Town of Matthews Independence Festivities
07/03-04 Whitewater Center July 4th Festival
07/04 Stars and Stripes Spectacular Sky Show: Truist Field
July 4th Parades: Indian Trail, Waxhaw, Fort Mill Amphitheater, Monroe, Baxter Village, Tega Cay, Pineville, Harrisburg
07/04 Lake Wylie Fireworks: Buster Boyd Bridge
07/04 Carowinds Celebrate America Fireworks Show
07/04 Free Fishing Day: No license All Public Body Waters
|
Monthly Membership Luncheon
and Special Events | June Monthly Membership Luncheon | REGISTRATION opens June 1
Thursday, June 25, 2026
11:30am Social - 12:00pm Lunch
at
ROOSTER'S
6601 Carnegie Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28211
| | X-Port Paws
"No Dog Left Behind"
Liz Stockton, Director
Liz will tell us about this small but "mighty" rescue. They rescue dogs who are labeled too old or too sick. They fully vet them and rehabilitate them. In the five years they have been operating, they have saved over 3,000 animals. | | | Menu:
Mixed green salad, tomato, shaved farm vegetables, champagne vinaigrette
Entree choice of:
- Rib Roast Sandwich with Provolone, Arugula, Horseradish Aioli,
Pickle Onions and House-made Potato Chips
- Grilled Salmon with Succotash
- All-Natural Rotisserie Chicken
with Natural Jus or Barbecue Sauce
and Fingerling Potatoes
Dessert:
Rooster's Famous Cookie Display
Iced tea, coffee and water
Cash bar
$35 for members
$40 for guests
Capacity: 50
| | Ladies Night Out
Join us for
Pizza-Wine-Laughter-Memories
Wednesday, June 10th
6:30PM to 8:30PM
Home of Merry Lee Wheeler
3355 Tabor Lane, Fort Mill, SC 29707
Please bring your High School or College Yearbook as we reminisce about the past, share fun memories, and look ahead to the future.
We’ll also be gathering ideas as we Kick Off and Plan this year’s monthly Ladies Night Out events. Please bring your suggestions, creativity, and enthusiasm for another fun-filled year together!
Space for 18 Ladies
$10 per person in cash payable at the event.
Pizza from Portofino's will be served and also soft drinks, water, and iced tea. Feel free to bring your own beverage if you'd prefer something else.
| | | | Better Homes & Gardens
Spring Tea
Wednesday, June 24
1:00 PM
Home of Sandy Cummings
7025 Walton Heath Lane
(Gate Code #3510)
Join us for a fun afternoon of food and friends. Plan to bring an appropriate dish...scones, tea sandwiches, etc. Please remember to message Sandy at 704-898-1844 to let her know your choice so we have a nice variety.
Space for 17 Ladies
See you there!
| | | | As our nation approaches it's monumental 250th anniversary, a profound question resonates: How do we truly honor the enduring spirit, the profound sacrifices, and the remarkable individuals who forged America's foundation?
This pivotal moment calls for more than just remembrance;
it calls for a vibrant, immersive experience that brings history to life. | | | Narroway Dinner Theatre invites you to embark on precisely such a journey with its acclaimed production, "Not Just Another Love Story." This isn't merely an evening out; it's a meticulously crafted homage designed to transport you directly into the heart of the World War II era – the defining period of what is universally celebrated as America's Greatest Generation. Laugh and cry and celebrate the joy, sacrifice, and enduring resilience of a generation unlike any other in this moving story of love and redemption.
Your unforgettable experience is completed with a delicious homestyle meal,
perfectly complementing the nostalgic journey back in time.
Chicken Fried Steak with Sawmill Gravy, Hand-Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Aunt Thelma's Southern Succotash, Flaky Buttermilk Biscuit, and Momma's Cherry Pie.
Dinner and Show: $53.00
(NFC Registration opens June 1st)
June 27, 2016, 5:00 PM
NarroWay Theatre
3327 SC-51, Fort Mill SC 29715
| GETTING TO KNOW YOU...
Mickey Key |  | | Has a book or movie changed your life? "Aesop's Fables" was a guide to me as a child to instill the simple moral lessons that I think were/are important to my life and "To Kill a Mockingbird" that made me take a look a lives outside of my own and see things from different points of view.
What is a skill that you have that most people don't know about? I can crochet and have enough afghans to last a lifetime...I'm very good with tools and have always fixed most things around the house out of necessity and still do (if I can contort my body into those weird spaces)!
If you could live in any era of history, which one would you pick and why? I love the era that I came up in between the 50s to the present. I feel that so many opportunities opened up and I was very willing to pioneer some of those efforts. I don't think it would have made me very happy to live in any other era because of my strong attitude for women's abilities, and it seems those were suppressed in earlier history.
Is there an achievement of yours that you're most proud of? I opened up the CHARLOTTE region for a male dominated business at the time in commissioned sales...probably the first woman knocking on doors in downtown Charlotte. (I was quite the novelty which I'm sure opened up doors.) I did well and later became regional sales manager for three states!
How do you add color to your life? Color in my life...Hmmm...I've always been pretty laid back and a rule follower, so I guess the most colorful I get is adventurous traveling. I like to entertain and explore my newfound hobby of cooking as I never really cooked before. I enjoy my independence...and being spontaneous too (while I'm able).
If money were no object, I would... I fantasize all the time about winning the lottery and being able to put a few friends into a place of security/comfort and stability. Of course, it would be fun to lease a jet and fly to Thailand wilth all the friends who just adore Asian food, too! | | |  | Please use the links below to learn more about each event. | | When you take pictures at one of our events...
Send them to our new Historian, Terri Hatcher at:
nfchistorian@proton.me | | | Appetizers with Friends - Meet at member's home for appetizers and desserts
Better Homes & Gardens - Special events held every other month
Brews and Bites - Explore a new brewery/pub each month
Dining with Divas - An 8-member group who meet for lunch at a member's home on a rotating basis. Contact Pauline Trautman (704) 507-5680 for information to be a sub or create a new group.
Ladies Night Out - FUN and FRIENDS
Lunch Bunch 1 - Meets on the 2nd Friday each month at a different restaurant
Lunch Bunch 2 - Meets on the 3rd Friday each month at a different restaurant
Matinee Madams - Meet for a movie and sometimes lunch
(Watch your email or President's Monday message for updates)
Winers and Diners
Meet at member's home for cocktails and then out to dinner
| Books, Crafts and Service | Book Lovers - Meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month to discuss a selected title
Book Swappers - Sharing interesting books
(We meet every other month at a member's home)
Sip and Stitch - Bring your needlework...new members always welcome
| Bunco #1
Bunco #2
Contract Rummy
Five Deck Canasta
Mexican Train 1
Mexican Train 2
Mexican Train 3
Mexican Train Evening
Rummikub
Samba
Scrabble
| Any and all feedback is welcome. Email your suggestions and comments to
Lora Castello at nfcnewsletter26@gmail.com | |