Attention: All “Natchezians” and “Natchoseans,” newcomers and established residents, alike. For the last 60 years there has been an organization whose mission is to welcome new people into the area.

Not necessarily through any fault of its own, the Newcomers’ Club’s mission has been lost. The economy, the loss of population to the area and privacy laws have all contributed to the lack of growth of this organization in the last few years. Now with renewed interest in growth and regionalization, the Newcomers’ Club wants to invite all newcomers in the Natchez and Miss-Lou, as well as residents who have been here for a while, to become part of a club that meets and welcomes new residents. We want to share our love for the City of Natchez and the area with all residents who wish to join.

As my husband and I have only lived in Natchez for a little over a year, I can personally attribute the Newcomers’ Club with making me feel like I belonged here. I had to consult historian, Kay McNeil , to learn the history of the club. It celebrates 60 years in November of 2009. The club was founded in 1949 by Margaret Parsons. It began with birthday coffees that were held at the home of the late Dorothy McNeil from the 1970s until her death in 1996. Dorothy was a member of Newcomers and served as president.

There was a time when the Newcomers’ Club was responsible for meeting and welcoming as many of the new people moving into Natchez as possible. The late Jennie Junkin used to be the welcome wagon lady, which was an integral role in the club. She would go to the homes of the new residents in town with bags that contained maps, coupons, gifts, and other promotional items from businesses in town.

Kay McNeil and her mother became involved after moving to Natchez in 1973. Kay has kept the

scrapbooks for the club for a number of years and brings them out for all to enjoy at the birthday coffees once a year in November. In the scrapbook are photos of the members and all the activities that the club used to be involved in, such as craft classes.

No longer calling them “birthday coffees,” the club still holds a monthly coffee at a member’s home and a luncheon every month at different local restaurants with speakers or entertainment.

The club has a bridge group for those interested, and for our December coffee, an annual cookie swap and auction is held with everyone bringing cookies and a handmade or purchased item to be auctioned off.

Proceeds from the auction are donated to a local charity of our choosing. It is held in a member’s home, and lunch is provided by the officers. It is always a festive occasion.

Traditionally only a woman’s club, the Newcomers’ Club invites all spouses or significant others to the monthly luncheons, and special night time and lake functions. We encourage the men to take part and become involved in the mission of the Newcomers’ Club.

The name, “newcomers,” might be misleading. Even though there are newcomers to Natchez in the club, the “old” newcomers are essential members. There are no limitations to how long someone has lived in Natchez or the surrounding area to be a member.

There are retired , working ladies, mothers and grandmothers in the club. There is no age limit. If you are new in town, or have lived here for years, joining our club is a great way to meet people and make friends. We are all about fellowship, having fun, eating, networking and becoming informed about Natchez.

Please take this as an invitation to come to our first coffee of the year from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. The location will be in a member’s home. Also you are invited to our first luncheon of the year, spouses included, at the Vue Restaurant, at noon on Sept. 23. Our guest speakers are Ginger Hyland and Regina Charboneau and will speak to us about “A Natchez Christmas Lighting.” Please watch “Tracings” in The Natchez Democrat for locations and times for the coffees and luncheons.

We welcome newcomers as well as “old timers” to become active members of the Newcomers’ Club helping our city and surrounding area to grow and prosper. Direct any questions of membership or information to me at: sandy@taylordyachtcharters.com or at 601-442-6067. It is easy to get involved in your new community, and we hope you will take this opportunity to do so. See you there!

Sandy Taylor is vice president of the Newcomers’ Club in Natchez.