PRESIDENT'S LETTER:   January, 2026

Happy New Year CSOC Members!

We are looking forward to another year of fun filled activities. We started the year off with a fabulous New Year’s Day party at Elena’s.  We ate some delicious turkey, sides, appetizers and desserts. Besides the food, we had a great time playing Mexican Train, watching football and having enjoyable conversations.   Thank you, Elena, for hosting this event.    The rest of January has been organized by Charlie and Jane Graffeo.   Run, don’t walk, to sign up for dinner out at Café Amalfi and Dicks Last Resort.  In addition, Charlie and Jane are covering all things of the arts with a trip to the Burroughs- Chapin Art Museum, Jazz in the Stacks at the Chapin Library and a comedy show at the Comedy Cabana.  There is something for everyone, so sign up to have fun.

February events are being planned by Beverly Kradel and Joanne Sinclair.  Be on the lookout for the events they have planned and sign up to participate. Rhonda Charles and Gloria Slingsby are forming a new book club. The first meeting will be in February or March. Look for that in the events section of the website.    

Thank you to Elena for hooking us up with Pine Lakes Country Club and CloudNyne entertainment for a beautiful Christmas Dinner and Dance.  Mary Culbreth made all 50 of the Christmas ornaments that served as favors for this wonderful night. Thank you, Mary, for sharing your talents with us. Grey and Mary Culbreth organized dinner at local restaurants and then a Christmas Lights Stroll in Conway as well as another night at Murrells Inlet.   The brunch at the Acme Bar and Grill was fun for all who love huge Bloody Mary’s. Gloria and Ted Slingsby hosted an Ugly Sweater Christmas party at their home as the final December event. Pictures are on the website and it was obvious we have some creative fun-loving members.  Many thanks to everyone who made December’s events happen.

“Going once, going twice” is the theme of our January membership meeting at Beachfront Kitchen. We will start at 5:30. Bring your unwanted gifts and gently used items to be auctioned off to the members.  Be prepared to purchase the items with a check or cash. Proceeds from this event will be split between the Community Kitchen and our CSOC treasury.

Our fall 2026 trip to Portugal is fully booked (42 people); however, you can join the waiting list.    As soon as John gets more details about the trip, they will be posted on our website and emails will be sent to trip participants.   

Our Jacksonville/Amelia Island/St. Augustine trip through Diamond Tours is planned for March 23 -26, 2026.   There are only a few days left to sign up and pay for this trip.  Pay for this trip in full by January 9, 2026. Make the check out to CSOC.  The trip form should be completed and mailed along with your check to Karen McCurry.     

John is continuing to plan a trip to London.  The representative from Holidaze will be back in the country mid-January and we will have more information when he returns.  If we have enough show interest in the trip, the payment and trip form for the land portion of the trip is due February 27,2026. The trip leaves the night of May 21 and returns May 30. John is looking into airfare, but is leaning toward each person arranging their own flights as it may be more economical. All the details about the flights and the land trip will be in his upcoming email.

We often say this is your club, be active and enjoy all that it has to offer. What does this mean anyway?  During our January club meeting, Elena, our activities chairperson, will ask for organizers for the upcoming months. Be ready to raise your hand and say yes.   You will be surprised how easy it is to plan activities. We have step by step directions for you to follow and Elena or any other board member will help you.     Being a monthly organizer gives you a chance to get to know members and share with members some of the same activities you enjoy. 

It is my hope that 2026 will be a happy, healthy, fun year for each of us.   Thank you for participating and making this club a highlight in each of our lives.

 

Sincerely,

Annie Laurie Lehman

President

annielaurie8486@gmail.com

267-261-0031