Current Board:

Allison Lizdas - President - I joined Granby Newcomers in 1999 and have been an active member ever since. This is my second year as president and I am so excited and honored to represent such an amazing group of women. My goal is for our club to be welcoming and to help make all of our members and visitors feel like Granby is home.

Cheryl Crabb -First Vice President - My husband Greg and I moved to Granby from Atlanta in the fall of 1999, just before the birth of our first daughter, Kayleigh. Since then, we've had a second daughter, Clara, who was born in March 2002. We've really enjoyed raising our children in Granby, and taking part in the children's parties and playgroups Granby Newcomers offers. I also enjoy book club and Newcomers' social events, not to mention the monthly meetings, which Rita and I are coordinating for the year. This is my second time heading up programs. Last year I was vice president, and I also have worked on children's parties in the past. When I'm not chasing after my two little ones, or helping out with newcomers, I work as a contributing writer for the business section of The Hartford Courant.

Rita Isaacson - First Vice President

Liddy Doyle - Second Vice President - My husband Alan Katzman and I moved to Granby in March of 1999 after living in the Atlanta area for 4 years. My husband is from West Hartford and I grew up in Maine & Vermont. We chose Granby for its country atmosphere--especially after living in the "sprawl" of Atlanta. I joined Newcomers after becoming an at-home mother to our daughter, and when I was looking for a play group for us. As a result, I now have a group of Granby mothers to rely on for friendship and play dates. It is a pleasure to be one of the Membership officers again this year. I thoroughly enjoy greeting members and prospective members at our meetings and in our community.

Tricia Heinze -Second Vice President- My husband, Tim, and I moved to Granby from Cornwall, New York in the winter of 2000. Since I didn't know anyone in the area, I was delighted to be able to join Granby Newcomers. Not only is it a way to meet wonderful people, it gives me the opportunity to try fun, new activities. Plus, it's a great way to get lots of information about the goings-on in the Farmington Valley. And since I joined while I was pregnant, I got lots of good advice and support about being a first-time Mom! Now that our son is here, it means even more to me to be a part of this very special group! I am looking forward to a year full of fun and service to the community!

Michele Lynch -Director of Special Interests - My husband and I moved to Granby 2 years ago, after spending a few years in California. Having grown up in the northeast, we were all thrilled with the beauty and charm of Granby's country roads and rolling hillside, lined with the ubiquitous stone walls. We couldn't have chosen a better community to live. The residents of Granby have been warm, welcoming, and a joy to meet. Granby itself never fails to evoke from us a connection to nature, with it's many natural sources of beauty and outdoor activity. We enjoy McLean Game Refuge, Holcomb Farm, Salmon Brook Park, and walking the trails of the Godard Preserve, to which my house abuts. Granby Newcomer's provides me a chance to become better acquainted with the residents of Granby--both new and "old". It's been a great experience participating in the many activities our club has to offer. I look forward to another great year.

Rosemary Quirin- Secretary - I enjoy volunteering as a social worker at Gifts of Love in Avon. My career experience includes Special Education teaching, Corporate training, and Career and Mental Health counseling. I am married and have one son, Ryan who is 18. My interests include traveling, reading, decorating and crafts.

Deb Martino - Treasurer - My husband and I have lived in Windsor for a few years. Prior to having a baby nine months ago, I worked outside Boston as a Consultant. My husband and I would stay there during the week and come home to Connecticut only on the weekends. As of October 2000, I stay home full time in Connecticut taking care of our daughter Lauren. Since I had spent the majority of my time in Boston, I did not have time to get to know too many people in Connecticut. Since then I have wanted to make some connections to people in the Connecticut area. I met Sharyn Hitchiner, who is also a Granby Newcomers member, in our birthing class. She suggested that I join Granby Newcomers. I joined late last year and have really enjoyed my time. I was approached by Liddy Doyle of Granby Newcomers to become this years Treasurer. I gladly accepted. This role will afford me the opportunity to get to know more of the members and also to exercise my brain without taking on a full-time job.

Dawn Mengel - Newsletter Director - Upon moving to Granby two years ago, many people I came in contact with told me about Newcomers. Since I had moved from the midwest and knew absolutely nobody in Connecticut, I decided Newcomers would be a good place to start. I found it to be a wonderful organization that has offered me the opportunity to meet all kinds of women and has helped me to really feel part of the Granby community. Last year I had the privelege of being Membership Co-Chairperson and enjoyed getting to meet and welcome many new members to our organization. This year I look forward to a new challenge as editor of the Newcomers monthly newsletter.

Doreen McWhirter -Web Master - I am an example of a Newcomer who is not so new to Granby. I grew up here, went off to college, lived in New Hartford, CT for 9 years and then came back! Being in town as an adult with a two year old was a bit different than my high school days. I initially joined Newcomers in 1998 to start my son in a playgroup and to meet other women in town. I continue to do playgroup now with my second son. I still look forward to the monthly meetings as a fun night out. This club has such an array of activities that there is something for everyone - even if you only join one activity. I produced our newsletter the last two years and look forward to being Web Master for 2002/2003- our first year to have a web site!

Deb Ranicar - Director of Publicity - We moved to North Granby in July, 2001, after my husband accepted a new job in the area. Both of us work in the insurance industry and I arranged to work from home on a part-time basis. This has been great for our two boys, ages six and two. However, I knew it would be important for me to meet others in our new town, simply for some adult conversation during the day, which is why I joined Granby Newcomers last fall. My younger son and I joined a playgroup through Newcomers right away, and he loves visiting our new friends each week. Last year's meetings were a lot of fun and helped me get acquainted with both people and places in town and the surrounding area. My whole family enjoyed attending the children's parties sponsored by the Club too. This year, I am coordinating publicity for the Club. If you have any ideas in this regard I would really appreciate hearing them! I am also arranging refreshments each month so that we can indulge while we enjoy the monthly meetings. Hope to see you at the next meeting!

Rosemary Quirin-Director of Fundraising - (listed above)

Descriptions of Board Position Duties and bylaws

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