Events
Here are the activities that we currently offer our members. But we always welcome new ideas - so if there's something fun you want to add, contact a board member (or just come to a board meeting) and share your idea(s)!
Monthly Board Meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month, the board meets to discuss Newcomer business. All members are welcome to attend these meetings. Please check the newsletter to see where it is being hosted. We start the evening at 7:30 and take care of business planning and reviewing various Newcomer events. We end the meeting with a social. If you have an idea you would like to share, but cannot make it to a meeting, just let President Kellie Freeze know and she will add it to the agenda.
Playgroup and Pre-walker Playgroup
Playgroup is held every Friday morning at 9:30am usually at someone’s home, but sometimes elsewhere (Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Wisconsin Gymnastics Academy). Children of all ages are welcome. Playgroup provides a very casual atmosphere in which the kids meet and play with each other and moms or dads socialize for a while. The host usually provides some light snack for the children, and then we let them do what they do best—play! Please contact Bridget Carlson or Sara Frieder if you would like to host.
The pre-walkers group is a relaxing gathering where moms and/or dads can connect over a cup of coffee as babies play quietly before becoming active toddlers. Please contact Nora Klee if you would like to host.
Ladies Night Out
This “girls only” every other monthly weeknight event has included dinner out, cooking classes, wreath making classes, “Massage and Merlot”, and recipe exchanges. Watch the newsletter for events that may interest you. Please contact Laura Leske or Angie McMonigal if you would like to host an evening.
Couples Night Out
This night is a fun way for couples to meet other couples. Such events have included a wine tasting, a beer tasting and a night out on the town. Watch the newsletter or events that may interest you! Babysitters required!!! :) For more information, please contact Allie Pierson or Leanne Grano
Book Club
The Newcomers' book club meets at a member's home each month to talk about that month's selection. Book discussion from 7:30pm to 8:15pm, social time following. Check the newsletter for dates, locations and books. Interested in hosting or suggesting a book? Please contact Susan Coyle or Eilis Fitzpatrick.
Gourmet Group
The Gourmet Group is proving to be one of the more popular ways to get involved in Newcomers. Every September, anyone who has expressed an interest in joining is put into a group of four couples. The groups meet four times during the year (once at each house). The eight of you meet at the host’s house for a night of great food and drinks and lots of good conversation. At the end of the Gourmet Group “season”, all the groups meet for a big party and lots of good stories! If you join mid-year it is always possible to join an existing group, the more the merrier! Also available is a ladies' only version. To join, please contact Nancey Gerald
Progressive Dinner
One of the most popular Newcomer events, the Progressive Dinner is held each year in the Fall. Everyone starts the evening at one house for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Names are then chosen and everyone goes to different houses for dinner. After dinner, the entire group meets back at another house for dessert. A really fun night! To join the 2009 Progressive dinner committee, please contact Jackie Stolze.
Philanthropy
Newcomers show their generosity and helping spirits through a variety of philanthropic works. We have put on a concert by children’s musician Ralph Covert which raised money for the neonatal unit of Children’s Hospital. We have also participated in holiday gift and book drives. Our philanthropic endeavors vary from year to year, and we are always looking for new ideas, contact Allison Duncan or Mary Frances Lilly if you have some.
Other General Events
Newcomers has many other special events that we host throughout the year. Here is a sample: the annual Old Orchard Shopping Trip, the 4th of July party, the End of Summer Cocktail party, the President’s Cocktail party, Ornament Exchange, Men’s Poker Night and Couples’ Night Out. All of the scheduled events can be found in the Newsletter.
