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 4 year old son and a 2 year 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.

Coreen Thompson - First Vice President (membership)-

OPEN POSITION - First Vice President (membership)-

Jen Meier -Second Vice President (programs) - I grew up north of Philadelphia, and went to colleges in the Pittsburgh area; as a result I have quite a mixed accent. I moved to CT in 2001 to be with my husband, Craig. When I first moved to CT I hated it! The area we lived in wasn't very friendly. Then we moved to Granby in 2003, & I hope to never leave. My girlfriend & I initially joined Newcomers to get involved in a playgroup; these women are now some of my closest friends. And I was fortunate this summer to experience lots of new babies with them! I have a 2 year old daughter named Alexis, who keeps me very busy. I do get one day a week off to work as a physical therapist; I've always loved being a physical therapist and I am glad my boss lets me work a few hours a week.

OPEN POSITION -Second Vice President (programs) -

Nicole Bernabo - Secretary - My husband, Dave, daughter, Sydney (4) and I moved here from Hebron, CT, last June. I am an attorney working full-time in Hartford in the area of education law. It has been such a pleasure to meet new neighbors through this group. I am looking forward to becoming more involved in the group as the secretary this year.

Leslie Schneid - Treasurer -

OPEN POSITION- Special Interests Director -

Fiona Shackleton - Newsletter Director - I was born, raised and schooled in England and in Scotland in the UK. My British husband and I have lived in the States since 1998; five years in the Bay Area, CA and 2 years in Granby, CT. We chose to live in Granby because of its rural beauty and because of the friendliness of the people who live here. We have one beautiful son, Dominic, born October 2004. Granby Newcomers was a lifesaver for me personally as being new to Granby and a new mummy, it opened up doors for me to meet other mothers who have been a tremendous support and to find new friends for Dominic. The added bonus is that during the short period of time that I have been here, I have met some wonderful people who I feel privileged to have as my friends.

Liddy Doyle - Newsletter Assistant - 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.

Mary Yokabaskas- Director of Publicity - My husband, John, and I have lived in Granby for 7 years, but I am new to Newcomers Club. I was working as an insurance wholesaler for Hartford Life for 7 years. I visited with stock brokers all over New England and gave presentations on various financial vehicles. My husband also works at Hartford life as an annuity specialist. I quit my job 2 years ago to stay home with my 3 kids (Emily Jayne is 2, Alice is 4 and Jonathan is 11). My husband, John, and I have been married for almost 11 years. On the weekends, we like to camp and hike.

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, and lived in New Hartford, CT for nine years. Then my husband, Greg, and I had a home built here! Being in town as an adult with a small child was a whole 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 POSITION -Director of Fundraising -

Tricia Heinze - Hospitality Coordinator - I have had the pleasure of being a member of Newcomers for four and a half years....I have two wonderful boys, Rowan-3, and Liam-1. My husband and I moved here from New York in 2000 and Newcomers was (and is!) a monthly sanity check for me! What I love most about belonging to such a great group is meeting so many kind and interesting friends. A lot of women are going through the same things I am, which makes for interesting conversation and more than a few laughts! It is a great social outlet for me and for my children! I am very happy to be involved in Hospitality for another year with my good friend Donna.

Donna Austin - Hospitality Coordinator - I was born and raised here in Connecticut. My husband Brian and I moved to Granby in 2002. We have a two children. Sophie just turned three and Brian III is 21 months. A neighbor (who was a board member) convinced me to come to a Newcomers meeting. It was one of those lively December meetings! I met so many lovely and interesting women that evening that I decided to join. As a result of becoming part of newcomers, I have found a truly wonderful and caring group of friends with equally wonderful children. I look forward to working with Tricia on hospitality for the second year in a row.

Descriptions of Board Position Duties and bylaws

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