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New Members

July 2010

Victoria Shirley visited Corpus Christi to help her sick sister, and ended up getting married and staying!  She moved here from San Francisco, but originally hails from Tomah, WI.  She is a vocational artist, and her husband, Bart, owns an insurance agency.  Baseball fans will remember Bart from his days with the LA Dodgers and New York Mets.

Leslie Blake is originally from Vancouver, B.C., but moved to Corpus Christi from Katy, TX when her husband, Lonnie, accepted a job with Everest Resources.  He is a geophysicist and she is a quilter who loves reading, travel, movies, art and food.

Susan Douglas moved from Grapevine, TX with her husband, Philip, who is a minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church.  She is a retired computer programmer who has now turned her attention to quilting, reading, movies, and food.
 

June 2010

Karen Haug moved to Corpus Christi from Geneva, IL with her husband, Joseph, who is an environmental engineer for Flint Hills Refinery.  Karen is a former pension analyst, but is spending some time learning golf, hunting antiques, and finding good restaurants.  She learned of NNL from member Pam Legvold.

Helen Valdes was introduced to NNL by her daughter, Laura, who lives down the block.  She and her husband, Richard, moved to Corpus Christi from Mexico City to retire, and they are loving every minute of it, especially not having to get up in the morning and get to work on time!  Maybe their 10 grandchildren will keep them busy.

May 2010

 

Patty Jones moved to Corpus Christi when she married her husband, Craig, who is a guidance counselor in the Corpus Christi school system.  She enjoys yoga and bicycling, and is interested in antiques, doll collecting, history and politics.  She has joined the Rosettes already and will be a great addition to the Antique Club too.

Bonnie Conner moved to Corpus Christi with her husband, Charlie, to retire, but since she calls herself a "professional" volunteer, you won't find her in a rocking chair.  She has been working on the opening of the Phil Hardberger Park in San Antonio, and has plans for the next five years as the park is developed.  Bonnie enjoys "outdoorsey" activities involving parks, water, plants and flowers.
 

Paula Braddy was enlightened about NNL by Jennifer Oler when her husband, Bill, filled the position that had been Pat Oler's and they were here for training.  Paula and Bill moved to Corpus Christi from Huntsville, AL, but Paula is originally from Michigan.  She says she loves skiing, but will have to go elsewhere to find snow!
 

April 2010

 

Tanja Noever moved to Corpus Christi from Las Vegas with her husband, William and her 3-year-old son.  Tanja has already gotten involved as our Coffee Chair.  She does childcare in her home, so we hope she will be able to break away to join us during the day too.  You may also know her from our social as Lucky Star, the beautiful actress who looked suspicious (as did everyone else).


Terri Ballantyne moved here with her husband, Michael, to be closer to his family, although she is also a native Texan and still owns the family home in East Texas.  One of her passions is cancer awareness and making our homes environmentally safe.  Terri is a sales and marketing representative for car dealerships, and Michael is the Administrative Director for Alltech Inspection.

Elide Benavides and her husband Carlos retired to Corpus Christi.  Elida was a public administrator and Carlos an educator; we can tell she likes working with people, since she is energetic and gregarious.  She now has time to pursue her interest in interior design, so might be able to give our members ideas for decorating our new houses

Tamara Patterson moved to Corpus Christi from Irvine, CA when she married Mark, who is a local attorney.  She is the Director of Operations in a real estate office.  She is interested in wine tasting, so will have to tell us how she thinks our Texas wines compare to the California wines! Tamara has already gotten involved in planning the May social.

Shari Telford moved from Las Vegas when her husband Dale accepted a position as the General Manager of the Corpus Christi Country Club.  She is a realtor, but loves golf and dining out, hobbies which we suspect Dale supports!  Welcome to Corpus Christi, Shari and Dale!

Robin Swope moved from Lubbock Texas with her husband, Bill, but is originally from Lake Charles, LA.  Bill is an Area Supervisor for Burger King, and Robin, who describes herself as shy and friendly, is interested in stained glass, reading, movies, walking and the beach.  Her children are grown and she is retired from her job as an electronic microscopist, so look for her at beach day, at the movies, and learning to play Mah Jongg.

 

March 2010

Debbie Cannatella moved to Corpus Christi when her husband, Fernando Figueroa, became Provost of Del Mar College. She is a full-time artist, and loves art, nature, food, drumming, birding and music. Debbie's two daughters are grown, and Fernando's sons (12 & 14) visit during school vacations.

Amanda Rodriguez moved to Corpus Christi with her husband, Gus, who is an engineering consultant to the petroleum industry. When she was a substitute teacher in Kingsville, she said she also filled in for almost every job in the school - from office to lunchroom. Her daughter is in third grade and her son in fourth grade at Luther Jones Elementary School.

Donna King moved to Corpus Christi with her husband, Dick, who is the Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Bar Association. Donna is a retired elementary school principal who enjoys reading and movies, and describes herself as organized and curious - a great combination for a principal

February 2010

Joani Sarkiss moved to Corpus Christi from Birmingham, Alabama for the great weather (usually) and because she likes to fish.  Other interests are travel, food, animals, the zoo, and the aquarium - she just loves life!  Joani is just beginning her travel season as a federal grant consultant for J. Sarkiss and Associates, so make sure you get a chance to meet her at our next coffee.

Denise Parker moved to Corpus Christi from Forth Worth with her husband, Brian, who is a pharmacist for Christus Spohn.  She travels throughout Texas and Oklahoma as a customer service representative for Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers.  Denise is passionate about the outdoors, and taking long walks, so look for her on Beach Day!

Pamela Legvold is unpacking things she has not seen for 12 years while she was living in Holland and Venezuela.  Her husband Richard was recently transferred back to Corpus Christi by Flint Hills.  Pam enjoys walking, reading, and birding, and when you find her participating in any NNL activities, welcome her back to the United States!

January 2010

Robin Bennett and her husband, Gordon, vacationed in Corpus Christi several years ago and kept coming back again.  On their third trip they bought a house and five years later finally became full-time residents when they moved from Denver, where Gordon is still the owner and president of a water well equipment sales company.  A retired high school teacher, Robin has many interests, from fishing and boating with her husband to her own doll collection.

Tina Gaden was introduced to NNL by new member Debbie High.  She and her family (she has two girls in the fourth and fifth grades) came to Corpus Christi from Virginia Beach, VA last summer when her husband, Paul, accepted a position in hospital administration at Spohn.  She is interested in meeting new people and learning more about the Corpus Christi area - let's make sure we help her with that!

Wendy Bond moved to Corpus Christi with her husband, Wayne, who is a technical sales manager for Bell Helicopter.  Wendy is self-employed with Arbonne International, and loves to walk and read at the beach.  She found out about NNL when she and Jean Marie Welch sat next to one another at the hair salon!  Please welcome Wendy and Wayne to Corpus Christi!

Carol Littleton moved to Corpus Christi from San Antonio with her husband, Park and her son, who is in high school in Flour Bluff.  She has a daughter at A&M CC and a son, who just graduated from Southwestern University and will attend grad school in the fall.  Carol was so excited to join that she volunteered immediately to host Vino Brio and is already serving on the Social Committee!

December 2009

 

Silvat Majeed

Silvat moved to Corpus Christi from Buffalo, New York when she married her husband, Tariq Malik.  Silvat is a trust officer at Frost Bank, and Tariq is a refining engineer with Egyptian Refining Company.  Silvat cares about people, and is excited to be involved with New Neighbors.  Welcome to Corpus Christi, Silvat and Tariq!

Debbie High moved to Corpus Christi from Charleston, WV in August when her husband, Joe, accepted a position as the Director of Pharmacy Services with the Christus Spohn Health System.  She describes herself as cheerful, organized, and engertic; traits which have served her well while restoring a 1920's log cabin at the family's resort in Colorado.  Debbie has many interests, which include reading, travel, crafts, movies, food, computers and photography, and she plans to come to Lunch Bunch, Vino Brio and Beach Day.  NNL welcomes Debbie and Joe to Corpus Christi.

 

November 2009

Sue Lant moved to Corpus Christi from Illinois when Citco transferred her husband, James.  She has two boys, in second and fifth grades, to keep her busy, but also works part-time for Hallmark.  She is the person who sorts all the disheveled cards back where they belong!  Sue pitched in right away helping Susannah at the check-in table.

September 2009

Amber Gouzien

Amber Gouzien moved from Minnesota in March of 2009 when her husband was offered a job as an Audiology Technician.  She has two young sons, Peyton (8 yrs) and Carter (4 yrs), works at McGregor Investments, and goes to school at Del Mar College.  Amber grew up in Austin, but a lot of her husband's family lives in Corpus Christi.  She just got back from celebrating her 30th birthday in Puerto Rico, where she plans to retire... in a few years... so she is interested in the Spanish Club.

Evelyn Sarcone

Evelyn Sarcone moved to Corpus Christi in May 2009 from Croton-on-Hudson, NY, to be close to her daughter and grandson. She worked in the Nurse's Cadet Corp in WWII and lived here the first time from 1954 - 1965.  She says she had gotten to the point where she hated snow, so this move was easy for her!  Evelyn is involved with the Senior Garden Center; she also enjoys hanging out with the younger crowd in NNL.  Evelyn says she missed her chance to learn to play bridge well, so she plays canasta instead.

August 2009

Susan Johnson-Maurer is not new to Corpus Christi but worked for 23 years for the United States Tennis Association running Adult Leagues for Texas, so was away lots of weekends running tournaments, meetings, etc.  She retired in February so she’d have more time for her husband and grandchildren and to get involved in the community.  She has ten grandchildren aged 12 years to 11 months.  She is  looking forward to getting involved in the NNL Community.

 

Judy Itkin's husband, Jeff is an OB/GYN physician and they relocated to Corpus Christi from Omaha, Nebraska officially in March of this year.  Jeff was offered a teaching position at Memorial Hospital; they made him an offer he could not refuse. Judy’s  education background includes a BSN/MSN from Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn., and later a MBA degree from SMU in Dallas, TX.  She worked full time until about 1997 at which time she retired to become a full-time mother to their only daughter, Lindsay.  Lindsay is a third year law student at SMU in Dallas.  They moved into their current house the first of April, this year.  Judy has  been very busy updating the house totally; her  latest project, the kitchen, will  be completed this week!  Judy was an avid golfer and hopes to be so again, now that her house is finally entertainment ready.  She also likes to play bridge; Jeff and Judy are beginners and hope to get back into taking regular lessons.  They have met so many nice people here in Corpus Christi, and are beginning to make new friends.  They survived their  first summer here; it was HOT!  They will not miss the frigid winters of Nebraska.

 

Pat McAnear's husband, Jack, retired from BP and a year ago Pat and Jack moved from Katy, Texas to Corpus Christi, Texas.  They have 2 daughters, Heather (26) and Cristin (23). Both daughters are living in Waco, Texas.  Pat loves to volunteer at her church and loves to belong to ladies clubs.  She also likes to cook and play with computer programs since she left her computer programming position when her children were young.  She is looking forward to her second winter here in Corpus Christi,  which she says, is not anything like winter in Denver and Philadelphia, Thank goodness

Susannah Stearns is originally from Arkansas and her husband is from Corpus.  She just moved here from Thibodaux, Louisiana.  The move was prompted by the CCISD Athena program for her boys.  Although, it didn't take much prompting, as her  husband was thrilled at the idea of "coming home" after 20 years and being close to his family and oldest friends.  She is a stay-at-home mom to three fantastic boys ages 9, 8, and 2.  They attend the Church of the Good Shepherd.  Susannah is also a member of the Junior League, Beta Sigma Phi, Coastal Bend MUMS, and the Chi Omega Alumnae Association.  Her older boys attend Windsor Park Elementary, where she volunteers and is a member of the PTA.  Her  little one attends the Montessori School of Corpus Christ, where she is a Room Mom and a member of the PTA.  She likes to entertain friends and family in her home.  She enjoys watching her boys in sporting events such as soccer, baseball, and swimming.  She loves to volunteer and be active within her community.  Susannah is  happy to find this great group of ladies and look forward to meeting new people, dining out, drinking some wine, and maybe learning to play bridge!

July 2009

 

Kay Long arrived in Corpus 50 years ago.  Her husband Joe is a retired college professor.  She describes herself as someone who likes people and likes to be active.  Her other interests include music, exercise and church activities.  She is interested in - Lunch Bunch, Vino Brio, Couples dining out, Beginners Bridge, Daytime Book Club, First Movie Club, The Rosettes, Hearts and Hands, Circle of Caring.

 

Beverly Johnston arrived in Corpus in March 2008 from Loveland Colorado.  Her husband’s name is JJ and he is the VP of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation .  She has 2 grown sons, and 4 grandchildren.  She enjoys dancing and has recently taken up windsurfing.  She describes herself as fun, warm hearted and empathetic.  She is interested in - Lunch Bunch, Couples dinning out, Bunco Brunch, Spanish club. 

Meg Moore arrived in Corpus back in 2005  from Maui HI.  She works in real estate and volunteers at the Senior Garden Center.  She enjoys bridge, canasta and pinochle.  She describes herself as enthusiastic, flexible and congenial.  She is interested in – Vino Brio, Beginners Bridge and Happy Hour.

Becky Rodriguez also arrived in Corpus in 2005  from Maui HI.  She works in real estate.  She enjoys reading, photography, travel, movies, gardening, computers, art and food.  She describes herself as "to the point".  She is interested in – Vino Brio, Beginners Bridge, Computer Club and Happy Hour.

June 2009

Laura Falconer arrived in Corpus two years ago.  However she has been working so hard that she was unable to join NNL until now. Her husband, Steve, works for Eddie Yaklin in Kingsville.  She has 2 sons, Marcos 22 and Phillip 16.  She enjoys reading her Bible, painting and having parties.  She describes herself as outgoing and friendly.  She loves to be around people but this has proved to be a challenge since she works from home and is alone must of the day, except for 4 little doggies that she adores.
She is interested in Eaters Unlimited, Lunch Bunch, Couples Dinning Out, Night Bunco, Spanish Club, First Movie Club, Heart and Hands, and Circle of Caring. 

March 2009

Cynthia Kimura moved to Corpus Christi from Port Neches, TX in January 09.  She and her husband Drew are expecting their 1st grandchild.  Drew is the HR Manager with Lyondell-Bassell and Cynthia is a Realtor (not working yet).  Her interests include reading, photography, travel, sewing, movies, gardening, art, food and walking on the beach, with her passions being cooking and outdoor activities.  Cynthia describes herself as outgoing and open to new ideas and activities.  Let's give a big NNL welcome to Cynthia and Drew.

February 2009
Connie Smith moved to Corpus Christi in December 08.  Connie is a semi-retired Art Broker and her husband Guadalupe is Director of the Coastal Bend Health Education Center and Health Science Center at TAMU.  Her hobbies include reading, shopping, travel, movies, art and watching sports, with her passion being playing bridge.  She describes herself as friendly, loyal and an explorer.  Let's give Connie and Guadalupe a big NNL welcome!

 

Deb Williams moved to Corpus Christi in Jan. 09.  Deb is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Commander in the U.S. Navy.  She enjoys reading, shopping, travel, gardening, art and Christian fellowship with her passion being health promotion and enjoying nature.  She describes herself as passionate, faithful and a good listener.  Lets give Deb a big NNL welcome!
Carolyn Utigard Thomas is originally from Chicago, but has lived in Corpus Christi for many years.  Carolyn is an artist.  She has 2 children and 2 grandchildren.  Her interests are reading, crafts, gardening, art travel, movies and food.  She describes herself as creative, funny and nice.  Let's give a big NNL welcome to Carolyn!

September 2008

Melissa Brooks moved to Corpus Christi in April 2008. Melissa is a business trainer for IBM and her husband Mark is a captain in the US Navy.  She has 1 daughter and 1 granddaughter in Australia, and Mark's family lives in Alabama.  Melissa's hobbies include reading, shopping, photography, travel, movies, gardening, art and food.  She describes herself as adventurous, open and friendly.  Let's give a big NNL welcome to Melissa and Mark.

 

July 2008

 

Julie Klinger moved to Corpus Christi in January 2008.  Her husband Terry is still in MN, and she is a 401K retirement consultant.  Julie’s passions are estate sales, and refinishing furniture.  She also enjoys shopping, crafts, and sewing.  Let’s give Julie and Terry a big NNL welcome. Julie is interested in the following Clubs: Happy Hookers Crafts, Lunch Bunch, Couples Dining Out, Antique Collectors, Circle of Caring

Paula Gates moved to Corpus Christi in May 2008.  She and her husband Stephen have 3 grown children.  Stephen is the Director of Medical Education at Bay Area Hospital, and Paula is a Mother to Many.  She describes herself as Christian, social, and sensitive.  Her passion is her family and friends.  She enjoys art, bible study, travel, gardening, and food.  Let’s give a big NNL welcome to Paula and Stephen. Paula is interested in the following Clubs: lunch brunch, bunco brunch, night bunco

June 2008
Beatriz Bowen moved to Corpus Christi in May 2004.  She is a former Realtor and her husband David is a Business Consultant.  Beatriz describes herself as outgoing, spontaneous, and athletic.  She enjoys sports, travel, dining, and fun.  Let's give Beatriz and David a big NNL welcome.
 
Bea is interested in the following clubs: Eaters Unlimited, Lunch Bunch, Vino Brio, Couples Dining Out, Beer Tasting, Beginner's Bridge, Bunco Brunch, Night Bunco, Beach Day, Spanish Club, First Movie Club, Hearts & Hands
Cynthia Huddleston moved to Corpus Christi in June 2006.  She and her husband Johnny have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren.  They are both retired.  Cynthia describes herself as friendly, and a good listener.  She enjoys reading, cooking, sailing, and travel.  Let's give a big NNL welcome to Cynthia and Johnny Huddleston.
 
Cynthia is interested in joining Bunco brunch and the Spanish Club.

Ivonne Guinones-Torres moved to Corpus Christi in September 2007.  She and her husband Ruben have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.  Ivonne designs jewelry and her husband is an MD in internal medicine.  She describes herself as happy, caring, and helpful.  Her interests are designing and making jewelry.  Let's give Ivonne and Ruben a big NNL welcome.

Ivonne is interested in joining the Spanish Club.

 

May 2008

Pat Dorsey moved to Corpus Christi in December 2007 from Greenville, South Carolina.  She and her husband have 1 daughter and 2 grandchildren.  Pat is a retired realtor and her husband is retired.  Pat describes herself as friendly.  She enjoys reading, shopping, travel, movies, gardening and food.  Let's give a big NNL welcome to Pat and Joel Dorsey.

April 2008

Donna Montgomery moved to Corpus Christi in October 2007 from New Orleans.  She and her husband Jim have 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren.  Donna is a former teacher and Jim is CEO of the Corpus Christi Medical Center.  Donna describes herself as friendly, dependable and involved.  She has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, her church, and the New Orleans public schools.  She enjoys reading, shopping, travel, movies, playing the piano and her grandchildren.  She also likes to play cards and is looking for a group to play Mah Jongg.  Let's give a big NNL welcome to Donna and Jim Montgomery.

March 2008
Judy Crawford moved to Corpus Christi in September 2006 from Prescott, Arizona.  She and her husband, Walter, wanted to live in a warm area near water.  They own their own electronics business.  Judy's interests include reading, shopping, travel, movies, sailing and diving.  Welcome to NNL and Corpus Christi Judy and Walter.

Judith Labeck moved to Corpus Christi from Minneapolis, Minnesota in November 2007.  She and her husband, Louis, have 2 grown children.  Judith is a clinical social worker, not currently employed and Louis is retired but is an expert with computers.  Judith has many interests including reading, travel, gardening, food and pilates.  Please join us in welcoming Judith and Louis to Corpus Christi.
 

February 2008

Lorraine Taylor moved to Corpus Christi in May 2007 from Temple, Texas.  Lorraine is a retired Registered Nurse and her husband, John Robert, is a part time pharmacist at HEB.  She enjoys reading, shopping, photography, travel and crafts.  Her passion is to "Enjoy Life".  NNL welcomes Lorraine and John Robert to the Coastal Bend

January 2008

Tammy Hoyt moved to Corpus Christi in August 2007 from Fredericksburg, Virginia with her husband Brian.  Tammy is a former bio chemist and Brian works at NAS Corpus Christi.  Tammy enjoys animals, cooking, gardening, wine and travel.  Welcome Tammy and Brian to Corpus Christi.

Cheryl Kelsey moved to Corpus Christi in January 2007 from Edmond, Oklahoma.  She is an Assistant Professor in Education Leadership at Texas A&M Kingsville.  Cheryl enjoys reading, shopping, gardening, food and her 2 grandchildren.  NNL welcomes Cheryl to Corpus Christi.

Bridget Post moved to Corpus Christi in November 2007 from southern California with her husband Rich and 6 year old son Travis.  Bridget is a Cabi fashion consultant and Rich is in aviation quality assurance at CCAD.  She enjoys reading, shopping, camping, fashion and her family.  Welcome to NNL and Corpus Christi Bridget and family.

Helga Zaleski is originally from Germany and she is a research clerk.  Helga has 1 child and 2 grandchildren.  She is interested in reading, sewing, gardening and food.  NNL welcomes Helga to Corpus Christi.

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