ON A GOOD NOTE

At the Collierville Fair on the Square in May, New Neighbors members sold plants grown and donated by the Garden Buds activity group. Funds raised were donated to local charities.

NEW NEIGHBORS

New Neighbors of the Greater Memphis Area will celebrate 50 years of fun, friendship and service at a luncheon on Sept. 21. In addition to current members, former and prospective members are invited to attend.

New Neighbors began in 1972 when 26 women started Welcome Wagon of Germantown “to extend a helping hand to new residents and acquaint them with civic and social activities.” In the 1990s, the club changed its name to New Neighbors to accommodate women from Collierville and Cordova who wanted to join. Current members reside in Shelby and

Fayette counties in Tennessee and DeSoto County in Mississippi. Although the name implies that the club is for newcomers, membership is open to all women, no matter how long they have called the Mid South home, and there is no limit on how many years a member can belong. Membership averages more than 300 each year.

In addition to its monthly luncheons with speakers

or programs, New Neighbors offers more than 40 activity groups covering interests ranging from reading to dining, gardening and tennis. Although it is primarily a women’s organization, the club invites husbands and significant others to participate in evening and weekend activities.

New Neighbors’ motto, “Friends meeting friends through social activities and community service,” highlights its philosophy that there is no better way to become part of a new community than by contributing time, talent and money to help others. Its members offer support to the community through service. For many years the organization has held a monthly birthday party with cake and activities at Page Robbins Adult Day

Center. They decorate Page Robbins’ Christmas trees and assist at other events. Members also participate in fund-raising projects to benefit local charities selected annually by the club.

Sept. 9 is the deadline to register for the 50th anniversary luncheon. To register or for more information, former members, prospective members or guests can email info@newneighbors. org. For information on joining New Neighbors, visit newneighbors.org for more information.