Newcomers/Longtimers

05/31/2026

Claudia Thomas and her husband, Mike, share a love of travel that has taken them around the world—but lucky for us, they chose to land right here.

A driving force behind the success of our home tours, Claudia didn’t just participate—she made things happen. She secured beautiful homes, brought in the bulk of the sponsorships, and somehow made it all look effortless. Add in her ever-present smile, and it’s no wonder people naturally gravitate toward her.

Claudia and Mike built their lake home in 2007 with plans to retire here, and in 2015, they made it official. Not long after, two friendly neighbors introduced her to Newcomers Longtimers… and before she could even find the coffee pot, she was on the board.

She served two years as “Lunch Lady” (First Vice President), followed by President from 2018 to 2020. She helped lead the 2019 home tour and was gearing up for 2020—until COVID had other plans. Like the rest of us, Claudia pivoted, mastering Zoom meetings (by her own admission, not her favorite thing) and proving you don’t have to be tech-savvy to get the job done.

She continued on the board for two more years, including a term as Special Activities Chair, and describes the experience as incredibly rewarding—even if keeping meetings on track sometimes felt like herding cats (and we all know exactly what she means).

While health challenges have slowed her down a bit recently, Claudia still enjoys book club and luncheons—and she’s the perfect person to sit next to if you want a good conversation and a few laughs.

Her advice? Don’t just attend—get involved. Join the board, bring your ideas, and be part of what keeps this club fun, welcoming, and thriving. And if you haven’t met Claudia yet, you’re missing out—she’s exactly the kind of person who makes this group special.

05/31/2026

Boozy Bookworms: a spirited blend of friendship, laughter, and lively book talk—best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand and a little twist of fun at the bottom of the glass.

05/24/2026

They say it takes a village—and in the case of Newcomers/Longtimers, it truly does. It can take anywhere from 30 to 35 dedicated board members to bring the year’s activities to life. At the heart of that team is the six-member Executive Committee—President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary—who guide the organization by developing our bylaws and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Board members may serve up to two years, and this year you may notice some familiar faces stepping into new roles and responsibilities.

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who served on the 2025–2026 Board. Your time, energy, and commitment are what keep this organization thriving. At the same time, we are pleased to welcome the 2026–2027 Executive Board:

President: Holley Smothers
1st Vice President: Gina Davis
2nd Vice President: Michelle Clauson
Recording Secretary: Marti Gambill
Corresponding Secretary: Nicole France
Treasurer - Linda North

Together with our standing committee members and activity chairs, these leaders are already hard at work behind the scenes to make our 60th Diamond Anniversary year truly unforgettable.

05/24/2026

Lit Chicks Book Club is about so much more than just reading a book—it’s about connection, laughter, and creating lasting friendships. Each gathering brings together a wonderful mix of great conversation, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of shared smiles. While we do enjoy thoughtful discussions about our monthly read, it’s the camaraderie and fun that truly make our time together special. We always leave feeling uplifted and looking forward to the next get-together.

05/19/2026

At our May Newcomers/Longtimers luncheon, something truly special happened. The room was filled with laughter, friendship, and a shared sense of purpose—but what stood out most was the incredible generosity of the women in attendance.

Together, these amazing ladies raised a record-breaking donation for our monthly charity, with proceeds going to support rescue animals in need. It was more than just a successful fundraiser—it was a heartfelt expression of compassion and community spirit.

Every dollar raised represents hope: food for hungry animals, medical care for those in need, and a second chance at life for pets waiting to be loved. The kindness shown at this luncheon will have a lasting impact far beyond that single afternoon.

To all who contributed, donated, and participated—thank you. Your generosity reflects the very best of what this group stands for. You’ve made a meaningful difference, and our four-legged friends are better for it.

We are so proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply.

05/12/2026

This is a chance to experience something truly special. Angels with Tails isn’t just an animal rescue—it’s a place where second chances happen every day. The animals you’ll meet each have their own story, and many have come from difficult situations, but now they’re safe, cared for, and learning to trust again.

As we tour the sanctuary, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what rescue really means—from daily care and rehabilitation to the patience and compassion it takes to help animals heal. It’s eye-opening, heartwarming, and honestly, pretty unforgettable.

Whether you’re an animal lover or just curious, this visit is a great reminder of how much kindness matters—and how even small acts can make a big difference in an animal’s life.

Tuesday, May 19
10:0 AM – 12:00 PM
Check your evite for details

05/03/2026

Here’s a little story about someone who makes life better for everyone she meets.

In 1982, Vickie and her husband Herb moved to Osage Beach with their two young children, ages 1 and 4, not knowing a single person. At the time, the lake area was highly seasonal, coming to life only during the summer months and growing very quiet the rest of the year. Meeting people wasn’t easy—at first.

In 1983, they started Controlled Heating and Cooling, a business Herb would go on to build and run successfully for decades. While Herb focused on growing the company, Vickie brought her own unique personality and humor to the journey, often joking that her secretarial skills were inspired by Mrs. Wiggins from The Carol Burnett Show.

Around that same time, Vickie took a job waiting tables, which turned out to be a turning point. There, she met a group of welcoming, fun-loving women who introduced her to N/L. When she officially joined, it marked the beginning of lasting friendships and meaningful connections that helped turn the once-quiet off-season months into something special.

Vickie has always had a passion for fun and creativity. Over the years, she sang on the Ozark Jamboree with Chuck Watson, worked with Monte Davidson at Silverado, and hosted the Sunday Morning Gospel Hour on KRMS. She also auditioned for a Lucille Ball movie in Miami, appeared on Good Morning America, and performed with a local theater group—always finding ways to stay involved and bring joy to those around her.

Her involvement with N/L continued to grow through the years, and she proudly served as president from 2016 to 2017. While faces may change over time, the friendships, experiences, and memories she built through the organization have lasted a lifetime.
After many successful years, Herb retired and sold Controlled Heating and Cooling in 2021.

Today, Vickie and Herb are enjoying retirement to the fullest. With six grandchildren and a shared love of adventure, they spend their time traveling in their RV, riding ATVs, boating, and making the most of every moment—truly living the dream together.

04/28/2026

As a women only group - strong women are always understood and appreciated.

In 1980, Karen Allen walked onto a smoky bar set at Elstree Studios in England and did something that would echo for decades: she played a woman who didn't need saving.

Her character, Marion Ravenwood, ran a bar alone in Nepal. She out-drank strangers twice her size. She punched Indiana Jones — her former flame — square in the jaw when he came back into her life. Steven Spielberg kept the cameras rolling. Something real was happening.

When Raiders of the Lost Ark opened in June 1981, it earned approximately $330 million worldwide and made Harrison Ford a legend. But Hollywood didn't know what to do with Marion Ravenwood. She was funny, dangerous, and emotionally complicated — qualities the studios of 1981 couldn't fit into a franchise template. So Karen Allen did something no one expected: she left on her own terms.

She earned a Theatre World Award on Broadway. She starred opposite Jeff Bridges in Starman — a sci-fi love story that earned Bridges an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. She appeared in Scrooged, raised a son, taught yoga, and eventually settled in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. In 2005, she opened Karen Allen Fiber Arts in Great Barrington — a boutique and design studio where she creates cashmere knitwear on Japanese-made machines. In 2010, the Fashion Institute of Technology awarded her an honorary doctorate for her design work.

The woman who had stood in a burning Himalayan bar was now pulling yarn through a machine in a small New England town, running a woman-owned business, building something real with her hands.

In 2008, she returned as Marion in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. She did it having already built a full second life — not because Hollywood finally remembered her, but because she was ready.

Some people spend their whole lives becoming a character. Karen Allen became one of cinema's most iconic women — then proved she was even more interesting than the role. She didn't wait to be rescued. She never did.

~IconThroughTime

04/27/2026

Hey ladies… 🚢 don’t let this ship sail without YOU!

Seriously—this is your sign to grab your spot, pack your cutest outfits, and get ready for a week of laughter, adventure, and zero responsibilities. But don’t wait too long… you must book by May 30th or you’ll be watching all the fun from shore!

We’re sailing out of historic Boston on September 27th (yes, fall foliage season 🍁—hello, gorgeous views!) and heading to Portland, Bar Harbor, St. John (Bay of Fundy), and Nova Scotia. Think cozy coastal charm, fresh sea air, and plenty of “wow, this is beautiful” moments.

And onboard? Ohhh, it gets even better. The Norwegian Breakaway (freshly refurbished in 2025!) is basically your floating playground—amazing food (steak, Italian, French, Asian… yes please), no stuffy formal nights (country club casual = comfy and cute), and plenty of spots to relax, laugh, and maybe sip something fun 🍹

Now let’s talk cabins before they’re gone-gone:

Only 4 balcony rooms left at $1,816.05 per person 👀

Interior rooms still available at $970.55 per person 🙌

That’s just about $138 a day for a FULL week of fun, food, friendship, and fabulous memories. Honestly… you spend that at home doing laundry and dishes—just saying.

And this isn’t just any trip—it’s our trip. Dee Long has cocktail hours, group fun, and even a pre-cruise get-together planned so the good times start before we even board.

Bonus: our group perks include NCL amenities AND a $100 donation per cabin to our Scholarship Fund. Fun + feel good = win-win 💙

So grab your travel buddy (or come make new ones!) and let’s do this. Because the only thing worse than packing… is hearing about how amazing it was after it’s over.

04/27/2026

In 2016, Deborah Kastner Ockrim traded the hustle of city life for the calm of the lake—and hasn’t looked back since. After running a successful retail store in Chicago for 31 years, she embraced retirement with the same energy and passion that defined her career. Along the way, she also made a meaningful impact by creating and leading a dropout prevention program for seven years, helping shape brighter futures for countless young people.

These days, her life is filled with connection and joy. Through Newcomers/Longtimers, she’s built lasting friendships and spends her time playing cards, traveling, boating, and golfing with a wonderful circle of friends. By every measure, she’s living a life overflowing with gratitude—her cup truly runneth over.