When you first move to a community, you might feel a little vulnerable, even a little lost.

When Esther Whitaker moved to Fountain Hills, she found a group to assuage those feelings. And as luck would have it, she became the leader of Table Talk for Women, the group that took her in when she was a new resident.

After nearly 20 years, Whitaker is retiring. But during that time, she has helped numerous women feel welcome and loved in their new community.

“Esther has been really good at welcoming people,” said Melinda Delaye, a relative newcomer and member of Table Talk. “She has certainly made me feel welcome. I love this group.”

Table Talk is a program offered through the Activity Center. Whitaker, during her tenure, has brought a bag of topics and includes The Fountain Hills Times in her subject tote.

Members come from all over and bring their interests with them to meetings. Maiija Nisula, originally from Finland, shared her perfume bottle collection with the group.

Another member, Loretta Ranck, often has health information.

Betty Strunk founded the group more than 20 years ago. When Strunk had to resign due to illness, the group continued to meet. Whitaker said she showed up late to a meeting and learned she had been elected to the post.

“It really has been wonderful,” she said.

In the early days of the activity, members took buses to Arizona places. They visited Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Karchner Caverns near Benson as well as other destinations.

“I know Arizona because of the Activity Center, Whitaker said.

Due to budget cuts, the transportation offering was eliminated, so the group stays closer to home.

“But we still have a good time,” Whitaker said.

The mission of Table Talk is to learn new things and to bring jokes.

A small group of members gathered last week to celebrate Whitaker’s retirement and all she has done during her tenure as leader.

The meeting was held in the home of Sue Krook, who is replacing Whitaker as group leader. Krook said she hopes to be as successful as Whitaker in her leadership role.

“I definitely will keep the jokes requirement,” Krook said.

The size of the group fluctuates depending on the time of year. The summer group is small, but in winter, there can be 20 or more attending the Thursday meetings.

Membership in the Activity Center is required to join Table Talk. Meetings are held each Thursday at the Community Center starting at 1 p.m.