President’s Message
Dear Newcomers and Friends of Santa Clarita Valley,
This is my final president’s message to you all. It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve the club while working alongside amazing board members. I am extremely proud of what we accomplished together and leave my current role with months of fond memories.
My presidency afforded me great opportunities to get to know our members better and presented chances to meet ladies I did not know before. I sincerely call you friends with a heart full of love for this club and the members as I step down as president.
Our new leader, Kathi Studden, and the 2024-2025 board begin guidance of our club after the May’s luncheon installation ceremony. Thinking back, it has been an extremely busy term of service. As a club, we experienced steady growth in membership, increased number of ladies attending the luncheons and significant engagement in a variety of new and existing club activities.
In this closing message, I wish to convey our success in 2023 through the beginning of 2024 was accomplished by the hard work and commitment of an incredible group of women who comprised the board. My intention is not to list out all that we accomplished. As I believe, you are all aware of everyone’s significant contributions. Instead, I wish to highlight how the work was done. It is always equally important to note the how of what was accomplished since Friendship is A Thousand Small Kindnesses.
Each board member, these group of volunteers, showed up to the meetings, luncheons, coffees, teas, and club activities with:
• Genuine concern for the members
• Commitment to their role responsibilities
• Creativity and an energized spirit of service
• Friendliness and kindness towards others
• Caring and support for club members and fellow board members
• Critical thinking in how to ensure effective and efficient club activities
• Willingness to help no matter the task
• Professionalism in performing their responsibilities in an ethical manner
• Fiscal awareness and budget discipline of the club’s limited resources
• Extension of encouragement, love, and support to everyone
My sincere thank you to all the board members. As volunteers, you chose to devote your personal time to the club and the members. In 2024 – 2025, I look forward to continued opportunities to collaborate with you and the new board members.
The changing of board leadership from term to term is an excellent approach to running our Newcomers club as each new board brings renewed energy, positive changes, and increased creativity. It creates an environment where board members remain in existing roles or change to a different role which results in ideas and activities not becoming stale and stagnant. Another positive outcome is the opening of opportunities for members to serve the organization as a new board member.
Let’s congratulate and support together Kathi Studden, the new President, and Joey Dieringer as the Executive Vice President. I leave you all in capable hands and I am excited about the months ahead. I will continue to serve the club in the role of Web Editor, co-chair for DIG & DOG (dining in & out groups) and will partner with Brenda McCullough as New Member Liaisons.
In closing, I have zero regrets about carrying out the duties of president. It has been a wonderful experience that I will forever cherish. I loved giving back to all of you. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. It truly was an honor, a privilege, and with all life changes a learning experience.
Thank you to my fellow board members. I love you all dearly. Thank you to the board members staying on the board and a huge thank you to board members leaving the board. Thank you for your service and all that you contributed. It is greatly appreciated! Also, a sincere thank you to my husband who for 46 years supported me in all my life experiences and did so once again in my role as president.
Much Love & Hugs,
Linda Jenkins,
2023 – 2024 President, Newcomers & Friends of Santa Clarita Valley
MY FINAL RECIPE SHARING: TWO OF MY MOM’S FAVORITES APPETIZERS
Hot Artichoke Dip
• ¾ cup of mayonnaise
• ¾ cup each of sharp cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can green chilis, chopped
• 1 can artichokes, diced
Mix ingredients in a bowl and then pour into a 9-inch pie plate & bake for 20 minutes in a 350-degree oven until mixture is bubbling and the top has slightly browned. Serve hot with your favorite crackers.
Crab Meat Spread
• 6-ounce cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 packages of frozen flaked crab or ½ pound of fresh crab
• 4 tablespoons of minced onion
• 1 teaspoon fresh horseradish
• Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour in an oven ware dish. Sprinkle top with sliced almonds. Bake in a 350-degree oven, uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until the top is bubbling. Serve with round slices of your favorite bread.