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.

Cori Griswold- First Vice President (membership)- My husband, Marc, and I moved to Granby in 2005 after living in Northern Virginia for 12 years. We grew up in Western Massachusetts and couldn't wait to get back to the area! We have two boys, ages 7 and 1, and we're so happy to be raising them here. I joined GNNC shortly after moving here to find some community and friends - this was a big deal for me because I'm generally very shy meeting new people. It took everything I had to walk into the meeting all by myself. I am *so glad* I did! I've met so many great women and have done so many fun things - I encourage you to check us out!

OPEN POSITION - First Vice President (membership)-

OPEN POSITION -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!

OPEN POSITION- Special Interests Director -

Amy Dunham - Newsletter Director - We moved to Granby in July of 2005 from South Windsor. I, along with my three children Anna, Samantha and Jacob are so glad we did. I was introduced to Granby Newcomers in February of 2006 through a couple of neighbors. The first meeting I attended was “Fondue Bingo” and I met a lot of women all of whom were warm, friendly and FUN. It’s been a great way to meet people, become connected to the community, become better informed on various topics and have a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to another great 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 and 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.

Jen Meier -Director of Fundraising - 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, andI hope to never leave. My girlfriend andI initially joined Newcomers to get involved in a playgroup; these women are now some of my closest friends. I have a 4 year old daughter named Alexis and a 17 month old son named Andrew; both keep me VERY busy. I do get occasionally get a day off to work as a physical therapist; I've always loved being a physical therapist and continue to work per diem.

Michele Frost - Hospitality Coordinator - I moved to West Granby from Sunderland, MA in 2005 with my husband John, 5-year-old twins David and Natalia ("Tasha") and yellow lab Penny. We moved to be closer to my work and found Granby is about halfway between John's office in Springfield and mine in E. Hartford. Commuting to Pratt & Whitney from Mass was just too far after we adopted our kids in 2004. A few co-workers recommended Granby as a great place to raise kids, with a rural, small-town atmosphere - and they were right! I joined Newcomers last year, since I was new to town and wanted to meet people in Granby. It's been a wonderful experience and I've met a great group of women. I'm looking forward to the upcoming year and serving as Hospitality Coordinator.

Descriptions of Board Position Duties and bylaws

Go to Top