About Us

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Our Mission

Extending a friendly hand to all women in Central Texas.

Our Story

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Newcomers & Neighbors of Waco began with one brave idea and a simple dinner invitation. When Geri Aupperle moved to Waco in 1989, she couldn’t find a welcoming group for women who were new to town. So she made one. She posted a flyer inviting other “new to Waco” women to join her for dinner. Six women showed up. From that one table, filled with conversation and connection, our club was born. What started as a small gathering has grown into a vibrant community built on the same spirit Geri started with, reaching out and saying, come sit with us.

Geri Aupperle-Shows

Meet the Board

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Our Board of Directors is a team of dedicated volunteers who oversee operations, plan initiatives, and help create a welcoming and well-run organization for all members.

Sally Martin, President 

sallygal@gmail.com

254-716-2222

VP Programs--Paula McGuffin

Recording Secretary--Gloria Gonzales

Treasurers--Patricia Boyd, Susan Folkert

Club Services Director--Pam Johnson

Reservations Director--Valerie Reyes

Name Tag Coordinator--Nancy Sundberg

Special Interest Groups--Sue Gleason

Corresponding Secretary--Kim Johnson

Membership/Database Director--Mary James

Newsletter Director-- Karen Moore

Website Manager--Callie Leasure

Publicity Director--Petra Ashleman

Board Advisor--Linda Bottenfield

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Past Presidents of Newcomers & Neighbors

1989-1990 Geri Aupperle (Founder)

1990-1991 Paula Park

1991-1992 Judy Barker

1992-1993 Karen Jones

1993-1994 Iva Cochran

1994-1996 Gloria Warner

1996-1997 Barbara Larson

1997-1998 Meg McCarty

1998-1999 Audrey Lewis

1999-2001 Judi Campbell

2001-2003 Sally Martin

2003-2004 Marilyn Patterson

2004-2006 Jan Hale

2006-2007 Sharron Odom

2007-2008 Sally Martin

2008-2010 Sharon Clark

2010-2012 Donna Harper

2012-2014 Cindy Bruce

2014-2015 Sandra Stone and LaVanda Raso

2015-2017 Sally Martin

2017-2019 Kathy Northrup

2019-2020 Angelika Hoeher

2020-2022 Mary Welch

2022-2023 Andrea Phillips

2024-2025 Linda Bottenfield