Monthly Programs
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!
Summer 2025
We have come to the end of the 2025 Newcomers year and are ready to enjoy another West Michigan summer! Some of our activities will meet during the summer, so please reach out if you are interested or just want some information. Our full slate of activities and programs will start up again in September. Have a fantastic summer!
March 2025 - 13 On Your Side's Meteorologist Blake Hansen
Meterologist Blake Hansen
Meterologist Blake Hansen
We were thrilled to welcome meteorologist Blake Hansen to hear him speak to us about the ever-changing weather in West Michigan - a topic that affects all of our daily lives.
Keeping Us Informed
Meterologist Blake Hansen
Blake gave us a breakdown of a meteorologist's busy day, from studying various weather models and radar to putting the forecast together
to present on air.
Thank you, Blake!
Thank you, Blake!
Picutred here with our Vice-President, Julia, it was a fascinating presentation that gave us a look at what goes on behind the scenes in order to keep us up to date on the weather. Thank you, Blake!
February 2025 - Lewandoski's Market
Roger Szotko, co-owner
Roger spoke to our group about the rich history of Lewandoski's Market, a neighborhood establishment on the West Side of Grand Rapids since 1923. The market continues to be an important part of the vibrant West Side culture to this day!
Ray Lewandoski
"Uncle Ray" came from a family of meat market owners and in 1948 he took over the business and offered his community a place where they could shop for quality products for their everyday meals.
"100 Years of Polish"
"100 Years of Polish"
Roger and his brother Gary are continuing to keep the history and the tradition alive by offering some of Uncle Ray's recipes and also featuring some of their own favorite foods. The market is a "one stop" store for meats, homemade foods, breads, dessserts and Polish grocery items!
January 2025
We met in January at Red Lobster for lunch and several games of bingo. Prizes were awarded and it was a welcome break from the cold and snow!
2023 - 2024 was another fun & informative year!
September 2023
We met at Roselle Park's Community Room to start our new year. Our program was "Hidden Talents" where some of our members showcased their hobbies and skills in an area that is meaningful to them. It was a very enjoyable "Show and Tell" and full of surprises!
October 2023
Brett Kuipers from the Michigan Forestry Company spoke to our group about maximizing the potential of a homeowner's woodlot.
November 2023
Valerie Van Heest, founder of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association, gave a presentation titled, "Shipwrecks in the Great Lakes". It was a very interesting look into our Great Lakes and the history of the ships that fell victim to their power.
December 2023
We had a wonderful holiday lunch at Watermark Country Club. It was a nice break from the Holiday hustle and bustle and we enjoyed good food, a festive atmosphere and some musical entertainment.
January 2024
We met at Red Lobster for lunch and games - a nice way to spend a winter afternoon!
February 2024
We met at Beer City Bread Co. where Susan Pettigrew, PA-C at true. Women's Health, spoke to us about many facets of "Healthy Aging for Women".
March 2024
Renee McCauley from Dairy Discovery spoke to our group about life on a modern-day dairy farm and their committment to educating people of all ages about dairy farming through tours, day camp opportunities and lots of family fun!
April 2024
Liz Barnett gave a very lively presentation on services for seniors available from the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan.
May 2024
May 2024
Our Newcomers year ends in May with our annual Spring Luncheon, which will be held at Cooper's Hawk restaurant in Grand Rapids.
A look back at 2022-2023
May 2023
Our annual Spring Luncheon was the perfect way to wrap up another successful Newcomers year!
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
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
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
Our first meeting in 2023 was at Red Lobster, where we had lunch and played bingo. Congratulations to our
bingo winners!
December 2022
December 2022
Our holiday luncheon was a wonderful way to celebrate the season with our Newcomers friends!
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
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 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.