Newcomers' Club offers volunteer opportunities, friendships
At the Madison Newcomers' Club, opportunities abound-whether it be volunteering for a Christmas charity project or a lunch at the local Thai restaurant with friends.
The guest speaker for the Newcomers' Club's Sept. 13 meeting was Sheila McFerran, President and CEO of the Volunteer Center of Madison County. McFerran brought a bundle of information to the ladies gathered, including a book full of organizations in the area and the volunteer opportunities available at each one.
"Each of us has something to offer," she said.
The club members said the matter would be discussed at the next board meeting.
Temi Charrier, the daughter of a club member, brought another volunteer opportunity to the members-"Be a Santa to a Senior."
Charrier, who owns Home Instead Senior Care in Huntsville, Decatur and Guntersville, suggested the Madison Newcomers' Club help her with her Christmas charity project, which provides gifts and company to senior citizens in the area.
"So many Christmas projects deal with children, and people forget there are seniors in the area with no family or friends to celebrate with," she said.
Members of the Newcomers' Club gather in small factions like the book club and high tea group. Membership is open to anyone who has been in Madison for less than two years.
The club meets every second Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Madison City Hall.
A table filled with useful information-business cards, brochures, welcome packets-was set up for club members and visitors to peruse. Cindy Lanham, the club's president, recommended that members bring information about companies they had done satisfactory business with to share with the club.
After the meeting, the members gathered at Surin of Madison for lunch. The club has a raffle drawing for one member to get a free mail.
For more information on the Madison Newcomers' Club, call 325-8255 or visit
