March 13, 2026

Dear BNC Members,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We’re excited to gather for our General Meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church Community Center. The Hospitality Committee welcomes donations of “treats” for our pre-meeting social time.

Renee Spencer, Star News Community Engagement Editor, attended our February meeting. Check out the article about our Club in the Star News:

https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/lifestyle/clubs/2026/03/08/brunswick-newcomers-club-find-community-friends-in-your-new-home/88652890007/

Featured Speaker

Our featured speakers will be Iene Evans, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, and Dawn Dollar, Revenue Cycle Director. They will present Decoding Your Hospital Bills: Understanding Costs & Charges. A trip to the hospital often comes with a bill that is difficult to understand. This informative session will explain what the charges mean and how to navigate insurance and payment options.

Table Topic Guests
Our Table Topic Guest will be Cathy Dudley from the North Carolina Maritime Museumat Southport which showcases the vast nautical history of the Lower Cape Fear.

Membership Reminder

If you haven’t yet mailed your membership form and dues, please download and complete the form and bring it to the meeting along with your payment ($20 per person; cash or check payable to BNC) to the Membership Table. The updated membership form can be found on our website under Membership Form.

��March Birthday Raffle

If your birthday is in March, don’t forget to fill out a raffle ticket at the Membership Table for a chance to win BNC Birthday Bucks!

Birthday Bucks may be used toward BNC events requiring payment by check to BNC, including Membership, Lunch Bunch, Social Events (non-refundable RSVP deposits), Singles events, Wine Tastings, and Special Interest events not payable to a foundation.

Help Wanted! We Need You!

It’s that time of year when our Committees and Officer positions need volunteers. At our April meeting, we will present notice of returning officers, as well as nominations and vacancies.

Social Committee Chair or Co-Chairs Wanted

El Lambert has done an amazing job leading the Social Committee for seven years. El and her husband, Bob, will continue serving on the committee for the 26–27 season along with six other volunteers. They are looking for someone to Chair the group.

Lunch Bunch

Committee Chair Wanted

Dawn Smith has done an outstanding job leading the Lunch Bunch Committee for three years. Dawn will continue to serve on the committee for the 26–27 season with 2–3 other volunteers. They are looking for someone to Chair their group.

Special Interest

Committee Members Wanted

Interested in coordinating tours or classes with County experts and promoting them as Newcomers activities? This committee has a rich history of offering engaging programs and highlighting local festivals and events.

Wine Tasting Committee Members Wanted

If you enjoy socializing over a glass (or two) of wine and delicious charcuterie, this is the committee for you. Events are held both in host homes and at local establishments, often with fun themes.

Membership Committee

Join Shelly and Cindy at the welcome check in table to help with the birthday month raffle and check in. Only requirement is to come to the meeting and have a welcoming smile on your face.

Please stop by a table to speak with current volunteers, or email Kathleen at brunswick.newcomers@gmail.com for details about any of these positions.

Upcoming Activities & Sign-Ups

Our committees have been busy planning activities for the coming months. Please stop by the tables on March 17 to sign up—and remember to bring cash or checks.

Wine Tasting – $25 per person

Please note: Due to vendor ordering requirements, RSVPs and refunds close 7 days prior to each event.

• Monday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. @ Host Homes

Lunch Bunch

Stop by the table for upcoming dates.

Social Committee

• Friday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. – March Madness Game Night at a host’s home

Bring an appetizer for 8 and your beverage of choice. $20 pp deposit

• Thursday, April 30, 4:30–7:30 p.m. – Spring Fling at Lone Rider Brewery, Oak Island

Food and beverages available for purchase

• Sunday, May 17, 2–4:30 p.m. – Cornhole Tournament at the Woodlands Pavilion & Lawn, St. James

Bring an appetizer to share and BYOB. Stop by the table for cost and details.

• June (TBD) – Hello to Summer Sunset Cruise

Special Interest

Singles

• Thursday, March 19, 6–8 p.m. – Axe Throwing & Game Night

Axe House & Board Game Lounge, Southport - Pay on site

Contact: BNC Singles Club – sbrown4264@aol.com

• Friday, April 10, 6 p.m. – Singles Summer Kickoff at American Fish Company for drinks, music and sunset. Music at 7 p.m. Sunset at 7:40 p.m.

✈️Travel Opportunities – Trips by Patty

Domestic

• North Carolina Wine Country – May 6-8, 2026

Register: NC Wine Country - Trips by Patty

• Hamilton – June 7 Matinee

A very few tickets remaining DPAC – Orchestra, Section 3

• The Great Gatsby – October 15

Overnight in Charlotte

• Charlottesville – October 18–20, 2026

International

• SOLD OUT – Ireland In Depth July 11–25, 2026

• Mekong River Cruise: Vietnam, Cambodia & Angkor Wat

January 31–February 14, 2027

Reservation G7-27422

• Holland & Belgium in Springtime March 26–April 6, 2027

Reservation G7-27422

FOR MORE INFO: CONTACT BEV MASTROVICH 910-477-2030 SOUTHPORTBEV1@GMAIL.COM

Give Back to Brunswick

This month we’re supporting Brunswick Family Assistance and their food pantry. Items needed include: Toiletry products, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned fruit, boxed cereal, baked beans, canned vegetables, paper towels, and toilet paper. No glass, homemade, or open items.

Wishing you a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Stay connected through our BNC Facebook page and website for the latest updates. We look forward to seeing you again after Easter on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Warm regards,

Kathleen Ragan, President, BNC