Leawood was ranked last year as the best small city in America for the second year in a row by WalletHub, so our trade secrets are probably out in the open now. But for more than 60 years the women in the Leawood Welcomers club have extolled Leawood’s virtues. Their love of the area has caused them to share some common zip codes, but more importantly, to share their lives.
Formed in 1958 by neighborhood women and local developers, Leawood Welcomers originally greeted new residents and provided information about community activities. Today, this neighborhood-sisterhood brings together both new and long-time residents to meet and participate in social activities.
“Our members improve and enrich the lives of women in the Leawood area through activity groups, luncheons, parties and club functions,” says Joanne Varriano, publicity chairman. “If you’re interested in opportunities, making new friends and having lots of fun and laughter, then Leawood Welcomers is for you.”
Varriano joined the club after her daughters left for college. “My neighbor had been a member for years,” she says. “She encouraged me to join Leawood Welcomers to fill the gap my daughters had left.”
Varriano, a retired physical therapist, says that she moved to Leawood after her husband completed his residency, and they decided to stay. “The people in Leawood are like-minded, friendly, motivated, and happy. We liked the schools, churches, safety, size and nearness to Kansas City.”
As past president and current chairman of Travels Near & Far, Varriano says she enjoys welcoming women into the club, which doesn’t require a big commitment or a big pocketbook. “It’s not a philanthropic organization, and the membership cost is just $25 per year. It’s open to women living in zip codes 66206, 66207, 66208, 66209, 66211, 66223, and 66224 or to any woman who’s previously lived in Leawood. You don’t have to live in Leawood proper—just in these zip codes.”
Current president Carol Besselievre says her friends in the club have been essential to her well-being. When her husband passed in 2016, she moved to Leawood from California where she’d lived for 25 years. “I just love these wonderful women,” she says. “They’ve done so much for my livelihood.”
With 133 current members (including Mayor Peggy Dunn), Leawood Welcomers meets regularly throughout the year, scheduling three luncheons, two coffees/teas, and weekly/monthly events in members’ homes, clubhouses and restaurants.
The luncheons occur in October (Fall), December (Holiday) and April (Spring) and include an enlightening or entertaining program. (Interestingly, last year’s fall luncheon featured emergency management experts informing residents how to stay safe in their homes and prepare for emergencies and disasters.)
The coffees are scheduled for September and May.
“We have a coffee coming up on May 20,” Varriano says. “This would a great time for anyone interested to see if we’re a good fit for them. New members can indicate the groups or activities they’re interested in, and the chairperson will contact them to discuss their involvement.”
Day/evening groups are available September-May. Current groups include cards/games, book reviews, crafts, movies, travels, restaurants/happy hours, and singles/couples’ outings. Varriano says the club is open to new groups and activities and “continues to evolve.”
“We hope that women in the Leawood area looking for friendship and fun consider joining our group,” Varriano says. “We make it easier to get together and form friendships. Join us and get acquainted with your Leawood neighbors.”
leawoodwelcomers.com