When Jane Smith moved to Richmond in the fall of 2018 to be closer to her daughter and three grandchildren, she quickly realized that she needed to find a way to make some friends in this new and unfamiliar town. Fortunately for her, a neighbor introduced her to a women’s social club, The New Virginians Club, and looking back, she doesn’t know what she would have done without this special group of ladies who are now dear friends.
“I knew I needed to make a life for myself here that extended beyond my daughter’s family, the only people I knew in Richmond when I first moved here,” said Jane. “I love spending time with them, but they had lives of their own and didn’t want or need Mom/Grandma around every second of the day.”
After visiting one of the New Virginians Club’s monthly luncheons, she knew she’d found a group where she could forge new relationships and find activities to keep herself busy.
“The ladies were all so welcoming at my first luncheon, and I really enjoyed the luncheon speaker and getting to meet so many new people. After that, I went to a new and prospective members coffee morning to learn more about the group.” It was there that Jane learned that in addition to the monthly luncheons, the group has over twenty special interest groups. “There truly is something for everyone,” says Jane. From multiple book and movie groups, to arts and crafts, food and cooking, and gaming, the members can fill as many days as they’d like with activities and opportunities to connect with other women.
A Variety of Activities and Interest Groups
Brenda Snow, a member since 2014, loves the more active groups, like the kayaking and walking groups, and she’s also a frequent visitor at the Tea Timers and Chinese Mah Jongg gatherings. “It’s been such a great way to stay active and meet all sorts of new people from all over the area. My kids say it’s keeping me young!”
The New Virginians was formed in 1974 and was originally limited to women who had recently moved to the Richmond area but has since opened membership to all women in the greater Richmond area. In addition to the many social opportunities, the group also has a philanthropic focus, selecting a local charity to support each year through a variety of fundraising events. Past supported charities include the READ Center, Richmond Animal League, the Virginia Home, Safe Harbor, and Liberation Veteran Services.
Looking Ahead and an Invitation to Visit
Now in its 50th year, The New Virginians Club is looking ahead and is eager to get the word out about the group. Pam Pangburn, president of New Virginians, knows how hard it can be for women to make time for themselves and find ways to meet new people with shared interests. And with loneliness now officially an epidemic, she knows there has never been a better time for the group to help women find ways to make new friends and enjoy a variety of activities. “We want ladies of all ages to come out and see what we’re all about,” Pangburn says. She remembers her days of trying to get to know the area when she first moved from Pennsylvania. “It was really hard to connect with other women and make new friends. I was so grateful when I found out about New Virginians, and I’ve been telling other women about it ever since.”
For information about joining The New Virginians Club or attending a monthly luncheon, email membership@newvaclub.org and to learn more, visit their website at newvaclub.org.
