October 2015 - Newcomers Club of Grand Traverse

Newcomers News
Published by the Newcomers Club of Grand Traverse
(Antrim - Benzie - Grand Traverse - Kalkaska - Leelanau)
October 2015
DATES TO
REMEMBER
BOARD GAMES: Oct. 1
BOOK CLUB—MEN’S: Oct. 26
BOOK CLUB—WOMEN’S
AM: Oct. 6
BOOK CLUB—WOMEN’S
PM: Oct. 6
BRIDGE: Oct. 21
COCKTAILS &
CONVERSATION: See Page 6
DINNER FOR EIGHT: See Page 7
DINNER OUT: Oct. 18
EUCHRE: See Page 7
FILM GROUP: Oct. 8
FISHING: See Page 7
GOLF: Oct. 5
MEN’S BREAKFAST: Oct. 14
MEN’S SOFTBALL: See Page 8
MICROBREW: Oct. 22
NATIONAL WRITERS SERIES:
Oct. 7
NEWCOMERS NEEDLERS: Oct. 1
and 15
OUT-TO-LUNCH BUNCH:
Oct. 14
PADDLING: See Page 8
Join us for the October meeting!
New Director of Cherryland Humane Society
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1050 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City
If your heart goes out to all pets in need, then hearing about the future changes
at the Cherryland Humane Society from Heidi Yates, the agency’s new executive
director, is bound to soothe your soul and refresh your volunteer spirit.
Yates will be the guest speaker for the October general meeting of the Newcomers Club. The meeting will begin with refreshments at 6:30 p.m.
Yates brings more than 15 years of animal welfare experience to the Cherryland
Humane Society. She joined the agency in June after serving as the executive
director of the Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon County since late
2011. Under Yates’ leadership, that shelter was recognized in 2013 for its improvements by The Michigan Pet Fund Alliance.
“I’m pretty aggressive about change,” Yates told a reporter from the Traverse
City Record Eagle this summer. Currently, Yates is updating day-to-day policies
key to stopping pet overpopulation and establishing new relationships with area
veterinarians and animal caregivers in the community. Her reported long-term
goal is to see the Cherryland Humane Society evolve into a no-kill shelter.
Yates says working in the community with volunteers and new supporters excites
her and will eventually lead to a network of new possibilities, including more
fundraising for homeless pets in the area.
“With many positive changes ahead, many of our animal-loving Newcomers may be
interested in volunteering at the Cherryland Humane Society,” said Judy Pelto,
co-president of the Newcomers Club.
POKER: Oct. 6
SOLOS: See Page 9
THEATRE GROUP: Oct. 17
VOLUNTEER AT THE STATE/
BIJOU: Oct. 7 and 15
WALK IN THE WOODS: Oct. 16
WINE TASTING: Oct. 13
Visit us on the web at
gtnewcomers.org
Rescue dogs Sunny, left, and Mrs. Potts, owned by Newcomer Mary Wayne.
At right, Mocha, a rescue cat owned by Natalie Martin and Debbie May.
2015-2016
Board of Directors
Co-Presidents
Linda Proffitt 231-421-5389
lindajproffitt@gmail.com
Judy Pelto 231-668-6490
jpelto1@charter.net
Co-Vice Presidents
Brenda Knaack 231-421-3127
knaack222@gmail.com
Jean Sarasin
517-927-6123
jsarasin@sbcglobal.net
Secretary
Barbara Wentzloff 231-929-1422
barb@wentzloff.com
Treasurer
Dennis Stockemer 231-932-2276
dkstockemer@gmail.com
Activity Groups
Judy Pelto 231-668-6490
jpelto1@charter.net
Caring Connections
Lorna Anderson 231-935-1875
lea4475@gmail.com
Event Planner
Carol Cavanaugh 231-943-1614
carolcavanaugh96@gmail.com
Membership/Directory
Doug Morrison 231-360-7406
morrdj@yahoo.com
New Member Support
Donna Stein-Harris, 847-226-5098
donnasteinharris@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor
Doug Weaver 231-421-9513
dwindsail@aol.com
Public Relations
Debbie May 740-701-0724
dmay317@gmail.com
Webmaster
Rose Carman 231-421-1894
brcarman@live.com
PRESIDENTS’ NOTE
OCTOBER 2015
What a great Kickoff we had at the Hagerty Center in mid-September. It was great to see longterm friends and to meet new members. We
hope you enjoyed learning about upcoming
events and signing up for regular activities. A reminder – dues should have been paid by the end
of September. Your dues can be mailed to
Newcomers Club, c/o Doug Morrison, P.O.
Box 6512, Traverse City, MI, 49696-6512.
Judy Pelto and Linda Proffitt
2015-2016 Co-Presidents
We are excited to announce that in midAugust the Newcomers Club topped 500 members! Established 67 years ago in 1948,
the Club has been in continuous operation ever since. Why so many members? Some
joined years ago and are still playing with their original euchre groups. Some value the
discussion at book club sessions or knitting at Needlers. We don’t limit length of membership so that long-time friendships can grow and flourish.
We now have, in addition to 500 members, over 25 activity groups that meet monthly
or even more often. We hope you will find the group or groups that interest you the
most and sign up at www.gtnewcomers.com If you have an activity you enjoy but we
don’t have such a group, contact the Activity Group Coordinator Judy Pelto at
jpelto1@charter.net and we’ll help you start one. We want the Club to meet your
needs.
Now that summer is stored away in our memory banks and we look toward to fall, we
anticipate enjoying cool breezes and the turning color of the leaves. The tourists and
other visitors are safely home and we can get back in control of our own schedules.
Time for long walks in the woods, bike rides through the Tunnel of Trees, and raking
leaves. We hope each of you can enjoy and savor the foods, the smells, and the
sights of fall with a slower pace than summer. It’s a time to relax, breathe in, and enjoy. See you on a trail.
Linda Proffitt
lindaproffitt@gmail.com
Judy Pelto
jpelto1@charter.net
City Hostess
Sharon Finch 231-933-4404
hsfinch@charter.net
At Large
Gloria Dean
810-348-4189
gloriajdean@gmail.com
Mary Anne Krzywosinski
989-329-3710
makrzywosinski@gmail.com
Past Co-President
Dave Richard 231-933-0359
crowbar38@gmail.com
PAGE 2
NEWCOMERS NEWS
Volunteer Spotlight
GOOD GRIEF: Newcomer helps others overcome loss
Used by Charlie Brown as an exclamation of dismay,
surprise or relief, the phrase “good grief” has
come to mean so much more in the Up North life of
Newcomer Sandy Seppala.
“The impetus for joining so many groups here and
volunteering so much was the untimely death of my
brother,” said Sandy, thinking back to his passing
in December 2008. “I returned to Traverse City in
grief.” Sandy didn’t know too many people Up North
in 2008 as she had just retired in Traverse City
after living 19 years in Alexandria, Va.
To combat the sorrow, she said, “I filled up my
calendar with events and called to volunteer. It
wasn’t too long before I became way too busy, but
it helped me at the time, embedding me in the community and provided many wonderful friends.”
Sandy came to Traverse City after a very active
Newcomer Sandy Seppala stands next to a Peace Corps vehicle while walking in the
life. She grew up in Detroit, Mich., and graduated National Cherry Festival Royale Parade this year with other Returned Peace Corps
Volunteers from northern Michigan, a group she founded in 2013.
from Wayne State University. She taught high
school in Kenya as a volunteer in the Peace Corps.
She raised two sons, Jeff and David, who are now grown and  American Association of University Women as the newshave their own families in Seattle, Wash., and Santa Clara,
letter editor, webmaster, and communications chair servCalif., respectively.
ing on the board of the Traverse City branch. She also
started three internal interest groups – Needlers, CurShe completed a 28-year career that began in the Silicon
rent Events and Lunchin’ Around.
Valley as a technical writer and publications manager. She
later moved to Virginia where she worked as a marketing and  Grace Episcopal Church as a welcomer and member of
communications specialist for hi-tech computer companies.
the local church’s Grief Support Group. She prepares the
She did some contract work for the National Women’s Busichurch’s annual report and other print and electronic
ness Council and the National Institutes of Health.
materials. She has volunteered at the church’s Jubilee
House and has served on the Communications Committee,
Since moving to Traverse City, Sandy has developed a long
editing the newsletter for three years.
list of agencies she volunteers with, including:
Continued, page 12

Is your 2015-2016 Renewal Past Due?
Your Newcomers Club membership renewal was due last
month. If you did not renew, you can find the renewal form
on the club’s website, www.gtnewcomers.org.
Huge Price Reduction!! This year’s dues have been reduced to $24 for couples and $12 for singles.
Important: This year’s membership forms contain a liability waiver statement, so it is necessary that the form with
your signature(s) be included with your check and mailed to
the address on the form. You can find the liability form on
the website.
Mail the forms to: Newcomers Club, c/o Doug Morrison,
P.O. Box 6512, Traverse City, MI, 49696-6512.
PUBLISHED BY THE NEWCOMERS CLUB OF GRAND TRAVERSE
PAGE 3
500 MEMBERS STRONG!
Club doubles membership in last three years
Newcomer Bill Stott volunteered to dish up food with
other Newcomers at the
annual barbeque at NMC.
Stott makes
front page
Newcomer Bill Stott was featured on the front page of
the Record-Eagle on August
17.
The article highlighted Bill’s
12-year career as an adjunct
biology instructor at Delta
College and Northwestern
Michigan College.
Before teaching at NMC, Bill
worked 30 years as a toxicologist at the Dow Chemical
Company in Midland, Mich. He
and his wife, Robbin, who
reside on Old Mission Peninsula, joined the Newcomers
Club of Grand Traverse in
November 2008.
As Bill begins full retirement,
he commented in the newspaper that “It’s kind of weird
…. It’s like you are leaving
something, and you’re maybe
not sure where you’re going.”
While many Newcomers report feeling that way, club
members are sure to keep
pointing Bill in the right direction for food, fun and
entertainment.
PAGE 4
Membership in the Newcomers Club of Grand
Traverse is growing quickly – reaching reaching 500 members in August – and making it
the largest membership in the club’s 67-year
history.
“We have doubled our membership in a little
over three years,” said Linda Proffitt, copresident of the Newcomers Club.
Co-President Judy Pelto added, “In midJanuary 2012, we had just welcomed our
270th club member. By January 2014, we had
400 members and the growth trend has continued steadily with several people continuing
to join the club each month.”
Reasons for joining are many. The club provides monthly educational programs and activity groups that give newcomers to the
area many opportunities to meet and socialize with residents and other newly relocated
people who may share common interests.
“We find that most Newcomers have moved
here for all the same reasons – art, music,
theater, restaurants, wineries, breweries,
winter and
summer
sports, a
thriving downtown and a
strong sense
of community
all centered
around beautiful lakes and
the Grand
Traverse Bay,”
Proffitt said.
“Plus we have
so much fun
together,”
said Pelto.
She explains
that yearround club
activities include such things as bicycling,
fishing, gardening, golfing, walking in the
woods, playing cards, reading and discussing
books, eating out, sampling local wines and
brews, socializing at each other’s homes, attending movies and theater productions together and volunteering.
“The Newcomers Club of Grand Traverse is a
volunteer source for local non-profit agencies,” said Proffitt.
A group of Newcomers volunteer to work at
the State and Bijou theatres each month.
Newcomers staff food lines at the annual
fund-raising Northwestern Michigan College
Barbeque, too. They also sell souvenir pins
each year to support the many free community events offered at the National Cherry
Festival.
Beyond volunteering as a group, many Newcomers individually volunteer to help local
non-profit agencies support their missions.
Last fall, the Newcomers Club held a Volunteer Fair inviting more than 20 lesser-known,
nonprofit organizations unique to Grand
Traverse and surrounding communities to attend.
The goal was to
match the interests of the members of the Newcomers Club with
area agencies in
need of volunteers.
Surpassing 500 members makes
it the largest membership in the
club’s 67-year history.
“It started a lot
of positive relationships between
our members and
local non-profits
while successfully
fulfilling our club’s
mission,” Pelto said
NEWCOMERS NEWS
Some changes in activities, leaders this season
There have been some key changes in
the new club season among our activity
groups and activity leaders. Activity
leaders are crucial to the success of
Newcomers, and we appreciate everyone’s efforts to give members a wide
variety of things to do.


Among the changes:
New activities this season:

Retiring Activity Leaders
 Ron and Lori Hensel – Dance
 Ira Wasserman- Biking and Snowshoeing
 Cindy Miner and Christine Norga –
Gardening
 Barbara LaLonde and Garnett Raymond – Solos
 Sandy Stockemer - Theatre Group
 Susanne Bonner and Barbara Lalonde
– Travel Group
Activities are ever-changing. Here are
the new activities this season:




Thank you for stepping up to replace
retiring leaders so that the activity can
continue and/or thank you for suggesting
an activity and being willing to lead that
activity. Our activity leaders make it all
happen.
Don Eastway - Walk in the Woods
Mary Wayne – Woman’s Afternoon
Book Club
We appreciate all of your time, energy
and efforts on behalf of the club. Hats
off to all of you!
National Writers Series
Daytime Bridge
Board Games
Welcome to new activity leaders
These individuals have moved into new or
existing activity-leader spots:





Doug Weaver and Linda Proffitt –
National Writers Series
Denise Stephens – Daytime Bridge
Roberta Amstadt – Board Games
Joan Showalter and Gretchan Bergen – Dinner Out
Theater – Chuck Watson (with Kerr
Anderson who is not new)
Leigh Wietsma and Dave Bessmer –
Walk in the Woods
Robbin Stott and Mary Kennedy –
Woman’s afternoon Book Club
A reminder about
Caring Connection
Caring Connection is a network of
volunteers in the Newcomers Club
who provide short-term assistance
and local resources to Newcomers
who, for whatever reason, temporarily can’t perform common tasks.
Assistance takes many forms, including delivering meals, offering transportation, maintaining lawns and caring for pets.
Newcomers with long-term needs will
be given information on local resources with the goal of linking them
to more permanent solutions.
Show what ya got!
The evening Bridge Group proudly showed their hands at a recent session of the
group. The Bridge Groups are seeking additional members to join them in this nopressure, fun activity. Interested? Contact Denise Stephens at
vanstep@hotmail.com or 906-364-5688 for the daytime group. For the evening
group, contact Linda Proffitt at 231-421-5389 or lindajproffitt@gmail.com.
The expanded pilot program for Caring Connections for 2015 has begun.
To use the program, to sign up now
to become a volunteer or to obtain
more information on the program,
contact Lorna Anderson at 231-9351875 or lea4475@gmail.com.
PUBLISHED BY THE NEWCOM-
ACTIVITY GROUPS
BOARD GAMES
Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m.
Thirty-five people signed up for this group, so that should
give us plenty of options for times to meet and games to
play. Please plan on attending an organizational meeting
to determine the number of groups and your game preferences.
The group meets in the lower level of Horizon Books.
The book selections for the coming year are:
 November – All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony
Doerr
 December – Big Little Lies, Liane Moriarty
 January - The Faith Club, Suzanne Oliver, Ranya
Idliby, Priscilla Warner
This first meeting will meet at 6 p.m. at Bay Ridge, 3950
 February – Zeitoun, Dave Eggers
Silver Ridge Road. Take Silver Lake Road going south.
 March – The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
Pass Barnes Road. Turn left at the second road (Silver
 April – The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein
Ridge Road) and go to the first building. Please arrive on
time. If the door is locked, call Sis Leake at 231-313-3310  May – A Reunion of Ghosts, Judith Claire Mitchell
to let you in.
Robbin Stott and Mary Kennedy co-lead this activity. You
can contact Robbin at stottrobbin@gmail.com or
Please RSVP to Roberta Amstadt at
231-932-1709 and Mary at marymiles40@gmail.com or
rmamstadt@aol.com.
248-860-0744.
BOOK CLUB – MEN’S
Monday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m.
The Men’s Book Club reads fiction, biographies and just
about anything else that catches our fancy. We have a
different discussion leader for each book, but sometimes
we just talk about a book from each person’s view. You
can come even if you have not read the book! New members are welcome.
The group meets at Horizon Bookstore, lower level.
BRIDGE
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m.
The Daytime Bridge Group meets on the lower level of
Horizon Books on the third Wednesday of each month.
This month, we’ll meet on Oct. 21.
We are a new group and welcome all levels of bridge
players – men and woman – no partners necessary.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet wonderful people and
perfect your bridge skills.
The book this month is Sea of Glory by Nathaniel PhilFor more information, contact Denise Stephens at
brick. It is the story of the American mapping expedition
of the Pacific Ocean done by six ships from 1838 to 1942. vanstep@hotmail.com or 906-364-5688.
For more information, contact Dave Amos, 231-271-0665,
COCKTAILS & CONVERSATIONS
or mideamos@hotmail.com.
Several new members have signed up for the new season of C & C; thank you to those who volunteered in the
BOOK GROUP – WOMEN’S—AM
spring. However, at this time we do not have a host for
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.
October, which means there will not be a C & C this
The AM Book Club will meet on Oct. 6 to discuss Anthem
month unless someone volunteers very soon. Please call
by Ayn Rand.
Michele Richard soon at 231-357-3039 if you are interested.
The book leader will be Dawn Lorentson. Lunch will follow
at Poppycock’s
Michele also needs hosts for November, January, February, March and July. Please remember if there are no
For questions, contact Carole at
hosts there will be no C & C.
carole_wasserman@hotmail.com or 231-922-1581.
Hosting is fun and easy and you are sure to make some
new friends. This is also a wonderful opportunity for a
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m.
new member to make a quick connection with several
We will meet on Oct. 8 to discuss The Storied Life of A.J. other members. Michele can walk you through the
BOOK CLUB – WOMEN’S – PM
Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.
Continued, page 7
PAGE 6
NEWCOMERS NEWS
ACTIVITY GROUPS
Continued from Page 6
process and provide a guide with some helpful tips.
When C & G events are held, they fill very quickly and are
by reservation only. Basic setups are provided, and guests
are required to bring their beverage of choice as well as an
appetizer to share.
You must be on Michele’s mailing list to receive email announcements for coming events and to RSVP to your host.
You can also reach Michele at
richard.michele@rocketmail.com.
DINNER FOR EIGHT
This group is headed by Gregg and Sue McDonald at
gsmcdonald64@gmail.com or librarygirl1963@hotmail.com.
FILM GROUP
Thursday, Oct. 8
The film group is a casual, fun group made up of people
who love the movies. We attend movies at different theaters
throughout the season and go out for discussion, food and
libations afterwards. The group meets the second Thursday
of every month from September through May. The group
may occasionally add an extra film date during any given
month if a film looks interesting and it’s not available at the
time of the regular meeting date.
Notification as to the film, time and place is emailed to film
group members a few days before the outing. Anyone interested in joining the group may contact Judy Pelto at
jpelto1@charter.net.
Join us for Dinner for Eight! Six people join two hosts at
their home and each “pair” of people will provide part of the
meal. Dinner for Eight meals start in October. The hosts
provide the entrée and a couple of sides, plus beverages
FISHING
with up to two glasses of wine per person. The guests bring The salmon run is mostly over but steelhead will continue
appetizers or salad and bread or dessert.
their fall movement into rivers. Fall inland fishing is generally good with little competition. If you are into hunting, take
Contact Nancy Johnson at 231-668-9633 or
some time off to go fishing.
johns526@msu.edu if you are interested in joining as a full
member or as a substitute.
The Fishing Group includes Newcomers who are interested
in fishing activities of any kind. The group evolves accordDINNER OUT
ing to the interests of its participants.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m.
Our first Dinner Out of the season will be Oct. 18th at Fire
Contact Pete at phalbers99@gmail.com or
Fly, 310 Cass St., Traverse City.
231-922-7289 if you’re interested in joining the group.
Please join us for an evening of fun! Cocktails and appetizers will be available at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m.
Please RSVP to Joan Showalter at
JoanShowalter@gmail.com by Oct. 11.
If you have not signed up for our group, contact Joan or
Gretchen Bergen at Gbergen1223@hotmail.com.
GOLF
Monday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.
Golfers will play Sugarloaf as the season winds down.
The remaining schedule is below.
If you would like your name added to our roster, please
contact Mike Huffman at wdcspike@yahoo.com or Dale
Wentzloff at dale@wentzloff.com.
EUCHRE
Euchre groups meet once a month in each others’ homes.
We currently have 10 groups. Each group is made up of
three to four tables. Group members change tables and
partners throughout the evening, which fosters lively conversation. Of course, food and beverage are involved. The
players within any group are of varying levels of experience.
Euchre, in Newcomers, is a social, not a competitive event.
2015
Cost
Location
Oct. 5
Sugarloaf
(Kris)
$25 + $7 (buffet)
4512 S Townline Rd Cedar MI (21 mi)
Oct. 12
Crown
$30 Don SHOTGUN
2430 West Crown Dr TC MI (0 mile) home
10 a.m.
Oct. 19
Manitou
Passage
$32 + $7 Bob
PUBLISHED BY THE NEWCOMERS CLUB OF GRAND TRAVERSE
4600 Club Dr Cedar MI 49621 (25 mi )
PAGE 7
ACTIVITY GROUPS
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.
This group meets at the Omelette Shoppe next to the Wild
Birds Unlimited store in the Campus Plaza the second
Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. We meet all year around
and always meet regardless of the weather. Bring all the
testosterone you can muster.
Contact George Kobernus at gkobernus@charter.net or
231-933-9321.
MEN’S SOFTBALL—SENIOR LEAGUE
Men's softball - senior league is sponsored by the YMCA
and is made up of men age 55+. All games are played at
the Civic Center fields. Games are played once a week from
May through August. Players do not have to be a member
of the YMCA to play. Anyone can play, no experience necessary, but players will have to supply a glove as the league
does not supply any equipment. Everyone who shows up
will get a chance to bat.
For information about next summer’s season, contact Tom
Andress, tandress8@hotmail.com, 231-421-5060.
MICROBREW GROUP
Thursday, October 22, 5 p.m.
The Microbrew Tasting Group will make its annual pilgrimage to the promised land of Bellaire, Mich., and Short’s
Brewery. This visit makes for a nice color tour of the Chain
of Lakes area as well.
If you have not yet signed up for the group, please contact
Joel McElrath at jmcelrath@epri.com or 650-714-4557.
It is the mission of the Microbrew Tasting Group to visit all
the area’s breweries. The group attends one location each
month. The sessions sometime include a tour of the facilities, but the focus is on trying the different beers made in
the area. Also, there is priority placed on socializing with
others who enjoy beer. Many times the group will have dinner together following the tasting.
NATIONAL WRITERS SERIES
Wednesday, Oct. 7
This is a new group for those interested in attending the
series of author events at the National Writers Series.
The group will meet for the first time following the Oct. 7
appearance of Mardi Jo Link, author of The Drummond
Girls. The meeting will occur at a close-in restaurant, where
the group will share thoughts about the presentation plus
some food and drink. (Location of the restaurant will be
emailed to members once we get a head count.)
This author’s presentation is being held at Kirkbride Hall at
Grand Traverse Commons.
PAGE 8
Please RSVP by Oct. 1 to Doug Weaver at
dwindsail@aol.com.
For general information about the group, contact Doug
at dwindsail@aol.com, 913-908-5342, or Linda Proffitt
at lindajproffitt@gmail.com, 231-421-5389.
NEWCOMERS NEEDLERS
Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m., Oct. 1 & 15
Join us twice a month for a couple of hours of uninterrupted knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or rug hooking.
Our low-key group enjoys working on projects in the
company of others. Come with a project, or just to chat.
If you need help, some-one is probably able to assist
you.
We meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month,
1 to 3 p.m., at Aroma’s Coffee Shop at the intersection
of M-22 and M-72, across from Tom’s West Bay. We
meet in the conference room.
Have questions or want to be added to the email list for
re-minders? Contact Robbin Stott, stottrobbin@gmail.com, or 231-932-1709 for more information.
OUT-TO-LUNCH BUNCH
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m.
The Out-to-Lunch Bunch will go to The Franklin restaurant at 160 E. Front Street in Traverse City for its October event.
A friendly and adventurous group that meets for lunch
once a month at different restaurants in and around
Traverse City, the Out-to-Lunch Bunch is a great way to
experience the fabulous food scene in Traverse and
make new friends. Find the foodie in you. Come join us
for food, lively conversation and camaraderie. The
group meets the second Wednesday of the month.
For information about the group, contact Sis Leake at
sisleake@charter.net or 231-313-3310.
PADDLING
The Paddling group has completed its summer season.
We enjoyed kayaking two rivers and two lakes this year.
Lin Dann will remain the leader for the 2016 season.
Those interested in joining the group but didn't get a
chance to sign up at the Kickoff Dinner can contact Lin
at dannL@michigan.gov or 989-280-4028.
Sometime this winter Lin will connect with new participants and those already enrolled. She will gather information re: skill levels and preferences for locations for
future paddles. She’ll then create a schedule for spring/
summer 2016.
NEWCOMERS NEWS
ACTIVITY GROUPS
POKER
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m.
The poker group meets the first Tuesday of the month, with
winter hours of 1 to 4 p.m. and summer hours of 6 to 9 p.m.
The group meets on a rotating basis at each member’s
home.
called “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
(Abridged).” Three actors attempt to present all of Shakespeare’s plays (and sonnets) in less than 90 minutes.
Please contact Chuck Watson at watson144@gmail.com or
231-366-4470, or Kerr Anderson at kerrandsn@gmail.com
or 231-935-1875 if you plan to attend.
October’s host is Len Wawrzyniak. Len’s e-mail is
lmw1645@gmail.com. Please let Len know if you’re attending. He will email directions to his house.
Our group-discounted tickets are available through Betsy
Willis, Development Director OTP (231-947-2210 Ext. 102).
Please let her know you are with the Newcomers group.
Plans for dinner before the play will be announced via email
The game is small stakes to keep the game and conversation fun and friendly and no weapons are produced. We play at a later time.
dealers choice, which sometimes evokes a response "did
you just make that up?" But we all like new games we have- VOLUNTEER AT THE STATE/BIJOU
n't played before. The host merely has to provide the home Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2:30 p.m./State, approx. 4 p.m./Bijou
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m./State, approx. 4 p.m./Bijou
and setup, while members bring snacks and drinks. We
have had a fair number of new members sign up in the past State/Bijou Theatres Volunteers: Join us as we work in the
concession area, take tickets, sweep floors, usher or run eryear or so and look forward to your participation.
rands. Free popcorn and pop, a voucher for another movie,
The poker group coordinator is Mike Huffman. Phone is 517- and tokens for the parking ramp complete the experience.
Our afternoon shift is sometimes slow and sometimes busy.
655-3374. E-mail is wdcspike@yahoo.com .
Give it a try and perhaps you might like to move to a busier
time on your own. You are more than welcome to remain at
SOLOS GROUP
this less active level, too.
Flying “solo” right now? The Solos Group can make being
new in town and on your own more fun. The group is made
We have two shifts per month, and you may choose the one
up of people who are single or perhaps married but in need
you prefer. We work on the first Wednesday and the third
of someone to pair up for events when spouses or signifiThursday of each month from 2:30 to 5:15 p.m. at the State
cant others prefer not to mingle. While the Solos Group will and 4 to 6:15 p.m. at the Bijou (subject to change as the movschedule lunches, dinners and other special outings, the
ie schedule dictates). Join us for dinner after if you have time.
group aims to forgo duplication of current Newcomer Club
activities that are open to all members, including singles.
Space is limited, so please sign up via email with Nancy
Johnson. Contact Nancy at johns526@msu.edu or
The goal of the Solos Group is truly to meet and make
231-668-9633 if you would like to be added to the list of pofriends, offering a ”buddy network” to those who may initially tential volunteers.
feel uncomfortable attending Newcomer or Up North events
alone.
WALK IN THE WOODS
Friday, Oct. 16. 11 a.m.
The Solos Group is in need of an activity leader. The
Thanks to past leader Don Eastway for showing us this
group will be suspended if no leader is found. If interest- spectacular autumn walk high above the Manistee River,
ed, contact Judy Pelto at 231-668-6490 or
with 20-mile views of the Manistee National Forest canopy.
jpelto1@charter.net.
We meet at 11 a.m. at the trailhead about 45 minutes south
of Traverse City. To sign up, email Leigh Wietsma at
lawietsma@gmail.com by Oct. 14. Watch your email for
THEATRE GROUP
more information about lunch plans.
Saturday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m.
The Theatre Group provides an opportunity for Newcomers
Directions from Traverse City:
to enjoy live theater with an insider’s edge. We attend a
Take Garfield Road to Kingsley. At the stoplight keep
performance after dinner at a nearby restaurant and discussion of the play and Q & A session with a staff member from
Continued, page 10
the Old Town Playhouse.
In October, the first show is an incredibly funny evening
PUBLISHED BY THE NEWCOMERS CLUB OF GRAND TRAVERSE
PAGE 9
ACTIVITY GROUPS
Continued from page 9
going straight to Fenton Street.
Turn right on Fenton Street. Go 2 miles and the road
curves to the left; now you are on Blackman Road.
Go 4 miles to the stop sign and turn right onto County Line Road.
Go 1-1/2 miles to 4 Mile Road and turn left onto the
gravel road.
Go 2 miles to the parking lot.
WINE TASTING
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4 p.m.
The wine tasters will be heading outside of Traverse
City in October. With the fall colors sure to be in their
splendor, we will visit St. Ambrose Cellars in Beulah,
where they serve mead and cider along with wine. Dinner will follow at the Hofbrau in Interlochen. Space is
limited. If you signed up for this group, watch your email
for more information about the October event.
For information, contact Kimberly Belles at kimberlybelles@sbcglobal.net or Denise McElrath at
mcelrathbeachbum@att.net.
Good eats!
The Out-To-Lunch Bunch gathered in September at the Siren
Hall restaurant in Elk Rapids. After lunch the group, led by
Newcomer Sis Leake, toured the village’s historical theater,
church-museum and the library.
Is it a stroke? Here’s a way to tell quickly
Editor’s note: The following has
shown up in social media and elsewhere. It’s an excellent reminder of
how to recognize a stroke.
would be with us today.
It only takes a minute to read this
about recognizing a stroke. A neurologist says that if he can get to a
stroke victim within three hours he
can totally reverse the effects of a
stroke.
Dear Friends,
My parents had dinner this summer
with a dear friend. During the BBQ
their friend tumbled and took a little
fall – she assured everyone that she
was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick
because of her new shoes.
They got her cleaned up and got her
a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went
about enjoying herself the rest of
PAGE 10
the evening.
At 3 a.m. my mother received a call
from Ingrid's husband telling her
that his wife had been taken to the
hospital. At 6 p.m., Ingrid passed
away. She had suffered a stroke at
the BBQ.
Had they known how to identify the
signs of a stroke perhaps Ingrid
He said the trick is getting a stroke
recognized, diagnosed and treating
the patient within three hours.
Doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple
questions:
1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
Continued, page 11
NEWCOMERS
NEW MEMBERS
Nancy Bazemore,
Traverse City
John & Rebecca Bercini
Hinsdale, Ill.
John & Mary Carroll
Grosse Point Park, Mich.
Chuck Cigrand and Sallie Thompson
Acme, Mich.
Tom & Jeanne Crosby
Cadillac, Mich.
Bruce Davis
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
James & Lorraine Ehle
Traverse City
Jim & Kay Goodall
Rochester Hills, Mich.
Dennis Green
Bethalto, Ill.
Kim Gyr
Alexandria, Va.
Ben & Diane Henson
Troy, Mich.
Herb & Jean Holdwick
Plymouth, Mich.
Lori Grossnickle
Winona Lake, Ind.
Gary and Sandy Harlacher
Traverse City
Jim Jackway and Kathryn Den
Houter
Grand Rapids, Mich.
David & Jill Kuznicki
Northville, Mich.
Susan Manning
Saginaw, Mich.
Dennis & Sheila McAllister
Wichita, Kan.
Clark Miller & Cathleen Dodge Miller
Knoxville, Tenn.
Linda Nixon
Peotone, Ill.
Barbara O’Connor
Manistique, Mich.
Stroke
Continued from page 10
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e.. It is sunny out today.)
If he or she has trouble with any of these
tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the
symptoms to the dispatcher.
It might not be a stroke, but experience
shows the odds are good it is.
Deborah Pennell
Suttons Bay, Mich.
Larry & Jayne Phillips
Washington, DC
Jan Ready
Traverse City
Kristin Ridel
Sylvania, Ohio
Michael & Ginny Rucks
Flushing, Mich.
Nancy Savoie
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Michael & Ruth Thomas
Brussels, Belgium
Lauree VanderVeen
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Bruce Walker
Salisbury, Md.
Jerry & Charlene Worden
Traverse City, Mich.
Friends of Library
need volunteers
The Friends of the Traverse Area
District Library run a gift shop located under the steps at the back of the
library. The gift shop hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9
a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They are in need of volunteers to
work three-hour shifts. Please contact Carolyn Moehle at 231-932-8517
or cmoehle@tadl.org to help.
PUBLISHED BY THE NEWCOMERS CLUB OF GRAND TRAVERSE
Newcomer Michele Richard
was part of the gold medal
team finishing first in the twoday Senior Center Pickleball
Tournament this fall in Traverse City. Another Newcomer, Wendy Keys, was on the
bronze medal team, finishing
third in the tournament that
drew 50 seniors to the city’s
pickleball courts.
PAGE 11
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Peace Corps members in the National
Cherry Festival Royale Parade this year
and I walked in it with 28 RPCVs.”
For Newcomers who have or are considering a busy volunteer schedule in reContinued from page 3
tirement, Sandy recommends an exerAdditionally,
Sandy
is
a
member
locally
cise that she conducts annually to de International Affairs Forum as volof
the
Grand
Traverse
Democratic
Parfine her true interests and passions. On
unteer coordinator, ticket desk
ty,
Traverse
City
Film
Festival,
National
a sheet of paper, Sandy recommends
coordinator and former secretary
Writers
Series,
Botanic
Garden
and
vertically listing 20 things you love to
and member of the board. She also
Rose
Society.
do. Then, she says, make columns across
supports IAF’s Academic
the top of a sheet of paper with titles
WorldQuest, a world events compeThe Newcomers Club of Grand Traverse such as like to do alone, like to do with
tition for high school students.
also has a special place in this traveler’s friends, like to do with family, did in
 Women’s History Project as editor heart. She chose Traverse City for re- the last month, did in the last year, did
tirement and joined the Newcomer’s
in the last 5 to10 years, and don’t like
of the newsletter, The Herstory
Club
in
2008.
A
year
later,
she
started
to do anymore.
Chronicles.
the Needlers group.
After categorizing your 20 items under
 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers –
“I walked with a group of women from
these headings, Sandy said it is easy to
Northern Michigan as founder of
Newcomers for two years and am so
access the results and choose organizathe group in June 2013 and chair of
grateful to that group for their contin- tions and volunteer opportunities that
the board.
uing friendship,” said Sandy, noting that best meet your interests.
she also is still active in the Newcomers’
“We started with 12 RPCVs on our mailgarden, theater and dinner groups.
“Being part of various organizations also
ing list and now have more than 70
has challenged me to balance life in remembers,” said Sandy, smiling proudly
Reflecting, Sandy said, “Volunteering
tirement,” Sandy said, chuckling. “When
and reflecting back on her years as an
has widened my interests, brought many my activities and commitments overtake
active Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya
new friendships and enhanced my life in the rest of my live, I’ve learned
from 1977 to 1979. “Recruiters put our
so many ways.”
(usually) to say ‘no.’”
The Newcomers Club of Grand Traverse
C/O Doug Morrison - Membership
P.O. Box 6512
Traverse City, MI 49696-6512