Current Membership 306
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About the Grand Junction Newcomers ClubOur motto -
"Where newcomers become old friends." 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 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!
GJNC in the NewsIn May club members were asked to answer a survey that posed two questions: 1) should we donate $1,000 to each of three local non-profits that would especially appreciate financial help due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 2) if yes, which three organizations should receive checks. The response was overwhelmingly in favor. The favorites were the Community Food Bank, Meals on Wheels of Mesa County and Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley.
The Daily Sentinel noted our contributions in “Community First” on page 2 of the May 18, issue. The full text follows. Knowing that the current COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on many nonprofit organizations in the community, the Grand Junction Newcomers Club will make cash donations to three local nonprofits groups, chosen by its members. A donation of $1,000 each will be sent to the Community Food Bank, Meals on Wheels of Mesa County, and Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley. “Our members are all appreciative of the contributions these organizations make to people in our community and are happy that the club is in a position to help them out in these difficult times,” a news release said. FROM THE PRESIDENTAfter carefully considering the current situation concerning COVID 19, I have decided it’s in the best interests of members to suspend all major club activities for May. I am not confident that enough progress has been made towards curtailing the spread of this disease to justify putting our members at risk. So, there will be no meeting in May (as my dad used to say, "This hurts me more than it does you!”) and there will be no happy hour gatherings. I encourage the coordinators of the various special activities to consider also postponing or cancelling any activities. However, I will leave those decisions to the discretion of the coordinators. I remain optimistic that the situation will improve enough that we can resume a normal schedule in June, but it is way too early to make that decision.
Bob Noble, President Editor's Note Recently club member Toni Austin had a letter to the editor published under the heading “Local senior unwilling to die for the economy.” Toni probably speaks for many of us, so I’m reprinting it here in full for those who missed it.
I am a senior citizen. I am 72. I don’t want to die. I am not ready to die. I do not want to stop helping our not-for-profit hospice organization. I volunteer so that money raised can comfort the dying, their families, and aid the grieving. I want to continue to help an organization raise money to help women gain higher education with loans, scholarships and grants. I want to help our Art Center continue to shower our community with art, but to also enable programs for children and adults with disabilities. I want to socialize with my friends and support them in all that life hands us as we age. I want to be able to share with my grandchildren stories of my past and listen to their concerns. So, no, I am not willing to die for our economy. As a senior, I spend money in our community and give many hours volunteering. I feel that with the proper guidance and wisdom from elected officials and heads of business we will overcome this financial crisis without sacrificing a very vital portion of our population. It will take time, but it can be done. Well stated, Toni! Thank you for speaking up. - Carolyn White, editor |
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 by clicking 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 timely email alerts, can join any of our regular activity groups, and participate in special events such as our BBQ and holliday parties.