September 2026 President’s Message
Autumn Arrives on the Olympic Peninsula
Say goodbye to Summer, as by the time I get this message written and sent, Fall will have arrived. The leaves of many deciduous trees have already turned color and started falling, and our days are getting markedly shorter.
Area Food Banks
Late last year your Newcomers’ Board decided to help both the Sequim and Port Angeles Food Banks. There are boxes for both Food Banks at our monthly Luncheons, and Newcomers’ will transport your contributions to both food banks. The most important food items needed throughout the year are canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans, stews), fruits (canned, dried, applesauce), canned veggies, peanut butter, pasta, cereal, hygiene items (diapers, wipes, soap), and pet food. We have contributed $302 plus 375 pounds of food thus far. Let’s keep it going this fall, and thanks to everyone who has helped!
We Have Been Very Busy in September
Our September Appetizer Event at Sue Cimino’s was a big hit with an excellent turnout. Rich Snow graced us with a heartfelt tribute to Sue’s late husband Frank, and we all saluted his memory.
Luncheon
The September Newcomers’ Luncheon had the largest attendance of the year at over 37. Our guest speaker, Mark Gregson, the Interim CEO of the Olympic Medical Center, gave a very informed presentation on the progress made by OMC thus far, and had a very spirited question and answer session following his talk.
Dining Around
Our Dining Around Events for August and September were both outstanding! Our hosts for the August event were Denise and Glenn Thomson who took us to the Ajax Café in Port Hadlock. We had a wonderful turnout, unique atmosphere, and quality food. Our September event took place at the Fairmount Diner in west Port Angeles, where our hosts Ken and Andrea Williams introduced us to good food and a possible venue for some future Luncheons.
President’s Picks
Our two President’s Picks for September were also well received. The play “The 39 Steps” at Olympic Theater Arts had 15-17 Newcomers attend over its three-week-run (to rave reviews) and our expedition to the Esquimalt Ribfest on September 11 was a great day of food and camaraderie. The Ribfest will return as a President’s Pick in 2027.
2026 Holiday Party Planning
Planning for the Newcomers’ Holiday Party 2026 is underway. Our party will be held on December 1 at the 7 Cedars’ Casino and will cost $60 per person. We plan to have entertainment provided by the Grand Olympics Chorus. More details will be coming shortly.
Come Join the Board
We reluctantly accepted the resignation of Dale Jackson from the Newcomers’ Board at our June Board meeting. Your Board, according to the Newcomers’ Bylaws, can appoint someone to fill the remainder of Dale’s term and would be grateful for a volunteer to step up to the plate and offer their services. The main responsibility of this position is attending Board meetings and helping the Board to make decisions.
For other events in September/October, please check the Events Calendar.
Finally, getting the word out about our wonderful friendship organization is our continuing challenge for our members. You have a friend in Newcomers.