Edie Salmonsen -President- 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.

Deb Ranicar - First Vice President (membership) -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!

Lori Hoeckele - First Vice President (membership) - I
am an "old" Granby Newcomer having moved to town in 1992 from West Hartford. I didn't join the club though until 1998 when my son was two years old. It has been a marvelous way to meet energetic ladies and give myself some quality time. My husband and I have a 4 year old daughter and 8 year old son. We enjoy
camping, bike riding,and photography. I have been scrapbooking for six years and have enjoyed documenting my family's memories.

Dawn Mengel -Second Vice President (programs) - Upon moving to Granby four 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. I have had the privelege of being a member of the Newcomers board for several years. I have served as Membership Co-Chairperson, Newsletter Editor, and this year I am Programs Co-Chairperson. It is a lot of fun being a member of an organization that
offers so many opportunites to its members!

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.

Marcie Rogers - Secretary -

Liddy Doyle - Treasurer - 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.

Open - Special Interests Director -

Tricia Lyons - Newsletter Director -

Jennifer O' Dea- Director of Publicity -

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 small child was a different world 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.

Open -Director of Fundraising -

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!

Donna Austin - Hospitality Coordinator

Descriptions of Board Position Duties and bylaws

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