Deb Ranicar - President - 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. My younger son and I joined a playgroup through Newcomers right away, and he loves visiting our new friends each week. The 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. Hope to see you at the next meeting!

Kim Coker -First Vice President (membership) - I have been a resident of Granby since April 2001. I am a native Texan and moved to New England due to my husband's job transfer. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist and work with geriatrics. My husband and I have two children - Hannah age 5 and Noah age 3. I started attending Granby Newcomer's meetings just after moving to the area. It has helped me to meet many new friends and I enjoy the variety of programs offered - from children's parties and events to experiences which have enabled me to grow as an individual. Granby Newcomer's has so much to offer for women of all ages and interests.

Rosemarie Roy - First Vice President (membership) - I grew up in Windsor and moved to Granby August of 2000. My husband and I have two children - Alexis 8 and Liam 1. I became interested in attending Granby Newcomer's meetings when my neighbor and friend, Kim Coker, persuaded me to go with her. I met a lot of wonderful women with similar likes and interests. I am a Physical Therapist and work part-time, so I have been able to enjoy taking my son to interact with others his age in a Granby Newcomer's play group. The Christmas meeting in December is an evening no one should miss!

Tracy Gemme - Second Vice President (programs)-I was raised in East Longmeadow, MA and move to Granby 1999 when I got married. Prior to our marriage, my husband had bought a house in the center of Granby and was fixing it up when we decided to stay in Granby. We moved to North Granby in 2002. I am the mother of a very happy and energetic 2 year old boy and have recently became the owner of Stitches by ME, a monogramming and embroidery business located in the center of Granby. I was encouraged to become a member when I met Allison Lizdas and Liddy Doyle at an exercise class. This will be my second year with Newcomers and I am excited to be continuing what has been a wonderful introduction to the women of Granby.

Cairene Perrin- Second Vice President (programs)- My husband and I originally lived in Enfield when we moved here from England two days shy of New Year's Day 2000. We had been married for six months before being posted here. When the company asked if we would stay on here permanently we agreed because we love Connecticut. We already had our eyes on Granby and rented for 10 months and then finallly sold our house in England and bought one in Granby in August 2001. In November, 2001, our son Alexander (better know as Alec) was born so I gave up the Spanish classes I was taking to look after him full-time. I joined Granby Newcomers in order to meet new people and was delighted to find out that there were many exciting and interesting things to do as a member and
to find that the people were all so friendly. I am honored to be a board member this year.

Open - Secretary -

Deb Martino - Treasurer - My husband and I have lived in Windsor for a few years. I used to work 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 was our treasurer for the 2002/3 year. The position gave me the opportunity to get to know more of the members and also to exercise my brain without taking on a full-time job.

Open - Special Interests Director -

Dawn Mengel - Newsletter Director and Director of Publicity - Upon moving to Granby in 2000, 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. This year I look forward to continuing 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. Now I still meet for playgroup dates but with my third son! I enjoy 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 look forward to continuing as Web Master for this year.

Edie Salmonsen -Director of Fundraising - I was raised in Simsbury and moved to Granby in 1999 with my husband Jerry. I work at New Horizons Computer Learning Center in Windsor as Sales Support Manager. I am the mother of two children- a 2 year old son and a 2 month old daughter. I was encouraged to join Granby Newcomers from a friend who was already a member. My first year as a member has been a wonderful experience. I am honored to be among so many remarkable women and look forward to a successful new year with Granby Newcomers.

Tricia Heinze - Hospitality Coordinator - My husband, Tim and I moved to Granby two and a half years ago from New York. After leaving a very close community at West Point, I felt so lucky to find Newcomers and become part of a very special group. Since I was new to town and newly pregnant, I was especially greatful for the kindness and helpfulness I was shown. Sharing stories and experiences with other women is a treat for me now that I'm a stay at home mom to Rowan, 20 months. The time I spend with you is precious to me, so thank you all for the opportunity to be part of such a special group. I am really looking forward to working on hospitality this year with Lori Hoeckele. There's nothing like a few treats to make an evening out that much more enjoyable!

Lori Hoeckele - Hospitality Coordinator - see Scrapbooking (above)

Descriptions of Board Position Duties and bylaws

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