What's In A Name? Lots If You're A LOIS

The Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Lois Club (NEOLois Club) had its first meeting on November 14, 2003, at the Olive Garden Restaurant at Parma Town.  The first hostesses for the event included Lois Knaflich, who headed up the group for 15+ years,  until passing in 2021 at the age of 95. There were 11 women named Lois at this first event. Since then, the group has grown to its current membership of just under 50 members!

The ladies decided to continue with these luncheons on the same schedule at the National clubs, as there are several across the country, including Canada, which is on the 5th Tuesday of the month. Generally, there are 4 such days in each year, and occasionally there are 5. There are Lois Club groups on Facebook too! An annual convention is scheduled in different locations throughout the states that presents an opportunity to travel, sightsee, and meet others who share the name of Lois.

At our August 30, 2005 picnic in the park, we were visited by a writer from a local paper who was interested in the club and wrote an article about the NEO Lois Club. At the following luncheon, there were 68 women named Lois in attendance! Prior to the pandemic, luncheons were held at restaurants in the Cleveland/Southwest area of town. The group hopes to return to indoor dining as more people are vaccinated and CDC guidelines allow.

Presently, the NEO Lois Club is operating by committee consisting of long-time members, sharing responsibilities. For more information you can email us at NEOloisclub@gmail.com. Annual 2021 dues are $5.00 per person and with that you will receive the Newsletter which will be mailed a month before each luncheon. New members are welcome.

The next meeting is Tuesday, June 29. 2021, 12:30 PM, at the Harriet Kellor Pavilion in the Brecksville MetroPark Reservation off Chippewa Road, Brecksville. We will collect non-perishable food donations at this event that will be donated to a local food pantry. 

All gals with the name of Lois are welcome (first name, middle name, or other). Feel free to bring a guest.