2007 - 2008 Season

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2008 - RANCH RUDOLF ROUNDUP   Pre-dinner activities begin around 3:30 (see schedule below)  Social time from 5:30 - 6:30  Dinner at 6:30 (rain or shine)  This year we are planning a different type of venue for our annual spring dinner. Please roundup with us at Ranch Rudolf  (www.ranchrudolf.com) for some late afternoon activities followed by dinner at 6:30. Casual attire will reign. You don't have to wear western gear, but jeans and boots will not be out of place at this rustic resort approx. 15 miles southeast of Traverse City.  Hiking, horseshoes, ping pong, and volleyball are possible pre-dinner activities, as is kayaking but you'll need your own equipment for the latter. Or, bring a Mah Jongg game or cards and have some spirited competition on the patio or inside the ample barroom. And you can also belly up to the 'open' bar and enjoy.  All of the above, except for the bar, are free, But there are other fun activities to consider that will conclude by 5:30, leaving members with plenty of social time before dinner. They require some advance notice to the staff, so reservations are needed:  canoeing (arrive 3:30 for paperwork, start time 4:00), $15 pp, 2 per canoe  horseback riding (arrive 3:30 for paperwork, start time 4:00), $30  a pre-dinner hayride (arrive 4:00 for paperwork, start time 4:30), $12, (minimum of 10 riders/maximum of 20)  The buffet dinner ($25 pp) will offer appropriate choices for all wranglers and buckaroos: BBQ beef ribs, BBQ and broasted chicken, stuffed manicotti, twice-baked potatoes, vegetable blend, salad, rolls, coffee, ice tea and desserts (the latter provided by the Newcomers Club).  Please send checks, ASAP, payable to Newcomers Club, for dinner and any of the optional activities you wish to reserve (include a note indicating your activity choice) to:  Rose Neibauer  4828 Truax Lake Rd.  Williamsburg, MI 49690  The final date to reserve is Saturday, May 3. Questions? Contact: Bud Dockter (dockter@charter.net or 932-2394), Jim Neibauer (jeneibauer2@charter.net or 267-9553),  Tom Custance (tc14805@yahoo.com or 935-4805),  Brad Spencer (spencercs@charter.net or 946-3365), or  Jody Bennett (bennettjj@charter.net or 932-9249).  Tuesday, April 22, 2008 7:00 PM - Traverse Area District Library 610 Woodmere Ave., T.C. Volunteer Extravaganza! (Back by popular demand) Volunteers are the life-blood of almost all nonprofit organizations and agencies. Without volunteers, in most cases, these entities could not function. Our own Newcomers Club is managed by volunteers. This month's program highlights the importance of giving of one's time for the benefit of others. Susan McQuaid, Volunteer Center Director of United Way of Northwest Michigan, will be our featured speaker this month. Susan's department acts as a clearinghouse for volunteerism and works with about 200 nonprofit agencies, recruiting, connecting, supporting and recognizing volunteers who make a difference. Just as importantly, a few of our own members will speak of their own experiences providing this vital service to the community. We hope the first-person accounts of these interesting volunteer organizations will give the audience a chance to hear what attracted members to these groups and agencies, and what it is that members actually do there to assist the community or to participate in meaningful activities.  Come mix with your Newcomer friends and enjoy the program. Better yet, bring other friends with you. Our meetings are always open to the public. Socializing starts (with refreshments) at 7 P.M., with the program beginning at 7:30.  Questions? Call Bud Dockter, 932-2394. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:00 PM - Traverse Area District Library 610 Woodmere Ave., T.C. Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy Join Rolf von Walthausen, of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, as he outlines the needs and successes in conserving important land resources. These efforts preserve areas for the future enjoyment of our citizens. The Conservancy protects significant natural, scenic and farmlands in Grand Traverse, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska and Manistee counties. Founded in 1991, it has protected over 25,000 acres; has 28 nature preserves and protected over 62 miles of lake, stream and river shoreline. This tremendous accomplishment has been brought about by team work of many individuals, units of government and organizations. Rolf von Walthausen, Volunteer Program Coordinator for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, will describe how all this work gets done. Rolf is a member of the Stewardship Team and is involved with program development and organizational management of staff and volunteers. He has degrees in Piano Performance and Labor and Employment Relations. He had his own business in southeast Ohio before coming to the area in 1998. Please feel free to bring guests!! As always, the public is invited to our programs. Refreshments are available and socializing starts at 7 PM. The program begins at 7:30. We'll see you there!  See www.gtrlc.org/ for more information about this organization. Tuesday, February 26, 2008 7:00 PM - Traverse Area District Library 610 Woodmere Ave., T.C. Doug Christensen, Project Leader of The Grand Vision, a 1.35 million dollar federally funded land use and transportation study, will make a presentation specifically for our Newcomers Club. The Grand Vision is a comprehensive, citizen led study tackling the issues of growth, traffic congestion, parking and land preservation over the next 50 years. It aims to help shape the future of the Grand Traverse region. Hopefully, this will be done by developing a consensus vision on how we manage growth and development in order to preserve the outstanding quality of life in our area. Do you have some ideas? Now is the chance to have input in this very important community project. Please feel free to bring guests! As always, the public is invited to our programs. It will be held on Tuesday evening, February 26, at the Traverse City Library. Refreshments available and socializing starts at 7 PM, and the program begins at 7:30. Hope to see you there! Also, see http://www.thegrandvision.org/the_project.php for additional information on The Grand Vision.. Tuesday, January 22, 2008 7:00 PM - Traverse Area District Library 610 Woodmere Ave., T.C. Scuba Diving in the Bay TV 7&4 Weatherman Greg MacMaster is an avid scuba diver in Grand Traverse Bay and has many a tale to tell about this exciting activity. Think about the old tug that was mentioned in the paper as being slated for sinking as a diver attraction. Not only will he describe scuba diving, he will weave the weather into his very spontaneous presentation. An Alden native, MacMaster also specializes in environmental forensics which is used in investigations. Greg recently provided his forensic expertise for the hit TV series Deep Sea Detectives on the History Channel which aired two shipwrecks in the Great Lakes in March 2006. He now is a consultant for Lonewolf Documentary Group which produces Deep Sea Detectives and NOVA specials. He is an entertaining speaker with a story we will all enjoy hearing. You are invited to arrive at 7:00 for refreshments and a chance to socialize before the 7:30 presentation. We encourage you to come and enjoy our program, chat with fellow Newcomers and welcome our newest members. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING GUESTS. The public is invited. Questions? Call Jim Neibauer at 267-9553. Friday, December  7, 2007    The Annual Holiday Dinner Dance takes place at the Waterfront Conference Center, 2061 U.S. 31 N, just east of Four Mile Rd. Date – December 7 Time – Cocktails at 6:30  Sit-Down Dinner at 7:30  Dancing to follow Attire – Holiday CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY WITH NEWCOMERS Come join us for a great evening out at the Newcomers Annual Holiday Dinner/Dance on Friday, December 7. Enjoy the company of new and old friends at the Waterfront Conference Center, 2061 U.S. 31 North, Traverse City. Last years event was enjoyed by all those attending and we expect the same again this year. Social hour will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by fine dining and dancing. Paul Widlund will provide DJ service for the entire evening. Paul did an outstanding job of entertaining us last year and is always open to your personal requests. This evening is truly one of those special Newcomer events of the year. CASH BAR @ 6:30 P.M. ****** SIT-DOWN DINNER @ 7:30 P.M. When making your reservations, please select from the following two dinner choices: Fresh Salmon….. with creamy lemon sauce with olive oil, capers and white wine. Beef Tenderloin Tips….. simmered with garlic, onions and mushrooms and served with Hunters Sauce If needed, special dinner plates may be requested. All reservations to be received no later than Monday, December 3, so please send your reservations in early!! Make your check out to Newcomers Club for $27.00 per person and mail to: Rose Neibauer, Executive Assistant 4828 Truax Lake Road Williamsburg, MI 49690 Special Note: We encourage everyone to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Northwest Food Coalition. Checks also accepted in lieu of food donations. Let's continue to help those less fortunate during this joyous but needy time of the year. Monday, November 12, 2007 7:00 PM - Traverse Area District Library 610 Woodmere Ave., T.C. AN AUCTION - JOIN THE FUN! See Auction Sheet to print out bid sheet for donated items.

You’ve been to those loud, gaudy auctions that just set your nerves atwitter, I’m sure. We promise the Newcomers Auction on Monday Nov. 12 is not like that at all. The more discriminating mature gentleman and lady much prefer the serene auction which is what we’re famous for: a nice gentle-"lookee here folks, this nice rare bit of sheet music, going once, twice, sold, and a real bargain there!" sort of easy-going southern flavor auction. This is the major fund raising effort of the club, and we need your help and your quality donations to pull this off! Bring scarves, books, jewelry, rare ancient coins, and rare items from crocheting grandmothers, ex-wives, and eccentric brothers and sisters. Original oils (Dali or small Picassos) are okay too. Gift certificates from local businesses are always popular. Dinners in members. homes, cooking lessons, and boat rides sell well too. Use your imagination . and judgment! Go to Photos for more pictures from the auction.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

7:00 PM - Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave., T.C.

THE BAYKEEPER 

Traverse City is famous for it’s water frontage on two gorgeous bays.  The bays are a great attraction to  boaters, fishing enthusiasts, swimmers, divers, and everyone who just loves the beauty of the water.  But how do we preserve this great natural resource for present and future generations?  Occasionally, there are reports of beach closings due to E.coli, unlawful beach grooming, unstable water levels, invasive species, and other serious problems. What is being done about this?

John Nelson, “The Baykeeper,” speaking at the October program. Mr. Nelson is affiliated with the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, whose mission is to preserve, protect and advocate for the freshwater resources of Grand Traverse Bay and the 973 square mile watershed that feeds it.  www.gtbay.org/baykeeper.asp  

September 25, 2007 

2007 NEWCOMERS FALL KICKOFF DINNER

See the Fall Dinner 2007 page on the Photos page for some pictures from the evening.

This year's gathering was held at the Hagerty Center of Northwestern Michigan College, 715 E. Front Street, Traverse City. The center is located on beautiful West Bay between the Holiday Inn and the Senior Center.  This event is the first of the 2007-2008 season. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends, renew old acquaintances, learn more about the Newcomers Club and sign up for the many group activities available to you. We are sure you will enjoy the evening. If you have friends that are considering joining the club, this would be a great event for them to attend.