Welcome to Fall in San Antonio Y’all! While the weather doesn’t feel anything like Fall to me, seeing the kids go back to school sure does! And did you notice we are growing? I have met more new members this month than I met all last year. I applaud all who make our newest members feel welcome to our fabulous group. After a wonderful Interest Group Leader meeting led by our Coordinator, Michelle Plazek, I am bursting with excitement to spill the beans regarding our October 7th Luncheon highlighting our 30+ Interest Groups. (NOTE: our Interest Group Luncheon is a month later than in previous years) For the first time in 18 months, we will have a cocktail hour from 11 a.m. to noon as you stroll around the venue chatting, playing, munching and interactively getting to experience the activities each group has to offer. You can fill your complimentary bag with handouts and/or goodies from each table as you sip your drink of choice from the cash bar! Your leaders are so excited to share their activities with you that many are generously donating an Opportunity Drawing gift for this special occasion! Be sure to purchase those Opportunity Drawing tickets! At least 15 of you will go home with a prize! So, if choosing to gather, I hope you will make it a priority to join us for this October 7th Luncheon. By the time you read this, our Sept 2nd Luncheon at Silo will be upon us. Kudos to Jill & Christine for negotiating such an amazing menu even though food prices have skyrocketed this year!! It’s been no small feat finding restaurants within our budget and that require no minimums! Our brand new directories are hot off the presses and being given out at September 2nd Silo Luncheon and the September 16th coffee at Carol Palazzo’s home this month! Have someone attending pick yours up if you cannot attend.

A final note: While some of us have decided to stay away from gatherings, there are many that are finding the need to make new friends and be active again. I support each group leader deciding how to run their groups in this difficult time and ask that we all respect each other’s decisions on how to safely gather. When gathering in a private residence, it is up to the host to set the guidelines for their home. When we enter a restaurant, it is up to the restaurant owner. No one should feel pressured into participating, and I ask that no one ostracize those who are making decisions different than their own. My goal is to encourage each of you to bloom where you are planted in a friendly environment as you continue to make San Antonio your home.

Blessings,
Cindy Richards