HISTORY OF SLIDELL NEWCOMERS
The Slidell Newcomers Club was formed in 1962 when the Slidell area was experiencing growth with the explosion of the NASA lunar landing program. With Michoud in New Orleans East, the NASA complex in Slidell and Stennis in Mississippi, families across the country were making Slidell their home. The first meeting included ladies from the states of Washington, Alabama, California, Texas, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Indiana. The original goal of the club was to enable newcomers to make social contacts and acquaint themselves with activities in the area.
The club continued to grow in membership and like most Newcomer’s Clubs in other areas, a three-year membership limit was initially imposed. After some adjustments to this plan, the three-year membership limit was eventually dropped, and members could remain in good standing if they paid the annual membership dues.
Growth and good times continued for many years until the horrific events surrounding hurricane Katrina. Many members were displaced, and the club activities were put on hold for quite some time. Many members found themselves in the position of waiting for rebuilding funding and help. As the saying goes at the time, you “waited on a list to get on a list” for help. One benefit following the devastation in St. Bernard Parish was that many of those residents eventually came to re-settle in the Slidell and Pearl River areas. Once again, the club membership began to recover and grow.
Interest groups began to be formed as time went on to address the interests of the members. Interest groups continue to be a vital part of the life of the Newcomers club.
Another facet of the club are the social functions and a Mardi Gras ball. Annually a ball is held complete with a tableau, theme and the crowning of a queen elected by the membership. Also, the Club holds an annual crawfish boil and summer picnic for members.
A monthly three course luncheon and general meeting is held every second Wednesday of the month at Pinewood Country Club. The luncheon typically features a program and speaker of interest to the membership.
Along with the monthly luncheon, another feature of the Newcomer’s club are the various interest groups that members enjoy. Interest groups range from bowling to book club, garden club, lunch bunch, day trips, choral singing, card games galore and so much more. These groups meet at various times and locations monthly.
The Slidell Newcomers Club is also tuned into the needs of the community and does participate in various community outreach activities. One of our annual traditions is to bake homemade cookies and treats to be sent to deployed service personnel in conjunction with the Slidell Ladies for Liberty. Several times a year we identify a community need and try to provide help for our community. An annual Parade of Prizes luncheon provides funds to be used as a donation to an organization in the community. The organization is identified by a vote of the board members.
