Social time from 5:30 - 6:30 (rain or shine)

Buffet Dinner @ 6:30

Mosey over to Ranch Rudolf, partners, and join the fun in many late Saturday afternoon activities. Casual and western attire will reign at this rustic resort, located approximately 12 miles southeast of Traverse City.

For a few small gold nuggets you can go horseback riding, enjoy a hayride or go canoeing on the Boardman River. A word to the wise (seriously), if you decide to canoe, you and your sidekick should be experienced and wear life preservers. The water is cold and, at times, fast. Please arrange any of these activities directly with Melody Hamill (co-owner) at Ranch Rudolf (947-9529) at least one week prior to the event. Also, mention you are with the Newcomers Club. The cost and times are as follows:

• Horseback Riding 

• Canoeing 

• Hayride 

Additionally, members Lois Goldstein and John Heiam have offered to lead a paddling trip on the Brown Bridge Pond at the Ranch Rudolf event on May 16. This would take place prior to 5:30 PM social hour and dinner. They are experienced paddlers and are willing to share their expertise. The Brown Bridge Pond offers calm waters, wildlife and pristine scenery. You will need to provide your own canoe (or kayak), paddles and life jackets. In the event of poor weather, a hike along the North Country Trail could be an option. Please coordinate with Lois and John at (H) 938-9655 or (Cell) 463-9655.

Other activities (at no cost) include hiking, horseshoes, ping pong, bocce ball and volleyball. Bring a Mah Jongg game or cards and have some spirited competition on the patio or inside the amble barroom. Or, you can belly up to the cash bar and just enjoy the company of your many Newcomer cowpoke friends.

The hot buffet dinner (only $20 pp) will offer several choices for the ladies and saddle-hardened wranglers: Baked Chicken, BBQ Pork Ribs, baked potato, pasta salad, baked beans, house salad, coffee, punch, ice tea and dessert.

 YEEEEHA!!!

Mickie Jannazzo, Director of Crisis Services for Third Level Crisis Intervention Center, will present information about this agency’s vital programs and services in our communities.

Third Level provides critical human services in our area such as suicide prevention, crisis intervention, information about and referral to health and human services, legal services, and the full range of services for runaway, homeless and street youth and youth in at-risk environments. More information about Third Level can be obtained on their web site: www.thirdlevel.org.  

Status of the Boardman Dams

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 7:00 PM

Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue, Traverse City

Steve Largent, Land Management Director of the Grand Traverse Conservation District, will present our club with the latest update on the status of the Boardman Dams. 

The long-running debate over what to do with the dams has become a highly controversial  topic in the community.  The four dams involved are the Union Street Dam, the Sabin Dam, the Boardman Dam and the Brown Bridge Dam.  Should they be retained  for conversion to electricity generation or removed?  What’s even feasible?  Riparian owners along the Boardman River and Boardman Lake could be greatly affected by the final outcome.  

Mr. Largent has an extensive background in wildlife biology, forestry and land management.  He was the Director of the Boardman River Project from 1992 to 2006, concentrating on erosion issues.  He presently directs a land management team to provide responsive, high quality and cost-effective land management services to local units of government, non-profits and other property owners to help sustain, improve and preserve the quality of our natural environment.  

Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue, Traverse City

Did you ever wonder what it would take to open and run a successful restaurant? Meagan Thomas, one of the owners of Radish, a restaurant located at 408 South Union in Traverse City, will be presenting a program called “The Confessions of a Restaurant Entrepreneur”.

Meagan and her mother, Jacquie Thomas, a food service veteran of 25 years, opened Radish in March 2008. The restaurant takes the salad bar concept to a new level, offering 60 to 70 items for diners to choose from. Homemade soups and desserts round out the menu.

Meagan has worked in the local food service industry for 13 years. A talented artist, Meagan also came up with the restaurant’s name and their attractive green, black and magenta logo. She and her sister Micha are now in charge of the restaurant.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM, Wings of Mercy will be the topic at our general meeting to be held at the Traverse City District Library. 

Albert Sickinger, one of our own Newcomer members, will make the presentation. Wings of Mercy is a nonprofit organization offering free flights to people with limited finances but needing transportation to distant medical facilities. Albert is a volunteer pilot for this compassionate and caring program. 

Albert has a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked in the automobile industry for Chrysler and operated his own businesses. He presently owns Trillium Photographics.

He and his wife, Evi, moved to Traverse City from Bloomfield Hills. Albert has been a volunteer with Wings of Mercy for eight years.

Come mix with your Newcomer friends and enjoy the program. Bring other friends with you. As always, our meetings are open to the public. 

Socializing starts (with refreshments) at 7:00 PM, with the program beginning at 7:30 PM. We’ll see you there! 

Come join us for a great evening out at the Newcomers Annual Holiday Dinner/Dance on Friday, December 5. Enjoy the company of new and old friends at the Waterfront Conference Center, 2061 U.S. 31 North, Traverse City. Last year’s event was enjoyed by all who attended and we expect the same this year.

Social hour will start at 6:30 PM, followed by fine dining and dancing. Paul Widlund will provide DJ service for the entire evening. Paul did an outstanding job of entertaining us last year and is always open to your personal requests. This evening is truly one of those special Newcomer events of the year.

Cash Bar @ 6:30 PM ****** Sit-Down Dinner @ 7:30 PM

When making reservations, please select from one of the following two dinner choices:

If needed, special dinner plates may be requested.

All reservations should be received no later than Monday, December 1. Please send your reservations in early! Make your check payable to Newcomers Club for $29 per person and mail to:

Pam Evans, Executive Assistant
3104 Ogidaki Trail
Traverse City, MI 49686

Special Note: We encourage everyone to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Northwest Food Coalition. Checks are accepted in lieu of food donations. Let’s continue to help those less fortunate during this joyous but needy time of year.

Questions? Contact Bud Dockter at 932-2394

The Newcomer Auction
Wednesday, November 12  7:00 PM

Traverse Area District Library
610 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City

Bring your “quality” donated items between 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM.
Bidding starts at 7:00 PM.

Get a jumpstart on holiday shopping, or maybe find a unique treasure for yourself. The Newcomer Auction is an enjoyable activity for all. Your donated items may include homemade goodies and crafts, collectibles, tickets to local events, wine and items for the home. Favorite donations in the past have included cooking lessons, boat rides and dinners served in member’s homes. You do not need to contribute in order to participate. We need lots of buyers, too. We are expecting unique items, a great time and much fun!

The evening’s event includes both a silent auction and a regular auction. The regular auction is naturally a little more upbeat than the silent auction, but the gentle presentation of the items for sale is always done in good taste. Conducting the event again this year is our own notorious and high-priced auctioneer, Gentleman Lee (Tonsils) Hosler. Amazingly, he is not charging us for his services! 

This is a major fun raising event for the club and we need your help. We need both items and bidders. Bring your donated items and description of services with you that evening. Enclosed in this newsletter is a page of “Bid Sheets” that you may use to describe your donated items and set a minimum bid. Additional sheets will be available at the auction if you bring more than four items. See Auction Sheet to print out bid sheet for donated items.

Please bring your quality items between 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM. Also, if you can get local businesses to contribute an item or service, we will recognize them in our December newsletter. Come join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there.

Come Join us for a
Special October Program
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:00 PM
at OLD TOWN PLAYHOUSE

Please join us for the September Program: 

2008-2009 Fall Kickoff Dinner 

It’s that time of year again! Mark your calendars and make your reservations now for the Newcomers Fall Kickoff Dinner. This event is the first of the 2008- 2009 season. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends, renew old acquaintances, learn more about the Newcomers Club and sign up for the many group activities available to you. We are sure you will enjoy the evening. If you have friends who are considering joining the club, this would be a great event for them to attend.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 
Hagerty Center of Northwestern Michigan College 
715 E. Front Street, Traverse City 
The center is located on beautiful West Bay 
between the Holiday Inn and the Senior Center. 

CASH BAR 6:30 PM              SIT-DOWN DINNER 7:30 PM 

When making your reservations, please select from the following two dinner choices: 

• Old Mission Chicken (Boneless Breast of Chicken stuffed with Boursin Cheese, Spinach, Brown Rice & Supreme Sauce) 

• Apple Chutney Pork Loin (Marinated Roast Pork served with Apple Chutney and a Red Wine Demi Glace) I

If needed, special dinner plates may be requested. All reservations must be received no later than Monday, September 15, so please send your reservations in early! Make your check payable to Newcomers Club for $28 per person and mail to: 

Pam Evans, Executive Assistant 
3104 Ogidaki Trail 
Traverse City, MI 49686