May Interest Groups

Community Volunteers
Co-conveners: Ann G. & Jaime

Here we are half way through the busiest part of spring for this group. Of late, we have completed our sales of Daffodils for the Cancer Society, and made one family very happy with our Easter donation. The staff and residents of Naomi Centre also sent a nice thank you note to the Newcomers Club for all the “delicious meals you so generously prepare for us”. Violet went on to say, our labour of love is a reminder to the young women how much caring there is in the world. That in turn is a reminder how important it is for us to continue to share with those in our present community.

Up Coming Events:
Blind Date with a Star- The annual fundraiser for The Learning Disabled Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, on June 13th at 6:30 pm at The Fairmont. We are hoping to make up a table of Newcomers to be joined by a “star” and at the assigned restaurant. The cost is $100.00 per person with a tax receipt for at least $40.00. To book at the Newcomers’ table call Ann.

Relay for Life- This annual national event for Cancer will be on June 3rd from 7:00pm to 7:00am at the Field House. There is still need of volunteers for filling gift bags and various other needs, as well as to join those who have started a Newcomers team. Come join us for a lot of laughs and great fun while taking turns walking the track, call Jaime to join the team.

Golf Tournament- This fundraiser for the School Lunch Program is on June 17th at the Willows Golf Course. Cost is $75.00 / person with a $50.00 tax receipt. This is a best ball tournament, great for all levels of golfers. The tournament is followed by a BBQ at the Masonic Temple on Cathedral St., St. John’s. Call Ann to add your name to the men’s or women’s teams. Connie will be making up the teams again this year.

Rugby Game- International Rugby comes to St John’s on August 12th. Canada will host U.S.A. in a qualifying match for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. For ticket information including VIP reservations, call Ann G.

Naomi Centre Supper Club Schedule:
May 29th volunteers needed

Hi Tea
Convener: Peggy

This first Wednesday HI TEA will be held at Hana on Wednesday May 3rd at 1pm. Join the ladies for a warm, cozy spot of tea or coffee and most certainly some stimulating conversation! Everyone is welcome, but please let Hana know if you will attend. Hi Tea is a great place to unwind after a busy morning. Bring a new neighbour if you have one. RSVP to Hana 738-0266.

Winter Walkers
Convener:Peggy
Since the weather is nicer Winter Walkers will be discontinued for lack of winter weather, however if anyone wants to walk ANY morning, please call Peggy and I will be happy to go anywhere!

Golf Gang
Convener: Marie
Lessons will have started May 2nd and will continue every Tuesday throughout May. The Ladies’ League at the Woods will start every Tuesday afternoon starting on May 23rd for those of you who are interested and have registered. We will try to have our Newcomers’ tournament at the Black Duck at Clovelly in late May or very early in June. Watch for further info coming to you via e-mail. Meanwhile, practice your short game.




Book Notes
Convener: Roberta
Tuesday May 9th @ 9:30am

Our book in April was The Wreckage by Michael Crummy. The story begins at the onset of the Second World War in rural Newfoundland. Wish Furey travels the coast of Newfoundland screening Hollywood films in churches and meets Sadie Parsons who is Protestant. Wish is Catholic and they begin an intense affair that ultimately translates into him being driven from the Cove by the disapproval of the locals and the prejudice of Sadie’s mother. Wish enlists in the British army and suffers through the brutality and deprivation of a Japanese POW camp. Sadie also leaves the Cove to travel to St. John’s and wait for Wish to return from the War. Do Wish and Sadie ever reunite? Read the book and find out for yourself.

Our group rated this book a 6 out of 10. Most people said they enjoyed it, and found it to be a nice love story, historical fiction, and fun to read about Newfoundland during WWII. Some comments were: “the writing was distracting, and “not particularly memorable”, “enjoyed the Characters of Wish and Sadie and was soon caught up in their lives.”

Get ahead on reading Book Notes reads
May: Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
June: An Equal Music by Vikram Seth


Newcomers Tennis
Conveners: Sandi & Roberta
Please join us for some social tennis and a coffee at Greenbelt Tennis Centre every Friday from 9 am-10:30 am. We are a friendly group and welcome players of all abilities. We will set up a clinic or series of lessons for those who are new to tennis or haven't played in years. If you are a seasoned player we can facilitate matches and introduce you to the Tennis leagues at the club. If you are interested please contact Roberta or Sandi so we can get your name on the email list and organize any clinic or lessons as needed.


Friday Adventure Touring Group
Also known as the Walkie-Talkie-Munchie Group. This is not a Newcomers’ interest group, but open to anyone who wishes to take part. It is a wonderful way to get to know St. John’s and the surrounding areas. The group meets every Friday morning at 10 a.m. in the lobby of the Holiday Inn, Portugal Cove Road, next to the kiosk. Just show up and explore!

Get Together Crafts
Convener: Jaime
The Craft Group continues to meet every Thursday morning from 9 to 12 at Sobey’s at Merrymeeting Road. Andrea will be leading us into another amazing quilting project, a lighthouse picture. We will start this project around the middle of May. All of our projects are open to all and no previous experience is necessary! Join us anytime, you can bring your own projects or join us for a group project. Not into crafting? Just come for a cup of coffee and a chat!

Film Group
Convener: Karen
Film Group will meet at 12 noon at the Avalon Mall on Tuesday 16th May.
Please contact Basia on 726-1611 if you are interested in attending.

Bible Study
Convener: Marie
9.30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9th
Newcomers’ of St. John’s has offered an informal Bible study ever since I joined in 1998 and I can’t imagine that the need to fill our spiritual selves up once a week will change over the next years. I have enjoyed convening this group so much and am enriched by the women who have attended. If there are one or two of our members who would feel led to head up this wonderful group, please let the executive know as soon as possible. I will be praying for you and know that whoever gets involved will be greatly blessed for their efforts. I will be moving back to Calgary September 1st and after 10 years in this beautiful province, there will be tears! Bless you all and keep looking up!