June 2012

President’s Corner

Dear Simsbury Newcomers,

As you all know – it’s one thing to talk about an event in the future and quite another to realize that the future is almost here. As we round out our social season and prepare for graduations, summer holidays, and visits with family members, I would like to thank you for your participation and volunteer efforts on behalf of Simsbury Newcomers and say that the board and I hope you will be able to attend one, or both, of our festive upcoming events.

On Thursday, May 10th, we will be co-hosting a program with the Simsbury Public Library and author Susan Schoenberger will speak about writing and publishing her first book, A Watershed Year. Look for more information in this newsletter. We don’t often have the opportunity to sponsor a local author and we hope to see many of you there.

Then on Monday, May 14, we will be hosting a Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Simsbury Inn. The fashion show will feature clothing from Body Talk boutique in Avon and will be just thing to jump start a new look or jazz up your current one. Jewelry and accessory vendors will also be present and the needlework group will be contributing another fabulous afghan to help with fundraising efforts. We still need models and are looking for a pianist as well. Please contact me with questions or for more information.

The spring luncheon is also the time we recognize our dedicated activity chairs (and we have a very robust activity program) as well as thank outgoing board members and welcome incoming members. If you are interested in serving on the board please contact Mariann Kalogeros.

See You Soon,
Monique

Announcements

SPECIAL PROGRAM ALERT!!!
COME MEET THE AUTHOR!!!

The Simsbury Newcomers Club and the Simsbury Public Library are pleased to bring you: Susan Schoenberger, author of A Watershed Year.

When: Thursday, May 10th 10:30-12:30
Where: Simsbury Public Library, large program room

The author will talk about her first novel, how she got it published, and will answer questions about her book.
Please join us!!!

Girlfriend’s Corner

Welcome to Girlfriend’s Corner, where we wish our Newcomer friends happy birthday, and send them get-well wishes as needed. If you think there is a Newcomer who would appreciate a get-well card, new baby, or condolence card, please contact Charlotte Ray by phone or by email.

Welcome to the following new members of Simsbury Newcomers: Gerda Grossack, Joe Fioriglio, and Rosie Walker! We hope to see you at different Newcomers activities throughout the year.

Happy Birthday Wishes to the following members:

  • Michele Abbott
  • Judy Goff
  • Margaret Haldeman
  • Susan Lofgren
  • Ann Mungovan
  • Sarah Nanzig
  • Carol Schreyer
  • Sheila Scott
  • Tina Trask

Membership & Directory

Please invite your friends and neighbors to join the fun and become members of Simsbury Newcomers Club. Encourage them to come to one of our many events as your guest. Do they know they do not have to be new to the area or live in Simsbury to become a member?

Dues are now reduced to $12 (beginning April 1st) for the remainder of the 2011-2012 membership year. Checks should be made payable to “Simsbury Newcomers Club” and sent to Katherine Estell at 11 Laurel Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070 along with the completed membership form.

Membership entitles you to:

  • A copy of the monthly Newsletter via email.
  • One copy of the Directory and periodic updates.
  • Access to the many activity groups, and
  • Childcare for daytime program meetings for a small fee.

Please note that the Directory is for the exclusive use of Club members, cannot be used for solicitation, and will NOT be included on the website. Members if you have any personal information changes (address, phone, email, children names) please send them to Katherine at Kate623@comcast.net so that she can update your information.

Newsletter

Anyone selling, renting or providing a non-club service can advertise in our newsletter. We issue 10 newsletters throughout the year, starting in September and running through June. We now offer a 1/4 page (or business card-sized) ad to run in our newsletter for the duration of the year for a flat fee of $90. (We also offer a single-issue ad for a flat rate of $20.) The ad will also be visible in the Newsletter section of our website.

If you are interested in placing an advertisement in the newsletter, please contact Kate Goff by the 9th to be placed in next month’s newsletter.

Daytime Book Discussion

Greetings Newcomers! Below is a list of the books chosen by this year’s Daytime Book Discussion Group. Please join us for a fun and informative morning, the third or fourth Thursday of each month. In order for the hostess to plan appropriately, please phone if you plan on attending. We look forward to seeing you!

If you would like additional information, please e-mail either Patrice Sala or Camilla Thompson. We hope to see you!

  • Thurs, 5/10 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM : "A Watershed Year", by Susan Schoenberger
    Host: Camilla Thompson
    Reviewer: TBD (Meet the Author event at Simsbury Public Library)
  • Thurs, 6/28 9:30 AM: "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet", by Jamie Ford
    Host: Jane Porterfield
    Reviewer: Camilla Thompson
  • Thurs, 7/26 9:30 AM: "Luncheon of the Boating Party", by Susan Vreeland
    Host: TBD
    Reviewer: Eileen Higham
  • Thurs, 8/23 9:30 AM: "Anna Karenina", by Leo Tolstoy
    Host: TBD
    Reviewer: Camille Gentile

Evening Book Discussion

A good book is even better when you can talk about it with friends! Join us for lively discussions one evening a month – generally the first Tuesday, at 7PM. We meet in member’s homes and convivial local taverns and restaurants.

To receive monthly updates with meeting dates, reading selections and locations, contact Cindy Schafer.

  • May 1: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
  • June 5: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
  • July 10: Strapless by Deborah Davis
  • August 7: In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin
  • Sept 4: At Home by Bill Bryson

Couples’ Bridge

Couple’s Bridge meets on the third Saturday of the month. We usually meet in couples’ homes and begin at 7:30 PM. We have a variety of bridge levels, so please don’t be intimidated. Also, a commitment to one month does not commit you for the whole year. We sign up month to month according to our social schedules. I need a call in advance just to be sure we will have even tables.

Ladies’ Bridge

Ladies’ Bridge meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month between 7:00-7:30 PM at the host house. We are a fun group of 2 or 3 tables of party bridge. Come join us by signing up early. Call Ida after 6 PM or call the hostess to see if there’s a cancellation. Please contact Ida for this month’s schedule.

Bunko

Are you looking for something fun to fill one morning a month? Do you love the thrill of competition? If so, why not sign up to play Bunko. This is an easy dice game you can learn in a few minutes. Join us as a regular or a sub. If you are interested, call Arlene Zappile at 408-9044.

Evening Bunko

Come join our lively group and let’s get the dice rolling! We meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Not to worry if you have never played before, not hard and doesn’t require any special skills….just roll the dice and have fun!

Contact Randi Stamboulis for more information.

Ladies’ Lunch Bunch

This gorgeous weather begs us to enjoy as much time outdoors as possible!

In May, Lunch Bunch will be lunching on the patio at Papacelle, Riverdale Farms, Avon.

We will meet @ 11:30 on Thursday, May 31 for lunch. If you are not part of our email list and would like to join us, just let me know. Hope to see you there, Eileen.

Newcomer’s Playgroup

Calling all Moms & Tots! We will be starting a new playgroup for children from 6 months or older. Teo Pellegrino & Wendy Sue Kissa will gather names of moms interested. If you have further questions, please call Teo 217-1511 or Wendy Sue 651-6971.

Needlework

The Needlework group meets on Monday mornings between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. You are welcome to come by any time during that period. Everyone brings their own project to work on or just visits. This group is very willing and able to provide help if you need it. Here is the schedule for May.

May 7: Arline Croce
May 14: Newcomers Luncheon
May 21: Shirley Kucia
May 28: Memorial Day

If you want to be included on the Needlework e-mail list, contact Charlotte. You will receive a weekly message with details about the upcoming Monday gathering.

Men’s Night Out

An organized group for guys to get together and to have some fun. Activities include card playing, movies, beer tasting – essentially whatever the group would like to do. Hosted at a member’s home on a monthly (or so) rotating basis. The main goal is for guys to get out, to meet others, and to have some laughs. If the group becomes big enough we’ll hold an annual Beer and Men party, to which you will be able to invite your significant other. To sign up or with questions, please contact Brian Tomasino at kisa4u2@yahoo.com or (860) 844-0089.

Pinochle

This group meets once a month at a different member’s home for an evening of fun and cards. New players are welcome. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play, we’ll teach you. We generally play on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, but call Judy to confirm the location. There is also a Couple’s Pinochle Group outside of Newcomers. Judy can get you connected to this group.

Potluck Dinner

The potluck group will meet two more times before the end of the year. On May 5 we will be celebrating “Cinco de Mayo” (with a little bit of Kentucky Derby thrown in on the side). We will look forward to the festive food of the Southwest.

Our last potluck will be “Here Comes Summer”. We will celebrate the many good foods of the season.

If you were unable to join us this year, check us out at the sign-up in the fall. We usually meet the first Saturday night of the month. Each person or couple is asked to be a hostess at least once every two years. We were able to accommodate more people this year by hostesses stretching the limit in their homes or hostesses getting together and renting a place for the night. If you need information for this year send us an email to Janet Marcum (janjerm@yahoo.com) or Marilyn Iezzi (mwiezzi@sbcglobal.net).

Walking/Ramble Group

Spring has arrived in Simsbury! This is such a pretty time of year to go walking. We walk each weekday morning on the Farmington Valley Greenway trail by Iron Horse Boulevard. We meet at 9 AM in the Park & Ride commuter lot on the lower level behind CVS. We might walk at a different venue occasionally. The group is always open to new walkers, and you can walk with us on any morning that fits your schedule. Please contact Charlotte if you have any questions or if you are walking with us for the first time. Come join us for great exercise and fun conversation!

Wine & Women

Wine & Women is a fun and casual group that meets once a month, usually at a member’s home on the third Thursday night of each month. We welcome members to join the group at any time during the year. And, of course, you don’t have to drink wine to enjoy an evening out with this lively crowd!

Our May gathering will be held on May 17th at 7 pm, at the home of Debbie Bernard, 26 Metacom Drive, off of Quarry Road in Simsbury. Please bring along an appetizer or dessert, as well as a bottle of wine or another beverage of your choice. RSVP by May 15th to joanne.alfieri@gmail.com, or call Joanne at 860-658-2828.

If you’d like to be added to the Wine & Women’s group email list, please contact either Joanne Alfieri (Joanne.Alfieri@gmail.com) or Cheryl Sojkowski (csojkowski@comcast.net).