I am honored to be this year's Welcoming Club president! I know I have big shoes to fill from Noel Hopkins and Emily Kasel, who gracefully guided the club through the difficult pandemic period. We're thrilled to have what we hope will be a back-to-normal year ahead!

The most exciting announcement of all is that this year will be the grand return of THE AMAZING RACE! This event is a long-standing fan favorite of Welcoming Club members -- a competitive scavenger hunt all across 11530, with an after party to boot! This event will be in the spring, so we'll have something to look forward to all year.

In the near term, things are already getting off to a busy start - we have plans for an outdoor movie night, a fall couples event, ladies night and newcomers cocktail party all in the works! Signups for golf, tennis and bunco are right around the corner, and our craft and book clubs are getting geared up, too. Keep an eye on your emails and follow us on Instagram @gcwelcomingclub so you don't miss out!

The Welcoming Club is such a unique and time-honored tradition to Garden City. Even before I moved here, I remember my mother-in-law telling me stories about the "Welcome Wagon" from when she moved here three decades ago. I hope to live up to the club's traditions and values of openness, community involvement and helping those in need.

To that end, I'm happy to announce our beneficiary for the 2022-2023 will be the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center in Westbury. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with these heart-breaking conditions and most notably, support their families and caregivers. This is a cause close to many of our board members' hearts, and we're thrilled to support them.

Looking forward to a great year!
With love,
Libby McGowan