Deborah Cramer -President- I grew up in Simsbury and moved to Granby in 1998 when I married my husband Tim. We have 3 children - Evan (6 yrs), Sarah (4 yrs) and Liam (1 yr). I joined Granby Newcomers four years ago to get my son involved in a playgroup and it was the best thing I ever did. I have met the nicest women through Newcomers and am honored to be president this year. I have received so much from this group and hope to be able to give something back. I've enjoyed many of the special interest groups and my kids love the children's parties. I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces this year and meeting some new ones.

Coreen Thompson - First Vice President (membership)- Born and raised in CT, my husband and I bought our house in Granby shortly after we were married in 1995. I worked in Avon and my husband works in southern Mass so Granby was some what of an in between town. We've been here over ten years and just love it. I first heard of Newcomers through a friend. Already living here for nine years I felt funny attending a "newcomers" meeting, but quickly learned it was a great place to meet new friends. I initially joined for a playgroup for Ashley, now 4, and now have a playgroup for my son Garrett who is three. This will be my second year in charge of membership and I encourage every one to come meet some great ladies. Some of my best friends are Granby Newcomers and I can't remember my life with out them!

OPEN POSITION - First Vice President (membership)-

Susan Woodward -Second Vice President (programs) -

OPEN POSITION -Second Vice President (programs) -

Cairene Perrin - Secretary - 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.

Ida-Marie Gilmore- Treasurer - I was born and raised in Connecticut. After living in Boston, MA, Charlotte, NC and Memphis, TN, my husband Justin and I moved back to CT in 2003 to raise our family. We chose Granby because we knew it would be a great town to raise our two daughters, Maddie age 3 and Katie age 1. Initially, I joined GNNC to find a playgroup for my daughter...I found a playgroup for her and a great bunch of women that I love to spend time with! I am looking forward to organizing playgroups and serving on the board.

OPEN POSITION- Special Interests Director -

Fiona Shackleton - Newsletter Director - I was born, raised and schooled in England and Scotland in the UK. My British husband and I have lived in the States since 1998; five years in the Bay Area, CA and 3 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 son, Dominic, born October 2004. Granby Newcomers comprises of a wonderful group of people who were my personal lifesavers as I adapted to life in CT and the challenges that come along with being a new mummy. During the short period of time that I have been here I have met many fantastic people who I feel privileged to have as my friends. I am honored to be the Newsletter Editor to this marvellous club and look forward to another memorable Newcomers year.

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.

Regina Jahrstorfer - Director of Publicity - see above

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.

Coreen Thompson -Director of Fundraising - see above

Donna Austin - Hospitality Coordinator -I was born and raised here in Connecticut. My husband Brian and I moved to Granby in 2002. We have two children, Sophie and Brian III. I have met many lovely and interesting women through Newcomers. I am looking forward to another great year!

Descriptions of Board Position Duties and bylaws

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