| THE CAROLINIAN
December 2026
Editor: Lora Castello nfcnewsletter26@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.
The BLUE bubbles are links to the calendar. Please push on them to go to the event for more information. |
Wow, I can't believe November marks six months into our membership year! We have welcomed so many new members since June. Please make sure you take the time to meet and talk to our newer members when attending an NFC event.
- Friendsgiving - November 12, 11:30 a.m. This is a great way to meet and greet old and new members. We have at least 30 spots left so make sure you register soon to ensure your spot! This will be a fun Social for all.
- Holidays - Please note that since we are celebrating holidays in November and December some interest groups may have cancelled or moved to a different time spot on the calendar.
- Outgoing elected board members - In January our nominating committee will begin accepting nominations for open board member positions. The NFC elected board positions run from June 1 - May 31 of each year. Elected board members can hold a position from 1-3 years. This year we have at least four board members who are required to step down as of May 31. I mention this because it is not too early for members to start considering if they would like to become a board member. These positions that will be open for nomination are:
Treasurer
Secretary
Webmaster
Calendar Manager
Other positions may be open as well but, current board members may decide to remain. If not, these are VP of Membership, VP of Luncheons, and Newsletter Editor. Please note all these positions require some level of computer skills.
If you are interested in more information about these positions you can find the job description for each on our website under the "Documents" section. Or, contact me directly and I'll be glad to provide you with details.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the October luncheon on Thursday and also our Friendsgiving event in November.
Dee Drobonick
President
704-641-5960
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Our membership keeps growing!
Please join me in welcoming 6 new members this month.
- Cami Hayes - from Cleveland, Ohio
- Maria Luca - from Charlotte
- Martha Swink - from Columbia, South America
- Kathie Wall - from Houston, Texas
- Laura Williams - from Tennessee
- Carolyn Yost - from Ohio
I recently held a "mini" coffee at my home and am happy to report we gained another new member!
Please make a point of welcoming these new members if you see them at an event, send them an email or give them a call. Their information is available in our Directory.
Since June 1st we have added 26 new members! Our total membership is now at 168.
Welcome ladies!
And to all of you, look out for those ghosts and goblins!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Help Us Keep Growing
Our club thrives when members like you spread the word. If you have a new neighbor, a friend new to the area, or someone looking for friendship and connection, please tell them about our website, www.newfriendsofcarolina.com or give them my email and I will be happy to send them more information. A personal invitation is still the very best way to grow our community.
Warmly,
Kris Pacilio
VP of Membership
|  | | 12/01 - Connie McKay
12/07 - Carol Lynn Jenkins
12/10 - Lisa McCloy
12/13 - Laurel Chivari
12/15 - Diane McCartney
12/19 - Laura Grayson
12/22 - Kathleen Reynolds
| | 12/23 - Lorna Jacobs
12/24 - Helen Speer
12/26 - Merry Lee Wheeler
12/27 - Suellen Chandler
12/27 - Jan Pasek
12/28 - Julia Mann | | |  |
Lora Castello
- Where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. We lived in Miami, Florida, for two years when I was 11 and 12. My father was from Texas, so we spent our summers on the farm, helping out with cattle and the dairy.
- Tell me a bit about your family. I am married to Sergio. We met at a basketball game when I was sitting with a mutual friend and going on a blind date after the game with the basketball coach. We have five children: Katie, Walker, Monica, and Sofia. Sadly, our daughter Kerri passed away from cancer at the age of 18 in 2002. I have 14 beautiful grandchildren, ranging from ages 18 to 1. Both my parents have passed away. I have one sister, Marla and one brother, Tim. I have 17 cousins.
- What achievement in your life are you most proud of? First and foremost, my family. Personally, I am most proud of starting a foundation in memory of my daughter, Kerri. I organized tennis tournaments and fundraising events. Most of the money raised went to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We were able to send over a million dollars from this small foundation. Unfortunately, after moving to Charlotte, I’m no longer able to do this.
- What’s your favorite season? Fall. I love the crisp air of fall.
- Family Nickname: LoLo. My dad called me this as a child, and it’s now my grandmother’s name. My other nickname is “The General" enough said.
It's been a busy month for me, I forgot about asking someone to answer the questions for "Getting to Know". This month I just answered a few questions about myself. If you would like to be featured in this, please let me know and I will send you a few questions to answer.
Thanks, Lora
|  | | Thursday, December 3, 2026
10 am until 12 pm
At the home of Terri Hatcher
9917 Grassy Crops
Charlotte, NC 28227
704-231-0877
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A sympathy card was sent to Kathy Salvador in the death of her mother, Kay Salvador who attended many events over the years with Kathy. There is no planned service.
Please let Diane McCartney know if anyone in the club is ill, had surgery or is just experiencing a difficult time and could use a little encouragement.
Diane McCartney
917-399-9189
| | |  | | Our holiday luncheon will be on
Tuesday December 15, 2026 at 11:30am
Lunch will be served at 12:00pm
Lunch will be a buffet including:
Salad bar
Chicken Francaise
Marinated Flank Steak with Mushroom Demi glaze
Mashed potatoes, vegetable medley and rolls
Double chocolate layer cake
Iced tea, coffee and water
Cash bar will be avaibable
$38 for members
$43 for guests
|  | We will have the pleasure of
being entertained by the
Porter Ridge High School Choir
under the direction of
Dakota Drake
You will not want to miss
being entertained by this
very talented group!
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Check out these fun events happening in our area supplied by our
ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER: CHRIS GREEN
THEATER & CONCERTS
11/01-15 Frankenstein: Theatre Charlotte
11/03-08 Dirty Dancing Musical: Beck Theater
11/06-22 On Golden Pond: Fort Mill Playhouse
11/06-12/26 The Real Christmas Story: NarroWay
11/20-21 Char Symp Strauss & Beethoven: Belk
11/27-29 A Beautiful Noise Musical- True story of Neil Diamond: Belk Theater
11/29 Christmas Together: BoJangles Coliseum
11/29 15th Annual Christmas Extravaganza: Halton Theatre
SPORTS (Home Games)
Carolina Panthers: Bank of America Stadium
11/08, 11/22
Charlotte Hornets: Spectrum Center
11/02, 06, 09, 23, 25, 28, 30
Charlotte Checkers: Bojanges Coliseum
11/06-07, 10-11, 27-28
FESTIVALS & MISCELLANEOUS
10/21-11/22 Carolina Renaissance Festival: Huntersville
11/07 Mistletoe Market Craft Fair: Messiah Lutheran Church
11/11-22 The Southern Christmas Show: Park Expo
11/20-01/04 Charlotte Speedway Christmas Lights Show
11/20 Holiday Light Show: Charlotte Motor Speedway
11/25-01/03 Light The Knights Festival: Truist Field
LOOKING AHEAD:
12/03 Leanne Morgan: Spectrum Center
12/04-06 It’s A Wonderful Life: Waxhaw Community Theater
12/11-20 A Christmas Carol: Theatre Charlotte
12/18 Nutcracker Ballet: Oven Auditorium
12/18 Char Symp Holiday Pops: Knight Theater
| | When you take pictures at one of our events...
Send them to our Historian, Terri Hatcher at:
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Please push on the link above which will take you to the website calendar to see all the upcoming events. | |