Newcomer's Club:

Connecting women of the Woodlands for more than 45 years

For any woman who has moved into a new area, making new friends and connecting to your new community can prove to be quite the challenge. For women with younger children, it’s easier to connect through your children’s activities, sports or schools, but for those in a different stage of life, where do you go to find your new group? The answer: The Newcomer’s Club, also known as Women of the Woodlands or WoW!

The group just celebrated its 45th anniversary, a testament to the bonds of friendships formed over the years in this vibrant and active club. WoW was recently recognized by the Woodlands Township. Board members celebrated the anniversary with a proclamation and noted the contributions the Club has made in bringing women together in the community.

“The key purpose of WoW/Newcomers is to facilitate friendships for women who live in The Woodlands whether they have lived here a day or 50 years,” said Club President Mary Douglass. “We do this by offering a wide variety of activities from luncheons with guest speakers, social opportunities such as concert outings, happy hours, games and movies.”

The ages of most members range from 50-75 with outliers on either end. It is open to any woman living in The Woodlands. Many members have been transferred to the area through their jobs or their husband’s jobs, have retired or have moved to the area to be closer to grandchildren or children and find themselves looking for a new friend group. Others are empty nesters with more time on their hands now that the kids have gone off to college. Meredith Garrish has been a member of WoW for about 5 years. She moved to the area after retirement and knew absolutely no one. The Club helped her make instant connections.

“I have met so many interesting, fun and supportive women,” said Meredith. “I have the community connection and personal connections I wanted. I have learned so much from these talented women.”

The Newcomer’s Club is a social group (501c-7) and offers something for everyone from games, to exercise to social outings. Current activities include games: 3-13, Mah Jongg, Rummikub, Samba, Scrabble, Shanghai and Triple Play. Social outings: Acoustic Coffee House (live music outings), Afternoon Tea, The Breakfast Club, Chick Flicks (movie group), Continental Breakfast, Gal’s Night Out (happy hour) and Let’s Do Lunch. Hobby based: a book club, crafting, quilting, and scrapbooking. For the active, there is the Easy Riders biking group and golf. Two couple’s events are offered: Couple’s Happy Hour and Wine Down. This year a brand-new travel group will be offered. Don’t see something you like? Feel free to start a new group. WoW also holds several membership-wide luncheons with speakers and programs to offer a chance for members to gather as a whole.

The Women of the Woodlands operates a little differently than most newcomer clubs. Whereas in standard groups, membership is offered for a couple of years, WoW members are welcome to remain in the group for as long as they’d like. Some very solid and long-lasting friendships have been forged through the group. However, don’t let that be intimidating.  As Meredith can attest, new members are constantly welcomed to the group and fit right in. 

“If you’re looking for new connections WoW is for you,” she says. “This is an especially welcoming group of women. Put yourself out there!"

Penny Bradly, a 12-year member of the Club couldn’t agree more. Over those twelve years, she has participated in 18 different activities. She says WoW has helped her stay mentally and physically active while having tons of fun! She encourages women to give it a try.

“If you’re shy, join us,” says Penny. “If you’re lonely, busy, working, retired, a grandmother or mother, if you’re sick of the weather and bored, come join us! You’ll see that we welcome everyone.”

More than 225 women belong to the Newcomers Club. If you’re not sure, please try the group on for size. Potential members are welcome to attend two activities before officially joining. Annual membership dues are $52 and you can join at any time. If you are interested, check out the WoW website at wownewcomers.club for more information or to make inquiries. New members are welcome to join at any time during the year. Check it out: you just might find your newest best friends!