President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the 
newsletter.

Treasurer Susan Norton’s reported we have $3,566.50 in our checking account and $6,498.06 in our money market account. The increase in our checking account was brought about by the payment of dues. Susan has a spreadsheet showing 2014 revenue and expenses which is available to anyone who’d like to review it. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. 

We had a new couple who just joined, Tom and Susan Connor.

Alicia Adcock and Doug Grodt were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. A brief discussion arose regarding the possibility of establishing 
a regular coffee committee instead of relying on monthly volunteers.

George Humfeld and four other members of the Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus sang two songs as a Valentine’s Day treat.

Avery Glassman, curator and program director of The Art Center, gave a thoughtful presentation on what it means to look at a work of art. Her goal as curator is to “design an exhibition that will be in itself a work of art.”

Linda Ash said it was a healthy month. She sent a card out to only one member, Cathy Zippert, who is recovering from surgery.

Bob Noble announced that the club had purchased a portable headset and transponder for the library. This will be kept there securely and designated for Armchair Traveler use. Janice Shepherd then gave a description of what to expect of Terry Adcock’s talk in March. She urged attendance at an upcoming talk on end of life discussion and at a library game night on March 1.

Doug Grodt will be doing a plant walk on the Monument in April. The March Lunch and Tour will be of CMU’s Theatre Department.

Dennis Pretti has set up another wine tasting for May 11. He and Wayne McCalla are developing a one-to two-day trip to the Ouray/Silverton area. Details will follow.Linda Ash said ladies golf will resume in March.

Barb Hill noted several special events at the Regal Theatre: Metropolitan Opera in Hi-Def, ballet and an art show on Rembrandt.

Judy Saxon brought up the need for volunteers at both Mesa View Retirement Center and Community Hospital.

For the raffle, we had tickets from the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra and the Mesa County Concert Association.

The meeting adjourned at 11 am.

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the 
newsletter.

Treasurer Susan Norton’s reported “we still have money,” specifically $1,170.01 in our checking account and $6,496.97 in our money market account. Major 
expenditures for the past year included $935 in subsidies for club events and $1,500 in donations (including what we give the church for use of its hall). 
Income was approximately equal to expenses. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. 

Membership reported many renewing members and four guests this month.

Marilyn Pearson and Alicia Adcock were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. 

In an announcement that dismayed members, Jan Curtis said that Things to Do magazine had folded due to business considerations. We will sorely miss Jan’s 
presence at meetings and wish her success in her next chapter. 

Jan had brought generous prizes for her final raffle: four Village Inn meals, a $35 gift certificate from Studio eight Salon, a $25 gift certificate from Moroccan Village, and a $20 gift certificate from Talk of the Town Antique Mall. 

We will be soliciting ideas on how best to continue our monthly raffles.

Our guest speaker was Joseph Sanchez, director of Mesa County Libraries, who gave a fascinating presentation of the technology they are using to capture 
and present a visual catalog of features and history unique to our area.

Linda Ash said she sent out cards to Babette Furchak and Jack Kingsley, who are both on the mend. She also sent a condolence cards to Madge Bushhorn on 
the death of her husband and to Sherry Schenk, whose father recently passed away.

I.P. Potyondy gave a brief run-down of upcoming Lunch and Tours: Alida’s, the National Guard Readiness Center, CMU’s costume department, spring flowers 
on the Monument, Westar Aviation, Twigs & Buds Lavender farm, a gas and oil industry visit, the new main fire station, Community Hospital’s new addition, 

Grand Junction Newcomers

Grand Junction Newcomers Club

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

In treasurer Susan Norton’s absence, Bob reported we have $1,289.25 in our checking account and $6,496.42 in our money market account. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read.

We had as three visitors as well as one new member, Pat Detko, who moved to Grand Junction only two weeks earlier from Henderson, Nevada.

Marilyn Pearson and Sherry Schenk were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments.

We had no guest speaker.

Linda Ash said she sent out a card to Cheryl Breland and would also be sending one out to Jack Kingsley. Both have had health issues.

Joe Wharton announced that a supply of new brochures is on its way. He also asked for interest in a member survey of volunteer hours performed. Response was positive and Joe will put together an email survey.

Bev Kingsley gave an update on plans for a holiday dinner party on Dec. 18. In addition to prizes for the most ugly and most glittery Christmas sweater, she has lined up a member of a barbershop chorus to lead us in singing.

This month’s Armchair Traveler presentation will be by Lee Gelatt.

Regarding unfinished business, Bob Noble said he would be contacting those who are on a list as potential club officers. 

Geri Mishmash collected gift bags for the Salvation Army’s Giving Tree project. She said that we gave presents to 31 people, the most the club has done in the many years it has participated in it. We will submit a photo to the local press to publicize our club’s involvement.

Judy Saxton raised the issue of the club’s low profile and that the name “Newcomers” does not really capture who we are. As a relatively new resident in the Grand Valley Judy at first did not know that Newcomers was for established residents, even more so than for new. The challenge is losing our identity with a name change. We’ve been working to raise our profile in the community through Armchair Traveler, brochures, a booth at the farmers market and other efforts.

Jan Curtis raffled off gift certificates from Kannah Creek Brewery & Restaurant and Edgewater Brewery & Restaurant, as well as a decorated gourd from Wayne and Linda Ash.

The meeting adjourned at 10:47 am.

Grand Junction Newcomers Club

Meeting Minutes, October 8, 2014

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

Treasurer Susan Norton

reported we have $1,527.82 in our checking account and $6,495.85 in our money market account. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read.

We had two new members as well as three visitors.

Ruth Trowbridge and Barbara Hill were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. The need for volunteers to step up for later coffees was stressed.

Guest Steve Attarian of the Community Food Bank of Grand Junction gave an informative overview of the virtually all-volunteer program and how it serves our community.

Linda Ash said she sent out only one card this month, to Jack Furchak for his back surgery. Jack was present and said he was doing well, his physician’s bank account even better.

Dennis Pretti announced we will have a second wine tasting at Fisher’s Market on Nov. 11, but it’s completely full. Dennis also told us that instead of a December Lunch and Tour, we will have a special November Lunch and Tour at Café Lena. He also asked for interest in a men’s bridge group.

I.P. Potyondy reminded us of the Oct. 15 lunch and tour at Western Metals Recycling and the Nov. 12 visit to Chez Lena. The restaurant will have a new menu and I.P. will bring a copy to the November coffee so we can choose entrees. Wayne McCalla told us that Chez Lena has to rebuild its email list because of a computer crash, and urged us to contact the restaurant to sign up for its regular emails.

Janice Shepherd gave an overview of the first Armchair Traveler presentation of the season on
Oct. 20. Programs are planned through April 2015.

Janet Johnson is planning a spring clean-up by members at Highline State Park, similar to what we did in the fall of 2013.

Geri Mishmash reminded us of our annual Salvation Army Giving Tree project. She will have gift tags available for pick-up at the November coffee.

Jan Curtis raffled off gift certificates from the Flower Shop and Citrola’s Italian Grill, as well as an unused one from Lou Dean’s Treasure Trove.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 am.

Grand Junction Newcomers Club Meeting Minutes, September 10, 2014

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

In treasurer Susan Norton’s absence Bob reported we have $1,662.79 in checking and $6,495.33 in our money market account. The club subsidy for the pig roast was about $590, covering 86 attendees including six guests. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. 

Del Wharton was recognized for her efforts in organizing another successful pig roast. She, in turn, urged volunteers to step forward for next year.

We had no new guests or new members.

Reid and Marilyn Worlton, Ruth Trowbridge and Pam Lochrie were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments.

As a surprise treat and thank you for Newcomers’ staffing Grey Gourmet’s route #11, Marsha Kosteva brought in its “famous wacky chocolate cake.” The need for more substitutes was also brought forward.

Kelly Anderson, executive director of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, was our guest speaker. He gave a description of the Symphony’s history, upcoming events and what will be performed in the newly renovated Avalon Theatre. He also distributed vouchers good for two tickets at a classical concert 
this season. After Kelly spoke, GJ Symphony Guild co-president Susan Hanson invited non-Guild members to attend its meeting next week at which local master cello maker Chris Dungey will talk.

Geri Mishmash reported in Linda Ash’s absence that cards were sent out to Jim Reisinger, Ken Alevy and Earle Mullen. 

Joe Wharton asked that anyone who suspected they hadn’t been getting email flashes let him know. He had a serious computer crash, but is back up to speed now.

Dennis Pretti announced we will have a second wine tasting at Fisher’s Market on Nov. 11. Dennis also told us that instead of a December Lunch and Tour, we will have a special November Lunch and Tour at Café Lena. He also asked for interest in a men’s bridge group.

Wayne McCalla reminded us of carpooling for the sheep dog finals in Carbondale on Sept. 13 and 14. 

I.P. Potyondy told us of the Sept. 17 tour of the Orchard Mesa Irrigation Facility. The October tour will be of a recycling center. He asks members for input on what they’ve liked, the format, changes and such. 

Volunteers are needed as several committee members have served for many years.

Doug Grodt said the Thursday hiking group would switch from the Mesa to a lower trail tomorrow.

Bob Noble told members that volunteers were needed for the grand opening of the Avalon Theatre in a week. He also gave a summary of how the farmers market booth went.

Jan Curtis raffled off gift certificates from Citrola’s Italian Grill and Lou Dean’s Treasure Trove, and tickets to Mesa Community Theatre shows.

The meeting adjourned at 11:05 am.

Grand Junction Newcomers Club

Meeting Minutes, August 13, 2014

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

Treasurer Susan Norton reported we have $2,240 in checking and about $6,500 in our money market account. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. 

We had four visitors and welcomed three new members, Barbara Endres, Judy Saxton and Shirley Herber.

Marilyn Worlton and Pam Lochrie were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments.

Our scheduled guest speaker did not appear, apparently due to reorganization at the Mesa County Food Bank. However, Barbara Endres was able to speak impromptu about the Western Colorado Suicide 

Prevention Foundation and an upcoming fundraiser for their outreach efforts.

Linda Ash reported that she had sent cards to Jeanne Vincent on the death of her mother, Ann Bradley on the death of her husband Bob, and Marcia Norton, who is recovering from a fall. We noted that Linda 

herself has been newsworthy with a “Cool Snap” on a recent KKCO weathercast and that she’s in a photo in an article about Grey Gourmet in the current issue of GV Magazine.

Del Wharton announced that prices for the pig roast will be $17 for members and $25 for guests. She said the last day for reservations is Aug. 25. 

Volunteers were solicited for manning our booth at the farmers market on Aug. 14.

Dennis Pretti announced we will have a second wine tasting at Fisher’s Market on Nov. 11.

Regarding regular activities, Janice Shepherd said that most of the upcoming Armchair Traveler season 

has been lined up. The first show will be Oct. 20. Joy Bush reminded us of next week’s Lunch and Tour to the Nature Center in Fruita; I.P. Potyondy gave a heads-up on the October event, a visit to the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District Facility.

Janet Johnson said that a group Newcomers garage sale in the fall hasn’t worked out, but that Rachel Johnson would be willing to include members in an upcoming garage sale that she’s planning.

Other announcements: Wendy Bain has two B.B. King concert tickets available. A women’s jacket was left behind at a coffee two month’s ago. The Riverside Educational Center needs volunteers. The Tour of the Valley bike race held here over Labor Day weekend also needs volunteers.

Jan Curtis raffled off gift certificates from Bella Balsamic & the Pressed Olive and from Village Inn Restaurants.

The meeting adjourned at 10:55 am.

Meeting Minutes, July 9, 2014

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

In treasurer Susan Norton’s absence, Bob reported we have $2,437.57 in checking and $6,494.23 in our money market account. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. 

We had two guests.Rob Bleiberg, executive director of the Mesa Land 
Trust, was our guest speaker. He gave a brief outline of the Trust’s history and current efforts to preserve working farms and ranches, wildlife habitat and scenic 
natural lands. 

Linda Ash reported that she had sent cards to Wayne Bills, Ruth Trowbridge, Tina Grodt and Bob Bradley.

Bob Noble told the group that he had spoken at the Grand Junction Rotary Club in June, and that the club had made a donation to the Grand unction Imagination Library in the GJ Newcomers’ name as a token of appreciation.

There will be going-away parties at Tiara Rado Golf Course for Reg and Linda Price and Jim Hays and Bev Biggs on July 6 and July 20 respectively. 

Replacing Bev on the potluck committee will be Reid and Marilyn Worlton.

Del Wharton announced that sign-up for the pig roast would be at next month’s meeting. She could take reservations now, but the price has not been determined yet.

Paula Struckman told us of a speaker program being organized, a Western Slope chapter of the World Affairs Councils of America. A sign-
up sheet was available for anyone interested in learning more.

The city has accepted our application for a booth at an upcoming farmers market. We should have a date soon and will notify members beforehand.

Webmaster Joe Wharton reminded us that he’d like to limit email flashes to two a month. More than that would tend to diminish their effectiveness.

Wayne McCalla and Reid Worlton reported on the Aspen Music Festival outing and the Silverton/Durango trip respectively. Both were pronounced very enjoyable by those who went.

Doug Grodt will be leading a wildflower walk on the Mesa next week.

Dennis Pretti recommended a drive-it-yourself Saturday tour of farms around Montrose and Olathe.

Also proposed in lieu of the Meeker Sheepdog Trials we attend the Nationals Sheepdog Finals in Carbondale the following weekend in September.

Jan Curtis raffled off gift certificates from Berna B’s Restaurant and Village Inn Restaurants.

The meeting adjourned at 10:55 am.

Meeting Minutes, June 11, 2014

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at
10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

In treasurer Susan Norton’s absence, Bob reported we have $2,523.81 in checking and $6,493.70 in our money market account. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read.

Susan Hanson and Barbara Colby were recognized for preparing the coffee.

Barbara Hill had brought a guest, but there were no new members present.

Maranee Parry, coordinator for Cooking Matters, gave a presentation on the No Kid Hungry campaign and how its educational program operates. It needs volunteers to help fulfill its mission to end childhood hunger.

Linda Ash reported that Marilyn Montoya, Chuck Hanson and Dee Tompkins all had surgery, and that Don and Pat Stikkers’ son had passed away.

On special events, Reid Whorton said that only a few people had signed up for the Silverton-Durango trip but that it was a “go.” Wayne McCalla proposed a drive-it-yourself trip on the July 4 weekend to Aspen for a Sunday morning rehearsal of the Aspen Music Festival. Because time is short he will send out an email blast with details in addition to information in the newsletter.

For regular club activities, Carolyn White reminded members that dinner club was recruiting new members and that dues for couples had been lowered to $18. Doug Grodt noted that the hiking group has shifted to the Grand Mesa. Doug also urged members to sign up for next week’s tour of the Persigo Waste Water Treatment Plant. Bob Noble reported that 31 people were at the last happy hour at Loree’s, and we’ll continue meeting there for the first Thursday happy hour. Paula Struckman said the potluck committee is still taking names for the July 4th picnic at Devil’s Kitchen in the Monument.

Helaine Cohen gave a fond farewell to the group as she and Jess will be leaving later this month for their new home in Scottsdale.

Barb Hill was appreciative of the members who last month signed her petition to bring classical ballet to Grand Junction. Regal Theatres has indicated it will screen ballet similar to what it does now for opera.

On new business, Bob Noble presented the idea of having a booth or table at one of the downtown farmers markets this summer as the cost would be only $30. Members expressed positive interest and several volunteered to staff it. Bob will see about getting a date for us. 

Meeting Minutes, May 14, 2014

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at
10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

Treasurer Susan Norton reported we have $2,930 in checking and $6,493 in our money market account. This is after our donations of $750 each to Mesa County Libraries and the Community Food Bank. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read.

Susan Hanson and Barbara Colby were recognized for preparing the coffee. We need volunteers for July, August and September.

We had no new members present.

Jennifer Murrell of the Mesa County Libraries gave a presentation of library resources, especially e-resources such as online language, photography and craft classes; legal forms; and magazines such as Consumer Reports.

Linda Ash reported that Beverly Rogers had passed away and that Dorothy Lorentzen had had surgery.

Wayne McCalla said he had about six people signed up for the Silverton-Durango trip. He and Dennis Pretti are looking into possible group trips to the Aspen Music Festival on July 5 or 6, the Albuquerque Balloon Festival in October, and a wine tasting on Nov. 11. He also recommended the Digitone call blocker to control unwanted phone calls on your landline.

Janice Shepherd was not present to talk about Armchair Traveler, which is finished for the season. Dennis Pretti expressed a concern that it has become “loved to death,” requiring attendees to arrive very early in order to get a seat.

Paula Struckman gave details on the July 4th picnic at the Hell’s Kitchen picnic area. Details will be in the June newsletter.

Renée Herring is still signing up people for next week’s tour at the Mustang Rescue in Glade Park. I.P. Potyondy is organizing the June lunch and tour, a visit to the Perstigo Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Jan Burch urged members to sign up for a July 12 golf outing at Adobe Creek Golf Course to benefit type 1 diabetes.

Janet Johnson said that the member garage sale has been postponed to sometime in the fall. The location is to be determined.

Barb Hill circulated a petition to urge Regal Theatres to bring classical ballet to Grand Junction, similar to what is done for opera.

Guest Sharon Currie-Mills, who is on the board of the Colorado National Monument Association, told us of a concert fund-raiser this Friday. Cathy Zippert and Alberta Husch also spoke of the summer concerts put on by the Art Center Guild.

Webmaster Joe Wharton asked members for a show of interest in having a web sign-up for group activities such as potlucks and tours. There would be no mechanism for payment. The response was positive.

Alberta Husch is still taking orders for nametags.

Jan Curtis raffled out gift certificates from Office Max and Alida’s, and a ticket to a Jazz Among the Grapevines concert.

The meeting adjourned at 11:03 am.

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at
10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

Treasurer Susan Norton reported we have $4,470 in checking and about $6,500 in our money market account. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. Tax forms for 2013 have been filed.

Janet Johnson and Barbara Colby were recognized for preparing the coffee. Ruth Trowbridge urged others to sign up for upcoming coffees.

The survey results on what to do with excess club funds were discussed. They showed an even split between subsidizing club activities and making a donation to a community organization. A vote to subsidize events was held and was passed with the understanding that special events such as the pig roast would not be completely subsidized so that attendance and costs can be better controlled.

The board recommended a one-time donation of $750 to two organizations this year. Susan Norton added that those two would be excluded from a list of possible recipients in the following year to allow for a wider range of recipients over time. Before voting on donations to the two leading organizations, a discussion was opened on whether we should increase our donation in lieu of rent to the church. That was voted down unanimously. Votes were held on donating $750 to Mesa County Libraries and the Community Food Bank, the two top choices in the survey. Both passed. Janice Shepherd asked that the library’s check be available for presentation at the April Armchair Traveler meeting.

The election of officers proceeded with no new candidates forthcoming. Accordingly, the office of secretary remains vacant. Bob Noble will continue as president, Susan Norton  as treasurer, Reid Worlton as 1st vice president, and Wayne McCalla as 2nd vice president. Susan will mentor Janet Johnson on the treasurer’s responsibilities so that she may be up to speed for election next year.

We had two guests as well as two new members, Marleen Rennke and Helen Stenmark.

Linda Ash reported that Beverly Rogers had surgery and that Ethel Oatman’s mother had died.

Jess and Helaine Cohen’s many contributions to the community were recognized with well wishes for their relocation to Arizona. Janet Mayerik will take over for Helaine in the bridge club. With the Cohen’s departure the bridge club will need new members.

Wayne McCalla will have information on the Silverton-Durango trip in the May newsletter. It is planned for June 26-27. He has spoken to Grey Gourmet because many of our members would normally be volunteering on those days. It will find replacements for those days.

Janice Shepherd reminded us the April 21 Armchair Traveler presentation would be the last of the year. She has several lined up for next year already and would like to hear from others.

The lunch and tour of the Avalon Theatre is fully booked. Renée Herring announced that next month’s tour will be at the Mustang Rescue in Glade Park.

Before Jan Curtis began the raffle, she was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation for her many years’ service to the club. After several minutes of speechlessness, Jan proceeded with the raffle with gift certificates from Shabby Chic’ and Judy’s Family Restaurant.

The meeting adjourned at 11:10 am.