September Social 2007

Last Monday we kicked off a new season with the Newcomers' Club in style at the Newman Wine Vaults.


About 30 Newcomers attended the reception, joined the Newcomers' Club, munched on delectable cheeses and other goodies and signed up for our interest groups.


At the entrance everyone was greeted by Karen and Colleen who collected fees and distributed name tags with numbers for the door prize. Given the venue guess what that could have been!







After everyone had mingled a bit and gotten (re-) acquainted with the other members our president Andrea welcomed us and outlined the program for the coming year. Then 1st and 2nd Vice-President, June and Gaye, community liaison person Colleen and newsletter co-editor Pia each talked briefly about their respective topics. Finally a Newman Wine Vaults volunteer gave us some interesting information on the history of Newman Port and the Vaults followed by some port sampling.

On a sad note: Our long time member Connie is leaving the province. We know how hard it is for her and wish her all the best for another new beginning.

As the German poet Hermann Hesse wrote in one of his poems:
In every new beginning there lies a kind of magic.


Thanks for preparing this delightful evening! We hope everyone enjoyed coming.

(Note that the Vaults can be rented as a venue for all kinds of private funtions.)

Pia

Book Notes September

We were a smaller group than usual as a few people were not able to attend, (but nonetheless had a lively debate).

Pope Joan by Donna Woolkolk Cross drew very positive feedback from mostly everyone gaining an average score of 7.5.

General comments were that the story was "engrossing" and "an excellent read". Our group liked the idea of the intrigue that the story could be true. The book also made us more aware of the scale of political power within the church and the prejudice against women which continues to be an issue even today.

Critiscisms were few, only that some details were perhaps too "sanitised" and too "long " in places.

I think everyone would recommend this book to a friend.

Then next meeting will be at Pia's house on Tuesday 10th October. Our book for October will be:

Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz (an egyptian Nobel prize laureate, 1988. It is available on Amazon.ca $14.70 and can be ordered from any bookstore.

(A note on shipping times though; this book seems to require a 10 - 14 day shipping period, whereas "Sylvanus now" and "the Josephine trilogy" need just 24 hours. Maybe we should reconsider our choice for October. Pia)

(More Links will be added to the other books below, when I have a bit more time. Pia)

Our choices for the next two months are:

• Nov: Sylvanus Now by Donna Morrisey(a local author) available in town or from Amazon $18.24.

• Dec: The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B by Sandra Gulland. This is the first book in the Josephine B Trilogy. This is available seperately or combined in one paperback. Although we are only going to read the first part as this is for our December choice we have been recommended to buy the combined book as people who have read it are sure that we will want to read the next two parts.

Finally here is the list of other books that we are still considering for future choices:

• Uncle Tungsten- Memories of a Chemical Boyhood by Oliver Sachs.

• Death Under Glass by Rachel Kimor-Paine.

• To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

• The History of Love by Nicole Krauss.

• Ahabs Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund.

• Mrs Kimble by Jennifer Haigh.

• Purple Hibiscus by Chinamu Adiche.

Please feel free to make other suggestions which I will add to the list.
Caroline

September Social 2006

Wine, women and song…

What a great idea for a party!

‘The practice of sending shipments of port wine to Newfoundland began about 1679 when a Newman ship left Portugal bound for England and was chased by…’

Now if you want to know more, you’ll have to join us on

Monday, September 18 at 7:00 pm

For the

Opening Reception and Membership Registration

of the

Newcomers’ Club of St. John’s

at the

Newman Wine Vaults on Water Street

RSVP: June A., by Friday, September 15th

Message from the President

What a glorious summer we are having! While the rest of Canada is suffering through the hottest weather on record, the increased heat has made Newfoundland the perfect place to be. I missed not seeing the icebergs but the whales are out in abundance this year. It’s unfortunate I didn’t have any company this summer but we were not expecting to still be here. We are thankful, especially my children, to be spending at least another year in St. John’s.

I hope you all have had an enjoyable and eventful summer. It’s a time when most of us head “home” to reconnect with friends and family. As I write this the rest of my family is packing for our vacation to Calgary and BC. I feel blessed that I have so many good friends and family that want to visit with me but it does make a vacation stressful when there are only so many hours in a day. Lucky for me my siblings (there are 10 of us made up of full, half and steps) are organizing a family reunion at Fairmont Hot Springs. What a great way to see everyone without putting a strain on your time.

It’s always difficult to say good-bye to friends we have made through Newcomers. Best wishes to the many that have moved this summer to new locations: Helen Martin, Marie Hanni, Peggy Taylor, Kelly Percifield, Morag Ritchie, Rhonda Lyons, and Beryl Pringle. I’m sure as I write this there will be someone I have missed but good luck to you all.

I look forward to visiting with all returning Newcomers at the September Social which is being held at the Newman Wine Vaults. This is a casual, fun evening that gives you a chance to meet people and learn what Newcomers has to offer so please invite a “new to the area” friend or neighbor.

We on the Executive are working together to ensure that we all have a very successful Newcomers’ year. You are encouraged to participate in the various interest groups, volunteer projects and special events.


Andrea Deutsch
President

Newcomers's Cookbook

Cookbook sales will continue, however the books will not be available until the October Social.
They are $10 each and make great gifts for Christmas and birthdays.

For more information, please contact June A.

Membership Fees 2006-2007

The membership fee of $25.00 for 2006-2007 is now due. The fee must be paid by November 1^st if you wish to receive the newsletter and participate in activities. Only paid members may join the Newcomers’ Interest Groups. Please fill out the membership form attached at the end of this newsletter and bring to the September Social.

Message from 2nd Vice President on Interest Groups for 2006-2007

Welcome back everyone I trust you all had a great summer! We will be offering most of the Interest Groups again this year although there are quite a few groups needing a Convener. I am asking any of you that are interested in helping with these groups to please contact me.

Groups offered this year again are: Book Notes, Computer Skills, Get Together Crafts, Golf Gang (Convener needed), Out to Lunch, Social Tennis, Gardeners’ Group (Convener needed), Couples’ Activity, Avalon Trail Blazers, Winter Walkers (Convener needed), Hi-Tea, Games Night (Convener needed), Film Club (Convener needed).

What Does a Convener Do?

Conveners play an important role in the success of the club by seeing that the groups meet regularly.

The Convener is responsible for the organization of the interest group by setting days and times for their meetings with the input from the interest group members. They are also responsible for a newsletter article each month, which details meeting information.

I will have all the sign-up sheets set up at our first meeting in September and they will be available at all monthly meetings. If anyone has any other interest groups that they would like to see being offered and are prepared to run these I would be most happy to set up a new group folder on or before the September meeting. Please feel free to contact me as listed above.

Gaye D.-L.

Interest Groups September

Hi Tea
Convener: Andrea Deutsch, 754-5799
The first Hi Tea of the year will be held on Wednesday, September 27^th from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

This month’s hostess will be Andrea Deutsch.

Join us for tea / coffee and a light snack in a casual and welcoming setting. This is a time to meet new people or have a chat and a few laughs with old friends. Everyone is welcome. Please RSVP to Andrea if you are coming at 754-5799.

Community Volunteers
Liaison: Colleen S.

Naomi House – we will still provide our meals to Naomi House but only once a month, on the 2nd Monday of each month. We have volunteers for the first dinner in September but need volunteers to cook for the upcoming months. As in the past, we usually jointly share the cooking with one other member and organize to deliver the prepared food to Naomi House by 5pm. We cook for 12 young ladies. Their tastes are usually quite simple and they enjoy this special night where other ladies are caring for them. Many thanks from the staff at Naomi House.


CIBC’s Run for the Cure, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is hosting their fundraiser October 1. To register, fundraise or donate, visit CBCF'S website

Adopt a Christmas Family: as in years past, we have adopted a family at Christmas and made wonderful hampers and bought Christmas gifts. It is my favourite thing to do. We will be doing the same this year and I will give you more information as Christmas comes closer as to what we are looking for.

Book Notes
Convener: Caroline T.
Tuesday September 12th @ 9:30am, Caroline T,'s home
September’s book: Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

More links to the subject of Pope Joan can be found in this post on our blog.

Firstly a huge thank you to Roberta for convening the book group in the past year.

I'd like to suggest that we all give some thought before the meeting regarding our next book choices.
I'd like to ask that if you are going to propose a book can you research the availability and price and have that information ready for the consideration of the group. I am hoping this might help members to plan their purchases and organize sharing where possible.

Looking forward to seeing you all again soon,
Caroline.


Get Together Crafts
Convener Needed

The craft group meets every Thursday at Sobeys on Merrymeeting Road from 9-noon.

Our first meeting of the year will be on Thursday September 14th.

This group offers a wide variety of projects. Work at your own pace on projects you bring each week or try something different. Last year we worked on tole painting, card making, knitting and quilt projects. Everyone is welcome, no special talents are required; stop in even if it’s only for a cup of coffee and a chat.

Couples’ Activity
Convener: Ginny D.
Information to follow.


Newcomers’ Tennis
Co-conveners: Sandie F. & Roberta

Every Friday 9:00 - 10:30am
Greenbelt Tennis Centre
114 Newtown Road

Please join us for some social tennis and a coffee at the Greenbelt Tennis Centre. We are a very friendly group and welcome players of all levels. Our current format is to provide a one hour structured lesson starting at 9:00 a.m. with a local Tennis Coach, followed by a coffee and chat. Even if you don't have equipment we can provide that for you.

If interested please contact Sandie F. to discuss details (costs etc) and have your name added to the tennis email list.


Walkers' Group
Convener: Anne P.

Want to get out and about?
Want to stretch your legs?
Why not join the walkers group.

Anyone interested in joining me can call or email me. I will let you know what time and where once I know peoples’ preferences.

I am out of town most of September but will be in contact as soon as I return.
The weekly walks will begin in October.

Anne P.

Rave Reviews & Fundraiser

The Ferry Last Stop Café

If driving from the airport direction, it is just a little way before the Bell Island Ferry turnoff and is a tall green/burgundy house on the right-hand side. The food is delicious and the menu varied. They are closed on Mondays. I believe their hours are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. other than Sunday which is 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The phone number is 895-3082. They have just opened and the hours may change a bit, so maybe call to make sure what the hours are. The owner, Paulette, said they were going to be putting a sign out the front with the hours. She’s super friendly, as is the staff. It is well worth a visit. Margaret K.

(The hours as of September 9th are Wednesday to Friday 4:30 - 8:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Times might still be subject to change. So call ahead. The owner says she will open for a group at other times of the week. She would need about two days advance notice. Pia)

Jumping Bean Café

St. Thomas’ Line, Paradise. If you are out for a drive on any Saturday or Sunday in the area of St. Philips, you can drop into the Jumping Bean Café and have a cappuccino or a tea and sit for a spell. This little café just opened a few weekends ago and is striving to have the best coffee on the coastal road. The owner is also selling better quality olive oils, balsamic vinegars, pastas and loose teas. The hours are 9am to 5pm every Saturday and Sunday. The Café is about 5 km from the corner of Thorburn Road on St. Thomas’ Line. June A.

Walk on Water

... is a new theme with some of the shopkeepers on Water Street, Dandelion Green’s Kim Thompson, Auntie Craes’ Janet Kelly and Details and Design’s Mary Andrews. On Sundays, there is a walk that starts at 10am. As well they do evening walks each Thursday. Visit Auntie Crae's Website for information.

Buy a Plant, Grow an Education

WAMUN's 10th annual plant sale and raffle will be held on Wednesday the 13th September 2006 from 8 am to 1 pm in the lobby of the INCO Innovation Centre.

Please note the change of location from previous years. We will be selling house plants and some garden perennials. This is our main fund-raiser of the year with all profits going to 4 annual scholarships at MUN.

All students, faculty and the public are invited to come and "Buy a Plant, Grow an Education". We have a great variety of plants at very reasonable prices to enhance your home, office or garden.

Raffle tickets on several great prizes (most not plant related) will be available at the plant sale in the INCO lobby and also in the Arts building Atrium on the morning of Wednesday 13th September. Naturally donations to our scholarship fund are always appreciated.

The Women's Association of Memorial University welcomes all women associated with the university family and helps them to participate in university and community life. The group provides social and cultural activities for the members of the association and raises funds for scholarships for students at Memorial. For more information on WAMUN visit their website.