­GRAND JUNCTION NEWCOMERS CLUB

September 2010

From the Presidents Corner

Greetings Newcomers. We just got back from the Newcomers organized excursion to the Aspen Music Festival. Boy, what a great three days. Lots of good music, food, exploring and people watching. Thanks to Wayne McCalla for organizing this event. We look forward to doing it again next year. We really lucked out because the weather was perfect all three days.

We had a good Coffee/Meeting this week with a large turnout. We still need a replacement for the 1st VP board position, that was vacated by Margo, so if someone would like to step up and take over this position, call me at 970 462-3746 or email me at rbkingii@yahoo.com.

I would like to send out a loud thank you to the coffee committee this month. Those working the kitchen were, Ruth Ann Trowbridge, Janice Shepard and Darlene Renn. Good job guys. Also a big thanks to Trey Brower and Earl Mullen for doing the table and chair setup. Ruth Ann raised a concern that we have members that may be diabetic or gluten intolerant and unable to enjoy refreshments at the monthly coffee, so starting next month, Ruth Ann will introduce some new items for these members.

We would like to welcome seven new members this month. Delbert E. Borrelli, Janet and Bill Hassell, James and Charlotte Boylan, and Michael and Judy Spillane. We look forward to getting better acquainted. We also had two visitors present.

Sharon Pearson announced the Annual Pig Roast coming up on Labor Day September 6, 2010. If you haven't got your tickets yet, you'd better hurry. The deadline is September 1st. The Social Starts at 5:00 PM and Dinner is served at 6:00 PM. You don't want to miss this one. The food and social interaction are great.

On a sad note, Elke Armoni announced that Newcomer member Ervin Campbell passed away and Charlie and Geri Mishmash's daughter-in-law, Anna Mishmash, unexpectedly passed this month. Our hearts go out to all of their family members and loved ones. She also announced that Carol Norwood is in the hospital.

Barbara Hill made an announcement at last month's meeting that the Arm Chair Travelers Presentation would have to stop if she didn't get new participants for the upcoming season. Thankfully, Barbara sparked some interest and is starting to fill the schedule.

The first presentation will be September 15th on China Starry Skies. If you have a travel program that you would like to present, contact Barbara.

Janice Shepard made an advance notice about the Lunch and Tour Groups Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Clarion Inn on December 15th. They will have a Hand Bell Ringing group perform, and the club will subsidize the cost of the entertainment.

Another club special activity is coming up on September 12th. Joe Wharton has organized a trip to the Meeker Sheep Dog Trials. This year he has set it up for the Sunday finals. If you are interested in going, contact Joe or sign up on line at our website.

I would like to thank Bobby Alpha for her presentation on the Chitaqua event coming up on September 17, 18. It's going to be on the American Civil War. There will be real life re-enactments of Robert E. Lee, Harriet Tubman, William L. Garrison, and Abraham Lincoln.
Cost for seniors is $3.00. For more information, check www.tworiverschautauqua.com.

I would also like to thank Trey Brower and Brooke for their presentation on the Alzheimer's Memory Walk on Sept 18th. If you would like to participate in the walk or contribute, contact Trey Brower.

I would like to thank Jennifer Schultz for her presentation on the upcoming GJ Symphony season. Alberta reminded us about, the Symphony's “Evening Under the Stars” in Lincoln Park on August 21st. The Symphony Guild will be serving Brats.

Carol Todd reminded us about the upcoming Cleanup at Highline Lake. Joe Wharton will send out a sign-up sheet for those who want to participate. Carol will be resigning as the organizer of this event, and is looking for someone to take her place. Carol also announced the upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration of the creation of the McInnis Canyons NCA-- activities at the Devil's Canyon trailhead on November 6 and 7. If you want more information, contact Carol Todd.

Until we meet again, Rex Brucker
President of the GJ Newcomers Club