All-Member Gatherings
We have monthly gatherings open to all members and prospective members from September through May. Each month we'll meet somewhere different and have a program; some might include an activity, some might include a speaker. In December, we have our Holiday Luncheon and in May we have our Spring Luncheon. No matter what the month, we enjoy getting together as a group, seeing our friends, meeting new ones and having fun!
November 13, 2023 - Shipwrecks in the great lakes
Speaker: Valerie VanHeest
Where: Beer City Bread Co.
Address: 2650-D East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids
Time: 12 Noon
RSVP: Please RSVP through our Contact US form
We have all heard that there are hundreds of shipwrecks at the bottom of the Great Lakes. But there are many fascinating stories we haven't heard. We will get a chance to hear some little-known facts and stories about these mysterious events, when we welcome our October speaker, Valerie VanHeest.
Valerie VanHeest is an underwater explorer and historian involved in the discovery and archaeological documentation of numerous historic Great Lakes shipwrecks.
Valerie has written six books and numerous magazine articles. She is a regular presenter at museums, libraries, and film festivals sharing the dramatic stories of mysteries on the Great Lakes, and she has appeared on television news networks as well as the National Geographic, History, and Travel Channels.
We hope you will be able to join us for Valerie's presentation!
Recap - September 2033 - kick-off meeting
Welcome to All!
Lunch and Conversation
Lunch and Conversation
We met at Roselle Park's Community Room to start our new year. Pictured is Shirley (Secretary), Julia (Hospitality) and Julia (Co-President). Fabulous job, ladies and to all who contributed!
Lunch and Conversation
Lunch and Conversation
Lunch and Conversation
We had lunch, got to know some new members and got reacquainted with friends.
Who Knew?!!
Lunch and Conversation
Shirley makes fabric pieces that are put together in stunning quilts
Our program was "Hidden Talents" - some of our members showcased their hobbies and skills in an area that they enjoy and is meaningful for them. We loved learning new things about our friends. We certainly have some very talented members! See below...
Shirley makes fabric pieces that are put together in stunning quilts
This Nantucket Basket was made by Cindy, who told us about the very interesting way it's done
Shirley makes fabric pieces that are put together in stunning quilts
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This Nantucket Basket was made by Cindy, who told us about the very interesting way it's done
This Nantucket Basket was made by Cindy, who told us about the very interesting way it's done
This Nantucket Basket was made by Cindy, who told us about the very interesting way it's done
Bonnie showed us a photo of her 1st prize mini flower arrangment for the Kent Garden Club
This Nantucket Basket was made by Cindy, who told us about the very interesting way it's done
This Nantucket Basket was made by Cindy, who told us about the very interesting way it's done
Marsha invented a game called The Braidel Game & she wrote a book about self-discovery through art
Marsha invented a game called The Braidel Game & she wrote a book about self-discovery through art
Marsha invented a game called The Braidel Game & she wrote a book about self-discovery through art
Mary Kay has a dog sitting business (Dog Grandma!)
Marsha invented a game called The Braidel Game & she wrote a book about self-discovery through art
Marsha invented a game called The Braidel Game & she wrote a book about self-discovery through art
Dorothy showed us her Creative Memories album & talked to us about being an election worker
Marsha invented a game called The Braidel Game & she wrote a book about self-discovery through art
Dorothy showed us her Creative Memories album & talked to us about being an election worker
Ilene makes beautiful beaded jewelry!
Sue showed us how she created a book for her children with Story Worth
Dorothy showed us her Creative Memories album & talked to us about being an election worker
Sue showed us how she created a book for her children with Story Worth
Sue showed us how she created a book for her children with Story Worth
Sue showed us how she created a book for her children with Story Worth
Rod talked to us about his ham radio hobby
Sue showed us how she created a book for her children with Story Worth
Sue showed us how she created a book for her children with Story Worth
Julia demonstrated her skills with American Sign Language
Kathy spoke to us about hydroponic gardening she has done with elementary school children
Julia demonstrated her skills with American Sign Language
Chris showed us her beautiful watercolor paintings!
Kathy spoke to us about hydroponic gardening she has done with elementary school children
Julia demonstrated her skills with American Sign Language
Kathy spoke to us about hydroponic gardening she has done with elementary school children
Kathy spoke to us about hydroponic gardening she has done with elementary school children
Kathy spoke to us about hydroponic gardening she has done with elementary school children
Polly shared photos of flowers from several of her beautiful flower beds!
Polly shared photos of flowers from several of her beautiful flower beds!
Kathy spoke to us about hydroponic gardening she has done with elementary school children
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It was a wonderful way to start the year!
Polly shared photos of flowers from several of her beautiful flower beds!
October 9, 2023, 5:30pm All-Member Gathering
October 9, 2023, 5:30pm All-Member Gathering
Polly shared photos of flowers from several of her beautiful flower beds!
October 9, 2023, 5:30pm All-Member Gathering
We will have a speaker from the Michigan Forestry Company talk to us about maximizing the potential of a homeowner's woodlot. Contact us for details!
A look back at 2022-2023
May 2023
April 10, 2023
April 10, 2023
Our annual Spring Luncheon was the perfect way to wrap up another successful Newcomers year!
April 10, 2023
April 10, 2023
April 10, 2023
Newcomers members enjoyed a nice meal at Gravity Taphouse Grille and were treated to a talk from Andy Albright, from the Cascade Fire Department.
March 13, 2023
April 10, 2023
March 13, 2023
March's meeting was held at the wonderful restaurant, Euro Bistro. Brandi Grimmer from Age Management of West Michigan was our speaker. She talked to us about foods that contribute to inflammation, one of the leading causes of poor health issues. It was very informative and eye-opening! Brandi is pictured here on the left, with this month's raffle winner!
February 13, 2023
February 13, 2023
February 13, 2023
We had a wonderful presentation from Laura Rancour from Wild Birds Unlimited that included what types of food local birds eat and the best bird feeders to use. At the end of the meeting, one of our members won a door prize!
January 9, 2023
February 13, 2023
February 13, 2023
Our first meeting in 2023 was at Red Lobster, where we had lunch and played bingo. Congratulations to our
bingo winners!
December 2022
February 13, 2023
December 2022
Our holiday luncheon was a wonderful way to celebrate the season with our Newcomers friends!
November 14, 2022
September 12, 2022
November 14, 2022
In November, we met at Eastern Floral, where Megen (right) gave us a demonstration on how to make a fabulous fall arrangement. One lucky member got to take it home!
October 10, 2022
September 12, 2022
November 14, 2022
October's meeting was again at Cascade Library, where Deputy Omar Dieppa talked to us about crime trends in our area and how to stay safe. Deputy Dieppa is pictured here with our
Vice-President.
September 12, 2022
September 12, 2022
September 12, 2022
September started our Newcomers year off, with a meeting at Cascade Library. This fun social event was a time to say hello to friends, renew our memberships, welcome new members and
sign up for activities.