The Newest Newcomer Group is made up of people who are the “newest” to the Traverse City area. If you have been a member of the Newcomers Group for 18 months or less, you are welcome to participate in our activities. The goal of this group is to provide a variety of opportunities for newer members to meet people and make new friends in a fun, relaxed environment.

The biking group meets on a monthly basis to ride trails in and around Traverse City. The group seeks out manageable bike trails for all skill levels and frequently meets after the ride for refreshments once the ride is done. Riders need to have appropriate safety equipment and bikes in good working order.

Bowling meets every week during the winter months at various locations throughout the Traverse City area. Participants bowl with new people each week. In addition to cost for games and shoes, participants contribute $1 for prizes. Pay when you play, play when you can. All skill levels are accepted. The Bowling Group is not currently meeting due to the pandemic. Incredible Mo's has updated it's website to reflect the current mandates of the State of Michigan Health Department.

The Fishing Group includes Newcomers who are interested in fishing activities of any kind. The group is evolving according to the interests of its participants. Charter fishing trips for salmon usually occur in late August or in September. We will resume this activity once the State of Michigan Health Department protocals allow for a safe start for the outings. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW ACTIVITY LEADER FOR THIS GROUP, IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT LISA TROMBLEY 703-655-6388 OR vpactivities@gtnewcomers.org

Two to three times per month from June through September a group kayaks area rivers and lakes. A variety of trips are scheduled to address different skill levels. The lakes are normally appropriate for beginners but most rivers are only safe for the more experienced kayaker. Trips start at 10:00 a.m. and last up to 2 hours with lunch afterwards. Participants are required to wear personal flotation devices and must provide their own kayak, paddle, and PFD. The number of participants is limited each trip based on safety concerns and parking capacity. Before each paddle the leader sends an email message out to those signed up for the group sharing details about the trip, skill set required, information on lunch plans, and directions. Last minute communication is also often required if weather is questionable. Those interested are asked to sign up before the season begins to allow for orientation and planning.

Why do we meet? But of course, to chase a multicolored 1.5 inch diameter ball through the woods and sometimes water hazards only to have it ricochet off a tree and nearly knock you down in the process of teeing off from a hole like number 15 tee at the Crown golf course, as an example. Where do we meet? North to Charlevoix, east as far as Cadillac, south to Mesick, west as far as Thompsonville, and the TC area with the Crown being our home course. Every Monday that is not a holiday we meet starting in May and play through October. Tee times in May, June, September and October start at 10 a.m., while tee times for July and August are at 9:30 a.m.

Men’s softball senior league is sponsored by the YMCA and is made up of men age 55+ (we are allowed 3 under 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 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.

We cannot always predict when there will be enough snow to snowshoe, but if we can't snowshoe, we can always walk in the winter. This activity will normally meet on the second Friday of each month, November through April. Hikes/ Snowshoeing will be held at wineries, golf courses, lakes, or in the woods. After the hike/snowshoe we hope to enjoy food, wine, beer and social interaction together.

The Walk In The Woods group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, from May through October. Occasionally, we will schedule an additional walk that will feature what the Japanese refer to as shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing"--allowing hikers to immerse, or "bathe", their senses in nature. We will hike trails throughout the Grand Traverse region. The hikes are easy to moderate and vary from 2 to 6 miles. Whenever possible, the hikes will feature a shorter, slower- paced trek and a longer, faster- paced hike. Expect moderate exercise, good conversation and scenic views of forests, rivers and lakes. Forest bathing hikes will be at a more leisurely pace, with frequent stops to allow participants to fully appreciate the woods. After the hike, the group will either participate in a tailgate picnic lunch or have lunch at a restaurant near the trailhead.

If you're looking for an opportunity to golf without the competitive edge, this may be the group for you! The group focuses on having fun and socializing while playing nine holes, regardless of your skill level and recent golf experience. Play will begin at 9:30 am. We will golf once a week at Bay Meadows Family Golf Center in Traverse City.

Tennis for All (aka Wimbledon Wannabes) This healthy and fun social activity meets on Fridays, twice each month, from June – September (4 mos.) at 8:00-10:00 am. Play is doubles; mixed, female and/or male. We will play at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton outdoor tennis courts located on 3 Mile Rd. directly across from East Middle School. Anyone with experience playing tennis is welcome. A minimum of 4 to a maximum of 12 players can register for each date. Appropriate tennis attire is required. Please bring a new can of hardcourt balls, racquet, water/Gatorade for hydrating, and a willingness to meet new people who enjoy playing this wonderful and challenging recreational sport. Check the event calendar to register for each play date. Looking forward to seeing any interested members!

The Cocktails and Conversation group meets periodically throughout the year in members' homes or at commercial establishments to enjoy libations, food, and lively conversation with other C&C members. The purpose of the group is to provide opportunities for members to connect, meet new people, socialize with old friends, and get to know each other better in a relaxed but celebratory environment. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW ACTIVITY LEADER FOR THIS GROUP, IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT LISA TROMBLEY 703-655-6388 OR vpmembership@gtnewcomers.org

Four meals are scheduled from October thru May at the home of rotating hosts and guests. Six people join two hosts at their home and each “pair” of people will provide part of the meal. Hosts pick the theme and provides the entrée and a couple of sides, plus beverages with up to two glasses of wine per person. The hosts will assign the courses – appetizers, salad and bread, dessert. Courses can be simple to fancy – all good and homemade.

Calling all food aficionados! Do you enjoy good food and good company? The Dining Out crowd would love to have you join us once a month (October/November/January/February/March and April) usually on Sunday evenings at local restaurants. The TC area is fortunate in its many exceptional restaurants and we look forward to old and new friends joining. We will resume our time together once the pandemic is over. Please check back for details.

This fun group of guys meets at the Omelette Shoppe on Munson Avenue in Traverse City. We will resume our time together once the pandemic is over. Please check back for details. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW ACTIVITY LEADER FOR THIS GROUP, IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT LISA TROMBLEY 703-655-6388 OR vpmembership@gtnewcomers.org

Of course the Grand Traverse area is widely recognized for its wines, but is also satisfying beer drinkers with its exploding micro-brewery scene. It seems the number of breweries is growing monthly. Currently, there are 20 micro-breweries in the area. It is the mission of the Microbrew Tasting Group to visit each of these 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 find themselves having dinner together following the tasting.

A friendly and adventurous group that meets for lunch once a month at different restaurants in and around Traverse City. The Out to Lunch group 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. Group meets the second Wednesday of the month – September through May.

Our Newcomers wine tasting group meets monthly, generally on the second Tuesday, September through June. We arrange a visit to the different wineries in the Grand Traverse region or we may have special events, all with the intent to expand upon our knowledge of wine with a group of friends with similar interest.

The group meets on the fourth Wednesday afternoon of each month. The date may change due to holiday schedules. Play begins at 1:00 p.m. Newcomers social bridge is just that – social and not seriously competitive. We enjoy getting to know each other. If you haven’t played for a while, you can come for a brush-up, watch over our shoulders, or take your place at the table and ask any questions you have. We will happily help you along. We follow any current protocols for COVID, and you will be updated on an ongoing basis.

Euchre groups meet once a month in each other’s homes. Each group is made up of three to four tables. Group members change tables and partners throughout the evening. Of course food and drink are also involved. Euchre, in Newcomers, is a social not a competitive event. Our goal is to accommodate as many fun loving Euchre players as possible. If you would like to join a group, please sign up below. If you need a sub (or would like to sub), please refer to the Euchre Substitutions activity.

Euchre groups are often looking for subs. If you enjoy playing euchre but don’t want the commitment of monthly play, the substitute group is a fun way to play with different groups. A euchre group will send an email to this sub activity group requesting a sub for a particular date and time. The first to reply will receive a confirmation from the requester that they are scheduled. If interested in subbing, please sign up below.

The poker group meets the 1st Tuesday of the month, with winter hours of 1:00 – 4:00PM and summer hours of 6:00 – 9:00 PM. The group meets on a rotating basis at each member’s home. The game is small stakes, (5c, 10c, 25c), to keep the game and conversation fun and friendly. The group plays dealer’s choice, which sometimes evokes a response, “Did you just make that up?”. But we all like a new games we haven’t played before. The host merely has to provide the home and setup, while members bring snacks and drinks.

This group meets the 4th Monday of each month at Horizon Books (lower level) at 10:00 a.m. We read fiction, biographies and just about anything else that catches our fancy. We have a different a discussion leader for each book, but sometimes we just talk about it from each person’s view. Join us, surprising comments of personal experiences related to the books come up more often than not. You can come even if you have not read it! New members are welcome. Currently, we are meeting via Zoom until further notice.

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at Horizon Books (lower level) between 10am - 11am and then have lunch afterwards at Amical. We read relatively recent books, both fiction and nonfiction, that have some social relevance. Initial books included Everybody's Son, Dark Money, and Evicted. Not a couples club, although couples are welcome. We welcome individuals of all genders. Currently, we are meeting via Zoom until further notice.

The afternoon group meets on the first Tuesday of the month from September until June at 1 pm. Currently, we are meeting via Zoom until further notice.

The morning group meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the lower level of Horizon Books at 10:30am. Lunch will follow. Currently, we are meeting via Zoom until further notice.

The Film Group is a casual, fun group of people who love going to the movies. We attend movies at different theaters throughout the season and go out for discussion, food, and libations afterward. The group meets on the second Thursday of every month from September through May. An occasional date may be added during any given month if a film looks interesting and may not be playing at the time of the regularly scheduled meeting. Watch your email or check the website for specifics each month. Notification as to the film, time, and place will be emailed to group members a few days before the outing. We will follow the state's guidelines regarding COVID.

Do you enjoy meeting with other Newcomers to discuss important issues, but do not have the time or inclination to read a book in order to meet? Are you looking for something a little different? Then join us for discussions of long reads articles on important contemporary issues. Click on the blue icon for additional information. We are currently meeting via Zoom until further notice.

The National Writers Series is a highly popular group of author events held at the City Opera House. Nationally acclaimed, best-selling authors visit Traverse City and are interviewed in a conversational setting on stage. Past authors have included Tom Brokaw, Rita Mae Brown, Kelly Corrigan and Harlan Coben. Join in the literary fun by attending the NWS event, then meet up with other Newcomers for drinks and/or dessert afterwards to discuss the presentation. Newcomers should purchase their own tickets. We will resume this activity once the State of Michigan Health Department protocals allow for a safe start. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW ACTIVITY LEADER FOR THIS GROUP, IF INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT LISA TROMBLEY 703-655-6388 OR vpactivities@gtnewcomers.org

The Newcomers Needlers meet twice a month for a couple of hours of uninterrupted knitting or stitching or rug hooking or needlepoint or whatever strikes your fancy. Show off your finished projects. Bring something to work on (or not!) and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. We also help beginners. We meet on the first and third Thursdays, 1-3pm, at the Aroma’s Coffee Shop at the intersection of M-22 and M-72, across from Tom’s West Bay. We will be meeting in the conference room.

Wonder how theater sets are designed and built?  What happens at auditions?  How do directors decide how they want actors to act?  Would you like to see how characters develop at rehearsals?  Join our Theater group and get an appreciation for The Old Town Playhouse. We will explore the process of theatre production by following selected play(s) presented each year by the Old Town Playhouse.  We get to see the first Saturday of each production at a reduced rate. OTP will reserve a limited number of seats for each play. PLEASE REGISTER ON THE NEWCOMERS WEBSITE IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE PLAY. If I can get dinner reservation, I’ll make that announcement. Once you have registered on the Newcomers website, please contact Old Town Playhouse to order your tickets. Detailed instructions will be sent to all on how to register for a specific play. On the night of the play, we will meet for dinner before the play (if possible). I will announce the details as the play draws near.

Volunteer to be a part of the Newcomers Club Caring Connections. As a member of this group, you may be asked to help out a fellow club member in need of assistance, meals, transportation, and/or as an encouraging visitor. If you're an empathetic person, this group is for you!

Nature Stewards Group will meet once a month at 10:00 a.m. on the second Friday of the month, April through November. The purpose of the group is to get outside and learn about the many natural areas that surround us while performing stewardship tasks to benefit the natural areas and the organizations that support them. Each month project descriptions will be posted on the event calendar that will detail preserve location and stewardship opportunities. Projects might include litter cleanup, clearing trails, planting trees/grasses/forbs, removing invasive species, trail maintenance, trail construction or native seed harvesting. You will be required to bring gloves and wear appropriate clothing for working outside. All other tools will be provided. Time for your own tailgate or picnic lunch will follow the stewardship activity. After lunch we will hike, take a guided tour or embark in an educational activity to further highlight and explore the area.

Volunteer at the State and Bijou theaters with Newcomers. We have two shifts per month. We volunteer on the first Wednesday and the third Thursday of each month, generally a three-hour shift between 2-6 p.m. (Time is subject to change slightly as the movie schedule dictates). Eight volunteers are needed per shift. Your reward is popcorn, soda and a voucher for another movie. Sign-up is on the Newcomers’ calendar. BOTH THEATRES ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED DURING COVID. MEMBERS TO THIS ACTIVITY WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATIONS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AS RESTRICTIONS ALLOW REOPENINGS.