The Headline photo for the month is courtesy of Susan and Jerry Norton.  Thanks.

Activities
Just for YOU

Go to our CALENDAR,
there you can see what
 is going on,
And, there is a
 good bit going on.
If you can't find what you want on the calendar, come to a monthly coffee, and suggest a new activity.  That is the way most of the activities originated at Newcomers
4TH ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE POTLUCK
Another year, a new potluck. Celebrate with us again on New Yearʼs Eve. Even if you cannot stay for the evening's entertainment, come for the potluck! More info:

Helaine Cohen shared this picture of herself and Jess with the Texas Tenors the evening of their performance here. You can also see a YouTube video of the singers serenading Helaine at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h20M2XD2jKI
Issue – Too Much Money

As Jan Curtis observed, our club has never had the problem of too much money before. But over the years we have accumulated a surplus beyond what treasurer Susan Norton feels is necessary as a contingency fund for unexpected increased expenses. She suggests that any money over $6,000 could be made available for other uses. The question of what to do with the money was raised at the November coffee and a lively discussion followed.

One option is to make a substantial donation to a selected community organization and lower dues for the following years. However, dues are already very modest. The overage on hand is not because of an excess of dues but (continued)

About Grand Junction Newcomers Club

Our Motto :
"Where Newcomers become old friends"
And, we mean it!
We are an active, fun, friendly organization of men and women striving to make your stay in the community a long and happy one.  Click to go to the CALENDAR. to see the wide range of Club activities, and, by the way, if you have an activity you like that is missing form the list, bring it up at the next coffee, and you might be surprised.  A new activity group may form!
Picture






From the President

November 23, 2013

It seems I’ve raked leaves every day since my last message. All those pretty tree leaves I wrote about, they’re not so pretty now on the ground. And I have a big tree out back still holding on to its leaves tenaciously.

What a good month we have had! More guests interested in Newcomers have visited our coffees. We’re growing. We’ve had some great events. More members show up at Happy Hours. All in all, it’s been just splendid.

We’ll make some important decisions in the next couple of months. Revisions to the by-laws are a work in progress, and they should be ready for presentation soon. We are beginning a discussion of how to utilize our reserve of funds. We will ask all members, not just those who get to our meetings, to weigh in on the matter.

It’s the start of the holiday season. We have had enthusiastic support for the Salvation Army Angel Tree, a Newcomers’ tradition providing Christmas for some kids who might not have much to look forward to. And there’s the New Year’s Potluck coming up on, you guessed it, New Year’s Eve.

But first, Thanksgiving. Everyone should enjoy the day in their favorite way, whether with family, traveling, or just putting your feet up in front of the TV with your favorite beverage and football game. We all have a lot to be thankful for.Bob Noble, President
Not a member of Newcomers? There’s an easy fix tor that. You don’t even have to be new to the area. Annual dues are just $15 or $25 for a couple. You can download the membership form here, and then send the completed form and a check to Grand Junction Newcomers’ Club, PO Box 3222, GJ 81502. Or better yet, come to the next monthly coffee, get to know us a bit, and sign up then. You’ll meet some great people, get a copy of our member directory, begin receiving our monthly newsletter and special e-mail alerts, can join any of our regular activity groups, and participate in special events such as our pig roast and pot lucks.

editor's note

My bossy older sister just announced to her two siblings that we should forego gift-giving this year and just donate to charity in each others’ names. She seemed to suggest we all give to her favorite, the American Bouvier Rescue League. A worthy organization, I’m sure, but not way up there on my list. I’ll agree she has the right idea though. We don’t need more stuff, even the delicious baked goods I send off each year.I’ve had on hand for some time a newspaper clipping “Scientific evidence points to real benefits for those who give.” Researchers have identified the “helper’s high” and “giver’s glow.” Everyone gains. The holiday season prompts us to share with others. We have the means and opportunity. Let’s do it!

Carolyn White, Editor

share the joy!

Angel Tree Project

Those who received a Salvation Army gift tag should bring their presents, with tag, in open gift bags, to the Dec. 11 coffee or arrange a drop-off by Dec. 12 to Geri Mishmash, 309 Belaire Dr., 242-0070, or Carolyn White, 1041 Ouray Ave., 549-0439.

Because of the support of our generous members we will be able to provide Christmas gifts for four families and make their holiday happier. Thank you all for making a difference!


Thank you so much for helping make Christmas JOYFUL for area families.