24 October 20226

To Natalie and Jeffrey,

Thank you for the warm welcome you have extended to our group at Panera in Macedonia.

I started this Mahjong group in August, and we gather every other Saturday from approximately 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. The vision behind the group was simple: to bring together like-minded people for fun, friendship, and meaningful connection.

I was widowed this past January, and one of the lessons I have learned is that filling our lives with enthusiasm and purpose helps us move forward while carrying our cherished memories into a new chapter of life. I share my journey through a daily widowhood blog, Don’t Call Me a Widow, My Name is Karen, which can be found here: Don’t Call Me a Widow, My Name is Karen.

Choosing this Panera location was natural because it is part of my community. It has helped me connect with many wonderful people, and I want to emphasize that participants do not need to be widows or widowers to join us. Everyone is welcome.

Our remaining 2026 Mahjong dates are:

• Saturday, November 7
• Saturday, November 21
• Saturday, December 5
• Saturday, December 19
• Saturday, December 26

Whether someone is an experienced Mahjong player or completely new to the game, they are welcome to join us. We are always happy to teach beginners.

In addition to Mahjong, I have organized informal coffee meetups that I promote through Facebook and the Nextdoor app. These gatherings provide another opportunity for people seeking friendship, conversation, and community to connect with others in a welcoming environment.

For a brief introduction, my name is Karen Moss Hale. I am the producer of New Cleveland Radio, where we host a variety of podcasts focused on personal growth, communication, and human connection. I hold a degree in Communications, along with certifications in coaching and communication principles. Through both podcasting and life coaching, my mission is to create safe, supportive spaces where individuals can find their comfort zone and feel heard.

You can learn more about our programming at New Cleveland Radio and on our YouTube channel.

As this community continues to grow, I hope to expand the concept to additional Panera locations throughout the city, state, and eventually across the country. We all need connection, and there is something special about gathering together, sharing conversation, and building friendships over a meal or a cup of coffee.

If you feel it would be appropriate to share information about our group and community-building efforts with Covelli Enterprises, I would be truly grateful.

Thank you again for your hospitality and support.

Warm regards,

Karen Moss Hale
Producer, New Cleveland Radio
Life Coach & Community Connector