ABOUT US

Grand Junction Newcomers Club

Founded all the way back in 1941, our club today has more than 340 members including couples, singles, working people and retirees from across the Grand Valley. Our club is a 501(c)7 non-profit organization, governed by bylaws and an executive board of directors. All dues and fees collected from members are spent to run the business of the club and its activities.

The Grand Junction Newcomers Club is run by our amazing volunteer members, who lead the club, communicate with members, work with the community and organize all activities and events. We also encourage our members to get involved in the community, and many support and volunteer for the non-profit organizations we have gotten to know.

Executive Board

PRESIDENT: GARY FITZPATRICK

Gary Fitzpatrick was raised in Palisade and attended college at the University of Colorado. He moved away from the state for a career that included roles at Eastman Kodak and Panasonic. He and his wife Molly then bought a franchise toy store, and grew their operation to three stores in Ohio and Michigan. Gary has served in numerous professional, non-profit and civic leadership roles in Ohio. He was happy to return to his Colorado roots when he retired in 2021, and he and Molly are passionate about experiencing all that the Grand Valley has to offer.

1ST VICE PRESIDENT: TOM POLITZER

Tom Politzer is a Colorado native. He and his wife Joni moved to Grand Junction three years ago after retiring and having come here on vacation for the past 25+ years. Tom is now semi-retired and works as a neuro-optometrist one day a week in Fruita and a half day a week at St. Mary’s Hospital. He loves the outdoors, especially bicycling.

2ND VICE PRESIDENT: STACIE HAWKINS

Stacie Hawkins and her husband Chuck moved to Grand Junction in June of 2021. A retired educator, she became acquainted with the Newcomers Club while researching Grand Junction prior to moving here. She mailed her membership application form from her former home in Seattle and has never regretted it. “I have made so many friends through Newcomers! I am proud and honored to serve on the board,” she says.

TREASURER: BILL GATES

Bill Gates moved to Grand Junction from Oregon two years ago to be closer to family. He and his wife Dale joined the Newcomers Club within the first couple of months. It has been a great way to meet people, learn about the community and enjoy many of the club activities. They participate in a half a dozen of them. Before retiring, Bill worked in the corporate world in numerous capacities, finishing his work career in private business. He has served on numerous boards and volunteered for many other organizations.

SECRETARY: LOIS LEACH

Lois Leach moved to Grand Junction from the Denver area in 2015; she and her husband Nile have been Newcomers Club members ever since. She is an active member of Newcomers’ movie club and frequent participant in Tour and Lunch. Lois also is a former board member of the League of Women Voters’ Mesa County chapter. She retired following a 33-year career in the telecommunications and cable industries.